Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Maria Hairston-Akins

Maumelle,AR

Summary

Results-driven Billing Analyst with sound knowledge of billing systems and firm grasp of successful fiscal strategies. Improves financial management standards with accountability, integrity and process improvements. History of success in demanding environments with ambitious targets. Seasoned Call Center Representative with background in providing high-quality customer service through effective communication. Strengths include ability to manage complex calls, troubleshoot effectively and maintain composure under pressure. Significant impact in previous roles includes improved customer satisfaction rates and efficient problem resolution. Strong multitasker with exceptional interpersonal skills, ensuring a positive experience for each caller. Detailed Client Service Associate known for having great organizational skills. Gifted at working with all types of customers. Looking for a new role where hard work and dedication will be highly valued. Accommodating Customer Support Specialist with documented history of exceeding customer and patron expectations. Calm and composed in stressful situations with successful record of reducing customer dissatisfaction through acknowledgment, decisive communication and focused solutions. Expert at finding win-win solutions. Productive call center representative with several years of experience building rapport with clients and providing quality support. Gifted in answering large volume of customer calls and resolving customer complaints. Recognized for consistently earning top customer satisfaction ratings.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Billing Support Specialist

FIS Global
Little Rock
01.2020 - Current
  • Provided customer support and assistance to clients related to billing and payment issues.
  • Assisted customers with understanding their bills, making payments, setting up payment plans, and resolving discrepancies.
  • Researched and responded to customer inquiries regarding billing issues in a timely manner.
  • Identified potential solutions for billing problems by analyzing data from multiple sources.
  • Processed credit card payments through online merchant accounts on behalf of customers.
  • Verified accuracy of customer billing records by comparing them against internal documents.
  • Investigated discrepancies between customers' expectations and actual charges on bills.
  • Maintained accurate records of customer accounts including contact information, payment history.
  • Responded promptly to emails or phone calls from customers seeking help with their bills or payment inquiries.
  • Drafted correspondence such as letters and emails to communicate changes in policy or other relevant information.
  • Applied billing adjustments to resolve discrepancies in account receivable journals.
  • Verified invoice procedures to validate customer contracts and maintain billing communication.
  • Executed solutions for internal process issues to streamline operations.
  • Communicated with credit, collections, customer service and operations department members to assist with and remedy billing issues.
  • Completed risk assessments for quarterly and annual schedules.
  • Worked with team members to identify and develop process improvements.
  • Answered customer questions to maintain high satisfaction levels.
  • Submitted claims to insurance companies.
  • Managed all payments processing, invoicing and collections tasks.
  • Maintained accounting ledgers by verifying and posting account transactions.

Premiere Loyalty Consultant

AT&T Mobility
Little Rock , AR
04.2011 - 10.2019
  • Provided technical support to customers with escalated issues.
  • Researched, analyzed, and resolved complex customer inquiries.
  • Developed solutions to improve customer service experience.
  • Assisted in training new escalation specialists on procedures and processes.
  • Interfaced with internal departments to ensure timely resolution of escalated cases.
  • Managed multiple customer accounts simultaneously while providing superior service.
  • Worked closely with other teams to identify trends in escalated cases.
  • Developed effective communication plans between clients and internal teams during an escalation situation.
  • Participated in regular meetings with management team members to discuss best practices in resolving escalations quickly and efficiently.
  • Completed in-depth research for numerous technical issues and helped establish procedures to prevent repetitive problems.
  • Engaged in conversation with customers to understand needs, resolve issues and answer product questions.
  • Kept records of customer interactions or transactions, thoroughly recording details of inquiries.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Prepared and evaluated CRM reports to identify problems and areas for improvement.
  • Conferred with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services and take orders.
  • Determined accurate prices for customer services, consistently searching for deals and best prices.
  • Increased customer satisfaction ratings by effectively answering questions, suggesting effective solutions, and resolving issues quickly.
  • Surpassed sales goals through implementation of successful marketing strategies.
  • Exceeded established service goals while leveraging customer service, sales and employee management best practices.
  • Contacted customers about potential service upgrades, new services and account changes.
  • Presented existing and prospective customers with valuable service or product information to aid in decision-making.
  • Prevented key account losses by researching discrepancies and correcting problems.
  • Took special orders in person and over telephone, generating additional revenue every month.
  • Recommended improvements in products, service and billing methods to management to prevent future problems.
  • Excelled in exceeding daily credit card application goals.
  • Collected deposits or payments and arranged for billing.
  • Coordinated with internal teams to ensure timely and successful delivery of solutions according to client needs.

Customer Service Representative Team Lead

Verizon (Continuum Global Solution)
Dallas , TX
01.2002 - 06.2006
  • Resolved escalated customer complaints in a timely manner.
  • Provided guidance and support to Customer Service Representatives on a daily basis.
  • Created, implemented and maintained departmental policies and procedures.
  • Monitored team performance metrics such as call wait times, average handle time and first call resolution rates.
  • Encouraged open communication between team members about best practices for handling difficult customers.
  • Routed calls from multiple sites to correct personnel and assisted with complex cases.
  • Resolved customer complaints or answered customers' questions.

Education

Associate of Arts - Social Psychology

Pulaski Technical College
North Little Rock, AR
05-2012

Skills

  • Microsoft Office expertise
  • Payment Processing
  • Billing cycle management
  • Statement processing
  • Collections
  • Research and due diligence
  • Customer Engagement
  • Billing dispute resolution
  • Report Generation
  • Account updating
  • Scheduling
  • Inbound and Outbound Calling
  • Complaint resolution
  • Appointment Scheduling
  • Tracking complaints
  • Active Listening
  • Order Fulfillment
  • Credit card payment processing
  • Customer Relations
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Filing
  • Conflict Mediation
  • Live chat support
  • Clerical Support
  • POS systems expert
  • De-Escalation Techniques
  • Customer consulting
  • Multi-line telephone operations
  • Documentation
  • Tactful and diplomatic
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Call center experience
  • Customer Service
  • Money handling abilities
  • Critical Thinking
  • Call escalation
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Hospitality and accommodation
  • Courteous demeanor

Escal

  • Quality Assurance
  • Call Center Customer Service
  • CRM Software
  • Rewards programs
  • Call Routing
  • Scheduling proficiency
  • Call Monitoring
  • Document Management
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Employee Motivation

Timeline

Billing Support Specialist

FIS Global
01.2020 - Current

Premiere Loyalty Consultant

AT&T Mobility
04.2011 - 10.2019

Customer Service Representative Team Lead

Verizon (Continuum Global Solution)
01.2002 - 06.2006

Associate of Arts - Social Psychology

Pulaski Technical College
Maria Hairston-Akins