Terese Cowell
Des Plaines,IL
Summary
Detail-oriented Business Office Coordinator with a strong background in coordinating operations and improving communication across departments. Expertise in managing scheduling and financial transactions while enhancing customer satisfaction through effective problem-solving.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Office Coordinator
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95
Lake Zurich, IL
03.2016 - Current
- Coordinated daily operations and communication between school administration, staff, and parents.
- Managed scheduling for meetings, events, and resource allocation within the district.
- Developed and maintained filing systems for student records and administrative documents.
- Streamlined processes for data entry in student information systems to improve accuracy.
- Provided support in budgeting and financial reporting to enhance operational efficiency.
- Trained new staff on office procedures and compliance with district policies.
- Led initiatives to improve inter-departmental collaboration through effective communication practices.
- Implemented technology solutions to optimize workflow and increase productivity across departments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams on various projects to achieve shared objectives efficiently.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by responding promptly to inquiries and resolving issues professionally.
- Managed financial transactions, including invoicing, and grant expense tracking for timely payments.
- Developed training materials for staff members which improved overall knowledge base within the organization.
- Maintained a clean, organized workspace to foster productivity among team members.
- Ensured compliance with ISBE food service requirements by submitting annual applications, monthly meal claims, processing lunch applications and participating in the required food service audit.
- Processed fee waiver applications and payment plans for families.
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Managed replacement furniture projects in each of our school buildings and administration center over multiple summers.
- Resolved financial discrepancies and customer billing issues with timely attention.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
- Provided backup to front desk to step in to assist with various tasks whenever employee was absent or at lunch.
- Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits, and recordkeeping.
Special Education Coordinator
Denham Oaks Elementary School
Lutz, FL
10.2003 - 06.2015
- Developed yearly review meetings with evaluation team to ensure that reevaluations are processed in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement effective instructional strategies.
- Coordinated professional development workshops for special education staff.
- Monitored compliance with state and federal special education regulations.
- Led interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss student progress and interventions.
- Maintained accurate records pertaining to student performance benchmarks aligned with regulatory requirements.
- Coordinated the delivery of specialized services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling for eligible students.
- Developed strong relationships with parents, caregivers, and outside service providers to support student progress both in school and at home.
Inside Customer Service Manager
Central Merchandising, Inc
Morton Grove, IL
09.1993 - 11.2002
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through effective conflict resolution and support strategies.
- Streamlined communication between departments to improve service delivery efficiency.
- Developed training programs for staff, focusing on best practices in customer service.
- Implemented quality assurance measures, ensuring adherence to service standards.
- Resolved customer complaints while prioritizing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Took ownership of customer issues and followed problems through to resolution.
- Processed equipment and supply orders for customers projects and ensured timely delivery of products.
- Managed a team of customer service representatives, fostering a positive work environment focused on teamwork and collaboration.
- Reduced customer complaints, proactively addressing issues and implementing effective solutions.
Education
MBA - Marketing And Human Resource Management
Keller Graduate School of Management
Chicago, ILBachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, ILSkills
- Customer service
- Office administration
- Office management
- Schedule coordination
- Process improvement
- Budget planning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Report generation
- Business operations management
- Team building
- Deadline management
- Operations management
- Business recordkeeping
- Sales support
- Credit and collections
- Policy and procedure modification
- Human resources
- Financial administration
- Expense reporting
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking and organization
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Microsoft office
- Employee supervision
- Documentation and recordkeeping
- Handling complaints
- Task prioritization
- Self motivation
- Administration and operations
- Conflict resolution
- Professionalism
- Administrative procedures
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of administrators and support staff in the implementation of new student fee system and student information system.
- Proficient in Excel, Microsoft office and Skyward financial system.
- Manage student fees and lunch accounts in Pushcoin.
- Cross training within department to support the functions of the business office operation.
Timeline
Business Office Coordinator
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95
03.2016 - Current
Special Education Coordinator
Denham Oaks Elementary School
10.2003 - 06.2015
Inside Customer Service Manager
Central Merchandising, Inc
09.1993 - 11.2002
MBA - Marketing And Human Resource Management
Keller Graduate School of Management
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Loyola University of Chicago