Maria Howe
Maple Shade,New Jersey
Summary
Experienced with cash handling, customer service, and transaction processing in fast-paced retail settings. Utilizes strong communication skills and attention to detail to ensure customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Track record of maintaining accuracy and resolving conflicts smoothly.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative Secretary
Maple Shade School District
07.2005 - Current
- Organized and maintained office files, ensuring easy access to documentation.
- Coordinated scheduling for meetings and events, optimizing time management across departments.
- Managed correspondence and communications, streamlining information flow within the district.
- Trained new staff on office protocols and systems, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Provided clerical support to company employees by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Enhanced office efficiency by organizing and maintaining filing systems, managing correspondence, and scheduling appointments.
- Sorted, opened, and routed incoming correspondence and deliveries to help senior leaders respond quickly to business and customer requirements.
- Safeguarded sensitive information by implementing strict confidentiality protocols in the handling of documents and communications.
- Maintained accurate records of employee attendance, vacation days, sick leave, and overtime to facilitate payroll processing.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Supported executive decision-making by preparing agendas, taking minutes during meetings, and distributing relevant information.
- Contributed to the development of long-term organizational goals by providing administrative support during strategic planning sessions.
- Emphasized accuracy and attention to detail with thorough proofreading efforts, ensuring error-free documentation for both internal and external communications.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by demonstrating professional etiquette in all interactions with colleagues and clients alike.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration by establishing effective lines of communication between team members and leaders.
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and placed orders.
- Facilitated the smooth running of office operations by maintaining inventory of office supplies.
- Enhanced office efficiency by streamlining filing systems, leading to quicker access to critical documents.
- Improved document management with the implementation of a digital archiving system.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information, ensuring trust and integrity in office dealings.
- Enhanced customer service by promptly addressing inquiries and concerns.
- Managed executive calendars, reducing scheduling conflicts by meticulous planning and coordination.
- Recorded new hires, transfers, terminations, changes in job classifications, and merit increases to the main human resources files.
- Managed scheduling and calendar coordination for two administrators and staff, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity. Including PTA, MSEA Union, classroom, afterschool functions, and special events during the school day.
Program Director
Jenny Craig Weight Loss Center
07.1993 - 08.1995
- Led program development initiatives to align with organizational goals and stakeholder needs.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure project deliverables met quality standards and timelines.
- Directed program development and implementation for weight loss initiatives, enhancing client engagement and retention.
- Led training programs for staff, ensuring adherence to best practices in nutrition and customer service.
- Delivered outstanding program results by setting clear objectives and proactively addressing potential challenges.
- Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Maintained and updated project-related documents.
- Supervised the creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch the attention of store customers.
Customer Service Representative
AAA Auto Club Group
06.1991 - 10.1993
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints effectively, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Processed orders and returns efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions and timely resolutions.
- Provided training to new team members on customer service protocols and best practices.
- Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
- Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
- Contributed to sales growth by upselling products and services based on individual customer requirements.
- Addressed customer inquiries to ensure satisfaction and foster a positive service experience.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, contributing to a comprehensive database for future reference.
- Resolved escalated customer issues, restoring confidence in the company's commitment to service excellence.
- Negotiated solutions with dissatisfied customers, turning potential negative reviews into positive testimonials.
Office Administrative Assistant
Tandy Radio Shack
07.1987 - 10.1991
- Coordinated office operations and administrative tasks to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Managed scheduling and appointment setting, ensuring optimal time management for executives.
- Developed and maintained filing systems, improving document retrieval processes.
- Assisted in preparation of reports and presentations, contributing to informed decision-making.
- Facilitated communication between departments, fostering collaboration and information sharing.
- Streamlined administrative procedures, resulting in increased productivity across the office environment.
- Maintained a clean and welcoming office environment, fostering positive impressions among clients and visitors alike.
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by promptly addressing inquiries via phone, email, or in-person visits.
- Expedited invoice processing, ensuring accurate recording of financial transactions in the accounting system.
- Ensured timely completion of projects with diligent task prioritization, delegation, and followup.
- Safeguarded company information by maintaining strict confidentiality in handling sensitive documents and records.
- Reduced errors in documentation by meticulously proofreading and editing written materials.
- Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance and sales data.
- Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
- Managed filing system, entered data and completed other clerical tasks.
- Assisted coworkers and staff members with special tasks on daily basis.
- Managed paper and electronic filing systems by routing various documents, taking messages and managing incoming and outgoing mail.
- Built and maintained excellent customer relationships through timely response to inquiries and going above and beyond to accommodate unusual requests.
- Opened and properly distributed incoming mail to promote quicker response to client inquiries.
- Supported company leaders by managing budgets, scheduling appointments and organizing itinerary.
- Provided clerical support to company employees by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and placed orders.
Cashier
Rite Aide Pharmacy
02.1986 - 06.1987
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Maintained organized cash register and ensured compliance with cash handling procedures.
- Assisted customers in locating products and provided recommendations for merchandise.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues to enhance overall shopping experience.
- Monitored inventory levels and restocked shelves to optimize product availability.
- Fostered a welcoming environment through effective communication and team collaboration.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
Cashier
7-11 Convenience Store
06.1985 - 02.1986
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale system.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and recommendations.
- Maintained clean and organized checkout area to enhance customer experience.
- Handled cash, credit, and returns accurately to ensure financial integrity.
Education
No Degree - Business
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZBusiness - Computer And Information Systems
Lincoln Technical Institute
Pennsauken, NJ06-1987
Skills
- Customer service
- Customer assistance
- Work ethic and integrity
- Patience and empathy
- Time management skills
- Cash handling
- Cash handling and management
- Customer service excellence
- Customer relations
Timeline
Administrative Secretary
Maple Shade School District
07.2005 - Current
Program Director
Jenny Craig Weight Loss Center
07.1993 - 08.1995
Customer Service Representative
AAA Auto Club Group
06.1991 - 10.1993
Office Administrative Assistant
Tandy Radio Shack
07.1987 - 10.1991
Cashier
Rite Aide Pharmacy
02.1986 - 06.1987
Cashier
7-11 Convenience Store
06.1985 - 02.1986
No Degree - Business
University of Phoenix
Business - Computer And Information Systems
Lincoln Technical Institute