Melanie Buccambuso
Reno
Summary
Resourceful and versatile professional with experience in small business ownership, event planning, educational sales, banking, and higher education administration. Skilled in client relationship management, project coordination, financial tracking, and operational oversight, with a proven ability to handle multiple responsibilities and deliver results. Adept at combining analytical thinking, digital proficiency, and strong interpersonal skills to drive business growth, streamline processes, and provide exceptional customer and client experiences.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner/Operator
Reno Tiny Tents
Reno, NV
06.2021 - Current
- Plan and execute events from concept to completion, coordinating vendors, logistics, and on-site operations to deliver seamless experiences
- Secure clients, negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and oversee invoicing and payments to ensure profitable events
- Develop and maintain website, manage social media presence, and drive online marketing to grow business visibility
- Handle taxes, track expenses, maintain licenses and permits, and manage all client communications for repeat business and satisfaction
Controller
Andrus Educational Supplies
Reno, NV
08.2014 - Current
- Manage day-to-day accounting operations including AP/AR, general ledger, and order processing
- Prepare monthly financial statements, budgets, and cash flow reports
- Oversee bank reconciliations, expense tracking, and internal controls
- Coordinate with educational institutions and suppliers (e.g., Follett, Barnes & Noble) on account setup, billing inquiries, payment reconciliations, and pricing discussions
- Receive and process institutional orders; handle customer inquiries and price negotiations
- Managed international purchasing activities, including customs documentation, duty payments, and cross-border compliance
- Ensured compliance with tax filings, payroll taxes, and regulatory requirements
- Maintained accurate financial records and improved accounting and operational processes
Administrative Assistant II
University of Nevada Extended Studies
Reno, NV
07.2007 - 08.2014
- Processed student registrations via phone and in person for conferences, professional development courses, camps, retreats, and academic programs.
- Reconciled prior-day payments and reports each morning and managed daily financial deposits.
- Delivered in-person customer service support by assisting with payments, course selection, and educational planning.
- Processed refunds, fund transfers, and resolved billing discrepancies.
- Oversaw outstanding invoices, bill collection, and financial reconciliations.
- Oversaw in-person check-in operations for national conferences, summer camps, and professional development programs.
Customer Service Representative
Wells Fargo & Company
Reno, NV
01.2004 - 07.2007
- Served as first point of contact for customer inquiries via phone delivering empathetic and professional support
- Processed routine banking transactions including account transfers, initiated fraud inquests, closed accounts and researched transactions and fees
- Followed banking policies, security standards, and regulatory requirements to minimize risk and prevent loss
- Educated customers on digital banking tools
- Developed and maintained comprehensive knowledge of product offerings.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Navigated multiple banking systems and databases simultaneously to research issues and update account records
- Identified complex issues and escalated to senior team members while maintaining a positive customer experience
- Recognized opportunities to refer customers to relevant financial products and services
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Nevada Reno
RenoSkills
- Customer service & conflict resolution
- Budgeting, financial tracking, & invoicing
- Vendor negotiation & supplier management
- Academic record management & registrar duties
- Compliance, licensing, & regulatory oversight
- Tax preparation & expense tracking
- Website development & social media management
- Online marketing & brand promotion
- Microsoft Office Suite & CRM/database management
- Analytical thinking & research skills
- Time management & multitasking
Certification
- Licensed Foster Care Provider (2016–2025) – Provide safe, nurturing care for children, manage case plans, coordinate with social services, and support emotional and developmental needs.
- Licensed Substitute Teacher (2020–2025) – Delivered instruction across multiple subjects and grade levels, maintained classroom management, and adapted lessons to meet diverse student needs.
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Reno Tiny Tents
06.2021 - Current
Controller
Andrus Educational Supplies
08.2014 - Current
Administrative Assistant II
University of Nevada Extended Studies
07.2007 - 08.2014
Customer Service Representative
Wells Fargo & Company
01.2004 - 07.2007
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Nevada Reno