Stacey Blais
Albany,NY
Summary
Proven leader in financial management at Albany Times Union, adept in leveraging advanced Excel and exceptional communication skills to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency. Spearheaded innovative collection strategies, improving cash flow and fostering team collaboration. Experienced Office Management and Administration Professional experienced optimizing productivity, efficiency and service quality across various environments. Highly dependable, ethical and reliable support specialist and leader that blends advanced organizational, technical and business acumen. Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Advertising Reporting Manager
Albany Times Union
10.2018 - 07.2024
- Consistently met deadlines with well-organized work plans and efficient time management skills.
- Served as a go-to resource for colleagues seeking assistance in navigating complex reporting issues or understanding intricate financial data.
- Continuously sought opportunities for professional development.
- Optimized existing reporting processes by identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
- Improved reporting accuracy by streamlining data collection and analysis processes.
- Conducted thorough quality checks on all reports before submission, minimizing errors and increasing credibility among stakeholders.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive financial data, upholding company policies and ethical standards.
- Facilitated open lines of communication between team members, promoting a positive work environment conducive to high-quality output.
- Participated in regular training sessions to stay current on industry trends and best practices in financial reporting.
- Completed weekly P&L Flash Reporting for the CFO and Corporate review.
- Entered Monthly PM Revenue changes
- General Ledger Mapping when needed for accurate reporting purposes
- Bi-Weekly Revenue Forecasting for multiple departments review.
- Produced several Revenue reports to the Advertising Sales Team of over 20 employees. Provided reports such as Pacing, KPI's, Goals, Retention, & Performance charts,
Accounts Receivable Manager
Albany Times Union
02.2010 - 10.2018
- Maintained accurate financial records by regularly reconciling accounts receivable ledgers.
- Ensured timely payments from clients through effective communication and proactive follow-ups.
- Posted customer payments by recording cash, checks, and credit card transactions.
- Verified discrepancies and resolved clients' billing issues
- Analyzed aging reports and provided recommendations for improving collections efforts.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing client inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Completed daily process adjustments to maintain accuracy.
- Reduced outstanding account balances through diligent follow-up on past due invoices.
- Reconciled daily AR ledger and verified proper posting.
- Managed the team of eight accounts receivable specialists, providing guidance and support for optimal performance.
- Negotiated payment terms with clients to facilitate mutually beneficial agreements while maintaining company profitability goals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve billing disputes, increasing customer satisfaction levels.
- Enhanced cash flow by implementing efficient accounts receivable processes and procedures.
- Updated aging reports based on daily audits.
- Partnered with sales teams to develop customized payment plans for high-value clients, ensuring long-term business partnerships.
- Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.
Senior Accounts Receivable Clerk
Albany Times Union
11.1996 - 02.2010
- Collaborated with sales team to resolve billing discrepancies, ensuring timely invoice adjustments and customer satisfaction.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture by actively participating in team-building activities, promoting collaboration and open communication among peers.
- Developed strong client relationships through effective communication, resulting in prompt payments and reduced delinquencies.
- Expedited month-end closing procedures by accurately posting transactions and preparing detailed reports for management review.
- Minimized bad debt write-offs through vigilant credit checks, setting appropriate credit limits, and closely monitoring high-risk accounts.
- Prepared and mailed invoices to customers, processed payments, and documented account updates.
- Reduced overdue payments by diligently monitoring aging accounts and promptly sending payment reminders.
- Followed up overdue payments and payment plans from clients to establish good cash flow.
- Utilized Microsoft Excel, Crystal, and Oracle software to manage invoices and payments.
- Negotiated payment arrangements with customers to establish timely receipt of payments.
- Generated invoices upon receipt of billing information and tracked collection progress. Effectively communicated with hundred's of clients about payment needs and kept updated, detailed and accurate ledgers.
Education
Business Marketing - Marketing
Hudson Valley Community College
Troy, NY05.1997
Skills
- Proficient in Excel
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Relationship Building
- Microsoft Office
- Data Entry
- Interpersonal Skills
- Professionalism
- Staff Management
- Time management abilities
- Credit and collections
Accomplishments
- Promoted several times throughout my career at the Times Union.
- Hearst Eagle Award winner 2016 for outstanding performance, teamwork, and leadership.
- Supervised team of 8 staff members.
Certification
- Engage Management Training - 2022-2023
Additional Information
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Ad Analytics Qlikview, Newscycle Naviga System, Oracle Smart View Reporting
Worked closely with the Advertising team to produce monthly sales goals and daily KPI reporting. Created weekly Profit & Loss Flash reporting for Corporate review. Produced Daily revenue pacing and performance reports. Provided weekly Advertising team forecast and along with several other revenue reports.
Timeline
Advertising Reporting Manager
Albany Times Union
10.2018 - 07.2024
Accounts Receivable Manager
Albany Times Union
02.2010 - 10.2018
Senior Accounts Receivable Clerk
Albany Times Union
11.1996 - 02.2010
Business Marketing - Marketing
Hudson Valley Community College