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
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
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
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