Paula Santala
Flagler,CO
Summary
I am experienced in fast-paced environments, and adaptable to last-minute changes. I thrive under pressure, and consistently earn high marks for work quality and speed. I am a highly motivated employee with the desire to take on new challenges. I have a strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. I am adept at working effectively, unsupervised, and quickly mastering new skills. I am also a dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude, the ability to learn quickly, a strong work ethic, and effective communication skills. I am eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PSE Sales&SVCS/Distribution Associate
United States Postal Service, USPS
Flagler, CO
09.2021 - Current
- Maintained accurate records of all incoming and outgoing mail items.
- Responded quickly to inquiries from customers regarding postal services offered by the post office.
- Sold stamps, tracking services and insurance to customers.
- Weighed parcels, calculating costs based on type, total weight and final destination.
- Assisted customers with their postal needs, such as sending packages and buying stamps.
- Processed money orders, certified letters, and other payment transactions.
- Obtained receipts for registered and certain insured mail.
- Performed data entry duties for tracking mail and other related activities.
- Handled undeliverable mail in accordance with established procedures.
- Processed payments and handled cash using point of sale (POS) computer system.
- Scanned documents for mailing purposes and generated labels for outgoing items.
- Organized mail into appropriate categories and sorted them according to post office regulations.
- Verified addresses on envelopes before delivery to ensure accuracy of destination.
- Provided customer service support to clients over the phone, via email or in person.
- Help customers fill out change of address forms and reports for lost or stolen mail.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.t
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.tt
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Received, inspected, and recorded incoming shipments of materials and supplies.
- Reported any defective products or damaged items to supervisors.i
- Determined shipping methods, routes or rates for materials to be shipped.
- Prepared product labels according to company guidelines for easy identification when shipping goods out of the facility.
- Performed quality control checks on all outgoing packages to ensure proper packaging standards were met.
- Traced missing material and shipments through vendor and customer communications.
- Computed shipping, storage or demurrage charges using computer or price list.
- Used vendor knowledge to determine shipping procedures, routes and rates.
- Weighed mail to determine correct postage.
- Packed, sealed or affixed postage to prepare materials for shipping.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service. The first
Assistant School Cook
Arriba-Flagler CSD School
Flagler , CO
08.2018 - 09.2021
- Planned, prepared, and cooked meals for students in accordance with USDA guidelines.
- Assisted in menu planning based on nutritional requirements and student preferences.
- Kept kitchen areas clean, organized and sanitized accounting to proper procedures.
- Developed weekly menus that met nutritional guidelines while also being appetizing to students.
- Ensured that all kitchen equipment was properly cleaned before storing away after each use.
- Executed proper techniques when preparing menu item ingredients.
- Established portion control measures to limit waste while still providing enough food for everyone.
- Assisted with catering services provided by the school cafeteria for special events.
- Garnished and arranged plated meals.
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
- Organized and maintained inventory of kitchen supplies to ensure efficient operations.
- Established nutritious menus in line with health standards and budget guidelines.
- Operated kitchen equipment in alignment with OSHA protocols and manufacturer instructions.
- Monitored food temperatures to maintain food safety.
- Ordered food supplies from vendors according to budget constraints and established menus.
- Inspected deliveries for freshness and quality assurance prior to acceptance into the school kitchen.
- Received and stored food and supplies.
- Prepared special meals for students with dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Strictly adhered to sanitation regulations when preparing meals in order to prevent contamination.
- Followed guidelines for safe serving, appropriate temperatures and proper presentation.
- Maintained clean and orderly appearance throughout kitchen and dining area.
- Monitored inventory to maintain proper supply level.
- Followed safety protocols when handling hazardous materials such as cleaning solutions and sharp objects.
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
- Adhered to regulatory standards regarding safe and sanitary food prep.
- Maintained records of all food items purchased, used, or discarded.
- Provided guidance and support to other members of the kitchen staff as needed.
- Monitored temperature of ovens and refrigerators to maintain safe storage conditions.
- Monitored supply inventory and rotated stock to maintain optimal freshness and reduce waste.
- Prepared meals in accordance with operational policies, food safety guidelines and health code requirements.
- Handled advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for upcoming meals.
- Prepared meals in alignment with quality standards and preferred techniques.
- Created a system for tracking expiration dates on perishable foods stored in the school kitchen refrigerator and freezers.
- Adjusted established recipes to meet special dietary and allergen restrictions.
- Made meals in accordance with company standards and requirements.
- Inspected food preparation areas to ensure cleanliness and health standards compliance.
- Projected future needs to requisition food supplies, kitchen equipment and appliances.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Managed household errands and other essential duties.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Operated equipment and machinery according to safety guidelines.
- Completed routine maintenance and repair.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Daycare Owner/Operator
Self-employed
Flagler, CO
01.1995 - 05.2010
- Used positive reinforcement and behavior modeling to instill discipline in children.
- Observed and monitored children's play activities.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay current with early childhood education practices.
- Supervised children during outdoor playtime to ensure safety at all times.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations pertaining to health codes and safety standards within the facility.
- Sanitized toys and equipment on a daily basis to maintain cleanliness standards.
- Created a welcoming atmosphere by greeting each child warmly upon arrival every morning.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while demonstrating excellent time management skills.
- Dressed children and changed diapers.
- Communicated with parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors and upcoming events.
- Provided nurturing and appropriate environment for children of various ages.
- Intervened quickly and appropriately when issues between children arose using positive behavior management techniques.
- Monitored playground areas for potential hazards such as broken glass or dangerous debris.
- Adhered to strict confidentiality policies when discussing any information related to the children or families enrolled in the program.
- Enforced rules to teach good manners and maintain safe environment.
- Cared for children of various ages and assisted with feeding, dressing and daily activities.
- Developed age-appropriate lesson plans that included music, art, outdoor games, and reading stories.
- Demonstrated patience while working with young children who may have difficulty following directions or expressing themselves clearly.
- Secured indoor and outdoor premises to protect children.
- Planned and implemented engaging activities to encourage creativity and expression.
- Instructed children in eating, resting and restroom habits.
- Employed positive guidance strategies to encourage children and improve behavior.
- Communicated with parents regarding their child's progress in the daycare program.
- Prepared meals, snacks and refreshments for children according to dietary needs and restrictions.
- Assisted children in development of social, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Maintained records of attendance, meals served, naps taken and general behavioral observations throughout the day.
- Observed each child's individual needs and provided appropriate support accordingly.
- Observed behavioral issues to alert parents or guardians.
- Encouraged positive behaviors, including patience with teachers and fellow kids.
- Managed snack time by ensuring healthy options were available while encouraging proper nutrition habits among the students.
- Maintained safe play environment.
- Developed and enforced positive strategies to encourage good behavior.
- Balanced schedules to promote optimal rest, play and educational periods.
- Communicated daily with children's parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors and related issues.
- Updated detailed records for each child with information such as daily observations, meals served and medications administered.
Bookkeeper
M & M Repair
Flagler, CO
08.1997 - 08.2003
- Calculated and produced checks for utilities, taxes and other operational payments.
- Conducted monthly bank reconciliations.
- Coordinated with vendors and clients to resolve billing and payment issues.
- Prepared bank reconciliations, managed field audits and reviewed accounting records for accuracy.
- Handled sensitive financial information with confidentiality and integrity.
- Entered deposits, credit card charges and sales entries to facilitate cash management.
- Performed basic accounting, payroll and bookkeeping services to manage business operations.
- Implemented and maintained internal controls to safeguard financial assets.
- Handled bi-weekly payroll services for company employees.
- Applied mathematical skills to calculate totals, check figures, and correct problems with physical and digital files.
- Maintained accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely billing and payment processing.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable, improving cash flow management.
- Processed expense reports, including verification of receipts and compliance with policies.
- Analyzed financial transactions, assigning to specific accounts.
- Defined bookkeeping policies and procedures by developing system to account for financial transactions.
- Classified and summarized financial data to compile and enter in financial records
- Monitored loans and accounts payable to confirm payments are current.
- Received and recorded cash, checks and transfers.
- Monitored cash flow, preparing reports to inform management of financial status.
- Ensured accuracy in all accounting entries and records.
- Processed payroll for employees, including calculating wages, deductions, and issuing payments.
- Handled accounts payable and receivable, including invoicing and payment processing.
- Posted journal entries to the general ledger system accurately and timely.
- Generated invoices for clients and tracked payments received from customers.
- Recorded debit, credit and account transactions in computer spreadsheets and databases.
- Verified accuracy of vendor invoices against purchase orders prior to payment processing.
- Assisted in financial planning and analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Responded to inquiries from IRS, state and other tax authorities to minimize additional interest and penalty charges.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.
- Reviewed employee expense reports for compliance with company policies.
- Matched orders with invoices and recorded required information.
- Provided assistance in preparing tax returns annually.
- Performed financial calculations for amounts due, interest charges and balances.
- Compiled current budget data from estimated revenues, expenses and prior budgets.
- Prepared and processed payroll.
- Reconciled intercompany accounts on a regular basis.
- Prepared financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and statement of cash flows.
- Conducted month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy of financial reporting.
- Maintained full compliance when executing and tracking bank reconciliations, A/P, invoicing, billing and collections.
- Managed financial transactions and recordkeeping with precision, ensuring accuracy in ledgers and accounts.
- Reconciled or entered report discrepancies found in financial records.
- Reconciled vendor statements to assist in monthly closings.
- Prepared financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements, for review by management.
- Performed month-end closing activities.
- Performed bookkeeping and accounting consulting services.
- Processed accounts payable and receivable transactions.
- Managed inventory records, adjusting entries for discrepancies and reporting changes.
- Prepared accurate financial reports each month by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information.
- Resolved billing discrepancies with vendors or customers promptly.
- Maintained and reconciled general ledger accounts.
- Assisted in budget preparation, tracking expenses against forecasts.
- Checked postings and documents for correctness, accuracy and proper coding.
Education
High School Diploma -
Arriba-Flagler CSD Public School
Flagler05-1991
Some College (No Degree) - Accounting
Western State College
GunnisonSkills
- Mail processing
- Data entry
- Customer service
- Inventory management
- Payment processing
- Shipping coordination
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Cash handling
- Compile documents
- Professionalism and ethics
- Policy adherence
- Organizational skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Personal data collection
- Processing documents
Affiliations
- I enjoy time with my husband and the four kids we have left at home
- Gardening and flowers when the weather permits
- The beach and being outside
- Traveling when we have time
Certification
Sales & Services Associate Exam 10-2021
Sales & Services Associate Academy 11-14-22
Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Training 10-21, 4-22, 4-23, 5-24, 4-25
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
PSE Sales&SVCS/Distribution Associate
United States Postal Service, USPS
09.2021 - Current
Assistant School Cook
Arriba-Flagler CSD School
08.2018 - 09.2021
Bookkeeper
M & M Repair
08.1997 - 08.2003
Daycare Owner/Operator
Self-employed
01.1995 - 05.2010
High School Diploma -
Arriba-Flagler CSD Public School
Some College (No Degree) - Accounting
Western State College