Nikki Schwanz
Cozad,NE
Summary
Efficiency-driven executive with proven talent in team building, leading, and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to optimize organizational success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring, and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement, equity and diversity, and boost performance.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
City Administrator
City of Cozad
06.2020 - Current
- Led implementation of HR operations, creating recruiting policies, job descriptions, and performance appraisal system to streamline processes and enhance employee satisfaction
- Demonstrated financial acumen by overseeing annual budgets up to $17M, directing funds for maximum impact and profitability.
- Adhered to applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing land use and growth.
- Fostered a climate of collaboration between the general public, the city manager, and the city council.
- Consulted with managers to formulate racial equity plans for minority hiring by city departments.
- Conducted studies to assess the feasibility of renewal, development, and other community plans.
- Maintained department productivity and standards through proactive management of teams and policies.
- Prepared plans for land use, area development, and urban revitalization.
- Managed up to 10 projects per year.
- Calculated population trends to forecast future growth and strategically develop land according to needs.
- Represented the city and its interests with community organizations, government agencies, and the general public.
- Worked alongside stakeholders to evaluate projects and determine the feasibility of implementation.
- Monitored and supported the bidding and proposal process.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing, and customer account operations efficiently.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage, and drive-off.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Raised property accuracy and accountability by creating new automated tracking method.
City Clerk/Treasurer
City of O’Neill
09.1999 - 05.2020
- Boosted compliance and staff performance by revising and updating the personnel manual, resulting in a 20% reduction in policy violations
- Led cost-cutting initiatives through enhanced benefit plans and leases, saving the organization $80K annually
- Established the city's online presence by launching the first website and social media channels, resulting in a 25% increase in citizen interaction
- Increased infrastructure projects and city revenue by obtaining federal and state grant funds of $3M during tenure
- Successfully reversed the financial trajectory of a failing sanitation department, achieving profitability within three years
- Established streamlined policies for accounting, purchasing, and inventory management, resulting in a 25% boost in productivity and compliance levels
- Diversified employee benefits with AFLAC coverage and pension enhancements, resulting in a 25% increase in employee loyalty and engagement
- Initiated a workforce housing program to address housing challenges and foster community growth and stability
- Established and managed a rental housing inspection program, resulting in a 20% improvement in property conditions
- Facilitated the generation of 82 new jobs and $3.3M in private investments through economic development initiatives.
- Stayed up-to-date on Nebraska laws and licensing requirements to complete accurate and efficient reviews.
- Updated operational records or licensing information using computer terminals.
- Created documents with applicant information and verified data against database information.
- Prepared and presented financial reports to inform senior management and the board of directors.
- Liaised with financial institutions to secure project funding and optimize financial resources.
- Reduced operating costs by identifying and implementing cost-saving measures across the organization.
- Provided financial analysis support for key strategic projects, enabling informed decision-making by senior executives.
- Oversaw financial reporting process to facilitate timely and accurate financial statement preparation.
- Developed and maintained internal control systems to protect organizational assets.
- Established robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and minimize fraud risk.
- Negotiated and managed contracts with external vendors to optimize value for the organization.
- Maintained professional relationships with constituents, addressing concerns and providing information on local government operations.
- Analyzed financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Planned and managed $10M+ annual budgets, tracking expenses, and investigating discrepancies to maintain optimal controls.
- Improved cash flow management by implementing more efficient forecasting and budgeting processes.
- Coordinated with external auditors to enforce compliance with financial regulations and standards.
- Advised on optimal capital structure decisions that balanced debt levels against funding requirements.
- Established policies and procedures to support compliance with laws and regulations.
- Executed financial due diligence tasks daily to maintain optimal company finances.
- Developed financial strategies for long-term growth, resulting in increased revenue and profitability.
- Negotiated favorable credit terms with suppliers, improving cash flow management.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with other departments to drive overall business performance improvement initiatives.
- Managed investment portfolio to optimize returns while minimizing risk exposure.
- Managed budgets, assets, portfolios, accounts payable, and receivable and general financial reporting procedures.
- Created and distributed reports on internal and external finances, audits, and budgets.
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
- Reviewed documents and data to give accurate presentations and forecasts to upper management.
- Managed outstanding balance amounts by evaluating reports and determining collection statuses.
- Mitigated risk by implementing internal controls and safeguards for revenues and expenditures.
- Directed corporate decision-making and planning by monitoring and setting policies and procedures to optimize fiscal performance.
- Used Excel and PowerManager to prepare external audit documentation and financial reports to assist management in operational planning and key decision-making.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration and HR Management -
University of Nebraska Kearney
Kearney, NebraskaSkills
- Time & Task Management
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership & Team Building
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Board Membership
- Verbal Communication
- Written Communication
- Project Administration
- Remote Collaboration
- Staff Development
- Recruitment & Retention
- Problem-Solving
- Budgetary Planning & Reporting
- Planning & Implementation
- Program Administration
- Organizational Leadership
- Intergovernmental Relations
- Community Engagement
- Emergency Management
- Infrastructure Management
- Land Use Planning
- Sustainability Initiatives
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Relationship Building
- Verbal/written communication
- Inventory Control
- Administration strength
- Environmental management
- Community Relations
- Program implementation
- Technology Integration
- Project Coordination
- Landscape design
- Partnership Development
- Design development
- Public speaking ability
- Statistical Analysis
- Department Oversight
- Infrastructure Planning
- Project Oversight
- Budget Administration
- Report Generation
- Labor Relations
- Report creation
- Data collection/organization
- Municipal management trends
- Land use understanding
- Drafting expertise
- Customer Service
- Team Leadership
- Decision-Making
- Customer Service Management
- Effective leader
- Customer Relations
- Staff training/development
- Goal Setting
- Inventory Tracking and Management
- Employee Relations
- Staff Management
- Scheduling
- Hiring and Onboarding
- Business Leadership
- Inventory Management
- Delegating Work
- Performance Evaluation and Monitoring
- Quality Assurance
- Staff hiring
- Sales Strategies
- Employee Scheduling
- Customer Retention
- Training Management
- Staff Scheduling
- Data Analysis
- Employee Development
- Sales Tracking
- Payroll Administration and Timekeeping
- Performance Improvements
- Operations Oversight
- Business Management
Websites
Languages
English
Timeline
City Administrator
City of Cozad
06.2020 - Current
City Clerk/Treasurer
City of O’Neill
09.1999 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Business Administration and HR Management -
University of Nebraska Kearney
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