Melissa Lewis
Hinckley,IL
Summary
Quality-driven professional with extensive experience in accounting functions, specializing in accounts payable coordination. Proven track record in managing vendor payments and processing invoices efficiently. Successfully implemented financial policies that enhanced operational efficiency and reduced errors in accounts payable processes. Strong understanding of bookkeeping principles and accounts payable/receivable management.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Purchasing and Accounts Payable
Holiday Outdoor Decor
Allentown, PA
06.2019 - 02.2026
- Negotiated favorable contract terms and pricing agreements with suppliers.
- Optimized procurement processes through effective management of supplier relationships, resulting in improved sourcing effectiveness.
- Developed purchasing strategies aligned with seasonal demand and inventory levels.
- Evaluated vendor performance to ensure quality and reliability of supplied goods.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to streamline purchasing operations, enhancing collaboration and reducing lead times.
- Trained staff on purchasing policies to enhance compliance and operational efficiency across the department.
- Monitored market trends to anticipate changes in supply chain costs and availability.
- Maintained accurate records of purchases, including invoices and product details.
Bookkeeper/Office Manager
Tomahawk Communications, Ltd
Plano, IL
10.2008 - 01.2020
- Facilitated company creation from startup phase, managing incorporation and back-office functions to establish operational foundation.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable in QuickBooks for over thirty customers and twenty vendors.
- Processed payroll by reviewing weekly timesheets, creating, and submitting monthly union reports for three IBEW locals.
- Regularly reconciled bank statements with company records to ensure accuracy.
- Resolved billing discrepancies with vendors and customers, enhancing relationships through timely communication and resolution.
- Entered deposits, credit card charges, and sales entries to enhance cash management efficiency.
- Oversaw staff expansion from one to twelve employees within six months.
- Negotiated and executed contracts with customers and local unions, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements.
Legal Secretary
Krupp & Krupp, LLP
DeKalb, IL
05.2009 - 09.2014
- First point of contact for clients via telephone, email and in office
- Coordinated firm calendar for three attorneys, ensuring timely appointments and efficient time management
- Supported three attorneys across diverse specialties by managing schedules and coordinating tasks
- Transcription of court documents, contracts, leases, estate planning documents, estate administration documents and general correspondence utilizing Microsoft Office products
- Prepared real estate closing documents and ordered title commitments, plats of survey, and homeowner association documents.
- Created and maintained detailed billing records for individual clients and matters, streamlining financial tracking
- Maintain filing system including creation of digital records of files to be stored offsite
Receptionist/Legal Secretary
Law Offices of Daniel J. Kramer
Yorkville, IL
09.2005 - 02.2009
- Greeted and directed clients to appropriate staff or attorneys, improving client experience and office efficiency.
- Organized and updated calendar for three attorneys, optimizing scheduling and reducing conflicts.
- Transcribed court documents, contracts, real estate documents, and general correspondence, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
- Coordinated with developers, realtors, and title companies for sales of lots and condominiums across multiple developments in Kendall County, facilitating smooth transactions.
Legal Secretary
Law Office of Lisa A. Coffey, P.C
Oswego, IL
09.2001 - 09.2005
- Transcribed court documents, contracts, estate planning documents, and general correspondence for legal clarity.
- Managed real estate transactions by reviewing, modifying, and ensuring accuracy of contracts.
- Assisted sole practitioner with office duties, including client billing and documentation management.
Education
Associate in General Studies - business, political science and psychology
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove, IL05.2017
Certificate - Glen Ellyn, IL
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL05.1996
Skills
- Procurement strategy
- Supplier management
- Vendor evaluation
- Contract negotiation
- Global sourcing
- Supply chain management
- Inventory management
- Efficiency improvement
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
Timeline
Director of Purchasing and Accounts Payable
Holiday Outdoor Decor
06.2019 - 02.2026
Legal Secretary
Krupp & Krupp, LLP
05.2009 - 09.2014
Bookkeeper/Office Manager
Tomahawk Communications, Ltd
10.2008 - 01.2020
Receptionist/Legal Secretary
Law Offices of Daniel J. Kramer
09.2005 - 02.2009
Legal Secretary
Law Office of Lisa A. Coffey, P.C
09.2001 - 09.2005
Associate in General Studies - business, political science and psychology
Waubonsee Community College
Certificate - Glen Ellyn, IL
College of DuPage