Tara Levitt
Orlando,FL
Summary
Accomplished sales leader with over 6 years of managerial experience in the financial institution environment. Proven track record in driving sales and building strong client relationships. Skilled in recruiting and staff management, ensuring a high-performing team. Dependable assistant manager with a proactive approach to meeting deadlines and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Recognized as an enthusiastic team player with a strong work ethic and exceptional problem-solving skills. Continuously seeking opportunities to learn and develop new strategies that foster team growth and drive success.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Branch Manager
VyStar Credit Union
04.2019 - Current
- Manage Universal Relationship Specialist teams of 4 to 12 Associates by providing on-going training, monitoring, coaching and development to ensure consistent sales production, delivery of exemplary member service, and increased member satisfaction
- Continuously worked to increase production by meeting and/or exceeding monthly sales goals set in the following areas: deposit growth, total loans disbursed, credit cards disbursed, total commercial loans disbursed, investment services referrals, contact center call management, and insurance services referrals
- Developed and maintained close relationships with assigned internal partners, such as Mortgage Loan Originators, Business Banking Officers, Cash Management Officers, Financial Advisors and Commercial Banking Relationship Managers
- Prepare and administer monthly reviews, annual performance reviews, coaching plans, probationary plans, and disciplinary write-ups
- Performed screening, interviewing, and hiring of all new employees
- Participate in community activities to promote goodwill and attract new business
- Independently perform, train, audit, and oversee all branch operations through the Branch Self-Monitoring Program (SMP) to ensure compliance with regulations, as well as company policies and procedures
- Actively perform all duties of branch Relationship Specialists to lead by example, support team production, and provide exemplary member service to each of our members, in addition to identifying opportunities to recommend products and services beneficial to the needs of the member
- Developed and managed employee schedules, balancing individual requests and requirements with business needs.
- Conducted weekly staff meetings to motivate staff members, address concerns, and questions, plan improvements and evaluate progress toward goals.
Branch Operations Analyst
VyStar Credit Union
07.2023 - 12.2024
- Conducted branch operational activities, including Enterprise Risk Management, General Ledger management, self-monitoring programs, branch error management, and safe deposit box management, ensuring adherence to deadlines, quality standards, and regulatory requirements within the assigned market/region
- Partnered and communicated effectively with multiple branch locations, including both management and staff
- Provided training, one-on-one coaching, support, and guidance for all branch operational areas of opportunity
- Implemented approved branch operational procedures and policies within assigned branches
- Visited assigned branches weekly to analyze and resolve outstanding operational tasks, including branch errors, reconciling general ledgers, and managing safe deposit boxes
- Developed and maintained controlled risk self-assessments to ensure operational processes are working as designed
- Monitored controls used to perform risk assessments within the enterprise risk management system
- Interpreted applicable regulations, policy and procedure requirements, and audit and escalation procedures
- Ensured proper handling of cash and other negotiable instruments
- Analyzed and interpreted data sources to identify anomalies, trends, and opportunities, then make recommendations for improved risk mitigation
- Informed and educated Member Services on specific process or procedure changes
- Conducted ongoing assessments of branch exposures, identified risks, and security procedures via robust reporting, evaluating their potential impact and reviewing existing controls
- Served as liaison to peer support units and business group partners, offering process and research expertise regarding branch processes
- Analyzed and evaluated root causes of issues, work with management to recommend appropriate and cost-effective action plans to mitigate associated risks and follow up to ensure action plans are implemented by due dates
- Collaborated with branch and regional leadership to resolve all operational issues
- Worked with engineers and technical staff to recommend hardware and software adjustments and resolve design flaws.
- Designed plans to improve operations and suggested changes to systems for overall organization.
Teller (Level I thru III)
Compass Bank
11.2002 - 03.2004
- Assisted customers with making deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and other banking transactions while maintaining solid sales and service performance
- Collaborated with service manager to strengthen skills for problem solving and personal team member development
- Uncovered needs for customers during teller interactions then provided ease of transition to a banker for completion of need identified
- Answered telephone inquiries on checking and savings accounts, loans, and lines of credit.
- Educated customers on use of banking website and mobile apps.
Receptionist
Meeks, Ross, Paulk, & Associates, LLC
06.2002 - 11.2002
- Greet and welcome guests in person and by phone
- Direct inquiries to designated department
- Assist accountants and financial advisors in coordinating tax documents
- Interviewed customers at sites of litigation surveys
- Maintained filing and retrieval systems
- Managed office supply orders
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
Education
High school diploma -
Revival Center Christian School
Brunswick, GA01.1997
Principles of Banking -
American Bankers Association
Brunswick, GA01.1999
NML Registered (previously)
State Of Florida02.2016
Skills
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership & Leading Through Change
- Problem-Solving
- Product Expert
- Time Management
- Adaptability
- Organizational Skills
- Sales-Driven
- Resilience
- Risk Assessment
- Creditworthiness Evaluation
- Regulatory Compliance
- Loan Documentation & Processing
- Client Relationship Management
- Community Engagement
- Program Development & Implementation
- Industry Networking
- Financial software
- Annual budget management
- Audit monitoring
- Account collections
- Loan application evaluation
- Banking
- Loan application assessment
- Relationship building and management
Affiliations
- WAVE
- Shades of Success
Timeline
Branch Operations Analyst
VyStar Credit Union
07.2023 - 12.2024
Assistant Branch Manager
VyStar Credit Union
04.2019 - Current
Teller (Level I thru III)
Compass Bank
11.2002 - 03.2004
Receptionist
Meeks, Ross, Paulk, & Associates, LLC
06.2002 - 11.2002
NML Registered (previously)
High school diploma -
Revival Center Christian School
Principles of Banking -
American Bankers Association