Linda Reece
Skokie,IL
Summary
Dynamic financial leader with extensive experience at Paul Mitchell the School, driving a 90% increase in accounts receivable. Proficient in financial analysis and regulatory compliance, I excel in team leadership and problem-solving, consistently achieving 100% compliance ratings while enhancing funding opportunities for students.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Accounts Receivable
Paul Mitchell the School – Regional Office
Atlanta, GA
09.2011 - Current
- Secured over $8M in annual financial aid funding through strategic packaging of Title IV, Veteran benefits, scholarships, and private sources.
- Evaluate COD/NSLDS reports for compliance issues, and submit necessary adjustments.
- Process Direct PLUS credit applications, and adjust Title IV awards as needed.
- Create support cases to resolve awarding discrepancies, and coordinate software enhancements.
- Liaise with Pantheon Student Solutions to effectively manage the Cohort Default Rate.
- Certify veterans' benefits while ensuring compliance through monthly SAP evaluations.
- Manage monthly collections of student cash-pay accounts.
- Conduct monthly SAP progress evaluations to maintain eligibility standards.
Regional Financial Aid Leader
Paul Mitchell the School
Antioch, TN
08.2010 - 08.2011
- Packaged Pell Grant and Direct Loan funding across all campuses; certified veteran benefits as needed.
- Led the Financial Aid team in supporting prospective and current students.
- Supervised six employees.
- Trained new team members on procedures, policies, and compliance goals; managed performance reviews.
- Facilitated Change of Ownership processes by integrating students into Paul Mitchell systems.
- Conducted annual internal file reviews to prepare for compliance audits.
- Analyzed financial aid eligibility and resolved issues with non-disbursed eligible funds.
- Provided monthly revenue reports to external accounting agency; corrected accounting variances.
Operations Leader
Paul Mitchell the School
Antioch, TN
07.2009 - 07.2010
- Oversaw operational activities critical to facility efficiency and maintenance.
- Directed all IT requirements, from email setup to security system management.
- Implemented campus safety policies; facilitated evacuation plan presentations during new class orientations.
- Maintained current business and state licenses, ensuring proper display and renewal.
- Negotiated contracts for facility updates by soliciting competitive bids under Campus Director's direction.
- Managed logistics for weekly Paul Mitchell Guest Artist events, including audio-visual arrangements.
- Performed inspections to guarantee compliance with educational service standards across the facility.
- Supervised maintenance crew, ensuring prompt resolution of any issues.
Financial Aid Leader
Paul Mitchell the School Nashville
Antioch, TN
02.2007 - 06.2009
- Managed over 300 student accounts effectively, ensuring all financial requirements were met.
- Created a system for soliciting Title IV disbursements that increased receivables significantly.
- Designed customized financial aid plans supporting Paul Mitchell Culture and Admissions process.
- Facilitated FAFSA submissions, ISIR revisions, verification, and counseling for students.
- Coordinated with Admissions/Education to ensure graduate preparedness for State Board testing.
- Processed Pell Grant and FFEL/DL award documentation for timely disbursement packaging.
- Tracked attendance and academic performance; confirmed Title IV eligibility before and after funding releases.
- Participated in weekly meetings, providing updates on financial and enrollment metrics.
Education
B.A. of Science in Strategic Communication - Strategic Management
Northwestern University
Skills
- Student-Centered Communication
- Ethical Decision Making
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
- High Attention to Detail
- Strong Written and Verbal Communication
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration (Admissions and Financial Aid)
- Data Analysis & Reporting
Affiliations
- National Association of Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
- National Association of Professional Women
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Federal Student Aid (FSA) Regulations (Title IV)
- FAME (Federal Aid Management for Education, Inc.), NSLDS, and COD
- Financial Aid Packaging
- Institutional, State, and Veteran Benefit Aid Programs
- Return to Title IV (R2T4) Calculations
- Verification Process Management
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Monitoring
- Audit & Compliance Readiness
- Forecast Reporting & Analysis
Additional Experience
- Admin Coordinator – Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, Jul. 2006 – Feb. 2007
- Program Asst. – African Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, Jan. 2005 – Jul. 2006
- Development Asst. – Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, Jan. 2004 – Dec. 2004
- Development Asst. – ARD, Campaign Northwestern, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, Mar. 2000 – Dec. 2003
- Program Asst. – Donor Relations & Prospect Mgt., Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, Apr. 1999 – Feb. 2000
Accomplishments
- Created Financial Aid Staff training manuals and resource tools for process efficiency
References
References available upon request.
Personal Information
Education
true
Timeline
Director, Accounts Receivable
Paul Mitchell the School – Regional Office
09.2011 - Current
Regional Financial Aid Leader
Paul Mitchell the School
08.2010 - 08.2011
Operations Leader
Paul Mitchell the School
07.2009 - 07.2010
Financial Aid Leader
Paul Mitchell the School Nashville
02.2007 - 06.2009
B.A. of Science in Strategic Communication - Strategic Management
Northwestern University
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