Margaret Backstrom
Geneva,IL
Summary
Hardworking employee with customer service, multitasking, and time management abilities. Devoted to giving every customer a positive and memorable experience.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
PTO President
Williamsburg Elementary School
Geneva, IL
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Solicited donations from local businesses in support of PTO initiatives.
- Collaborated with teachers, staff, and administrators to coordinate student-centered activities.
- Developed annual budget for approval by the PTO Board.
- Coordinated with the school administration on upcoming projects, fundraisers, and other activities.
- Attended district-level meetings as a representative of the PTO organization.
- Facilitated communications between members of the PTO Executive Board and general membership as needed.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws governing non-profit organizations.
- Organized and chaired monthly board meetings to discuss PTO initiatives and events.
- Led recruitment efforts for volunteers to help with PTO events and activities.
PTO Treasurer
Williamsburg Elementary School
Geneva, IL
07.2016 - 07.2018
- Oversaw month-end closing process, prepared financial statements and managed advanced reconciliations.
- Prepared financial reports for monthly PTO board meetings.
- Reconciled accounts with statements and invoices on monthly basis, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to maintain records accuracy.
- Processed payments for vendors providing services or goods to the organization in a timely manner.
- Reconciled bank accounts on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy in reporting.
- Assisted in preparing tax forms related to the non-profit status of the organization.
- Oversaw the collection of membership dues and donations from parents, staff, and community partners.
- Managed PTO budget and tracked expenses, including deposits and withdrawals.
- Created annual budgets for approval by the PTO board of directors.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and implement fundraising initiatives.
Senior Administrative Assistant
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Downers Grove, IL
09.1998 - 03.2007
- Kept office equipment functional and supplies well-stocked to promote efficient operations.
- Created spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel for record-keeping and reporting.
- Compiled data from various sources into organized formats for reporting purposes.
- Handled incoming and outgoing correspondence, including email, mail, and package deliveries, ensuring timely distribution.
- Coordinated and scheduled meetings, including room reservations, catering, and technical setup, for seamless execution.
- Created and distributed documents, reports, and presentations.
- Trained and mentored administrative staff in company policies, daily task execution and industry best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly in a professional manner.
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and placed orders when necessary.
- Managed physical and digital files, monitored spreadsheets, and updated reports to coordinate project materials.
- Provided administrative support to senior management team.
- Answered incoming calls from clients and vendors in a professional manner.
- Developed and implemented filing systems, both digital and physical, improving document organization and retrieval efficiency.
- Handled customer inquiries in a timely fashion while maintaining high standards of customer service.
- Maintained confidential information regarding employees, and customers.
Receptionist
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Oak Brook, IL
07.1995 - 09.1998
- Operated telephone switchboard to answer, screen and forward calls to appropriate personnel.
- Provided excellent customer service at all times while interacting with both internal and external customers.
- Served visitors by greeting, welcoming and directing to appropriate personnel.
- Provided administrative support to staff members including typing letters, filing documents, and scanning and copying documents when necessary.
- Maintained an organized filing system of confidential client information in accordance with company policy.
- Coordinated pick-up and delivery of express mail services.
- Answered and directed incoming calls using multi-line telephone system.
- Maintained a neat reception area by organizing materials and tidying up furniture.
- Supplied callers with office address and directions, employee email addresses and phone extensions.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove, ILSkills
- Time management
- Organizational skills
- Adaptable and flexible
- Active listening
- Volunteer recruitment
- Process improvements
- Problem-solving abilities
Timeline
PTO President
Williamsburg Elementary School
07.2018 - 07.2019
PTO Treasurer
Williamsburg Elementary School
07.2016 - 07.2018
Senior Administrative Assistant
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
09.1998 - 03.2007
Receptionist
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
07.1995 - 09.1998
Some College (No Degree) -
Waubonsee Community College