Tesa Hunnicutt
Kansas City,US
Summary
People-centered Operations Leader with over 10 years of experience spanning HR, payroll, accounts payable, compliance, hiring, performance management, and operational strategy. Proven ability to build scalable systems, develop high-performing teams, and bring structure to fast-moving environments. Combines financial operations precision with people-first leadership to drive growth, accountability, and culture.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Jackson County
06.2023 - Current
- Oversee operational workflow, workload distribution, and scheduling for a 22-person Accounts Payable department to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and service continuity
- Directly manage performance, coaching, hiring, and formal evaluations for 10 team members, driving a nearly 2-point increase in average evaluation ratings within one review cycle
- Lead hiring, onboarding, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement initiatives to strengthen team capability and accountability
- Implement and standardize documentation practices to improve accuracy, reduce errors, and enhance cross-functional clarity
- Serve as escalation point for complex vendor and internal financial issues, resolving conflicts while protecting compliance and relationships
- Partner with HR and Finance leadership to align departmental operations with broader organizational goals and policy requirements
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Zeiter Tax Services
10.2021 - 06.2023
- Managed administrative operations in a high-volume, client-facing environment
- Processed invoices and supported payroll reconciliation
- Led process improvements resulting in a 20% reduction in labor costs
- Coordinated hiring event and conducted initial candidate interviews
- Maintained 98% client satisfaction through service excellence
- Built documentation systems to improve reporting accuracy and operational clarity
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Miracles Day Care For Infants
05.2013 - 06.2023
- Led daily business operations including staffing, compliance, payroll coordination, and performance management
- Owned hiring lifecycle: recruiting, onboarding, promotions, coaching, and separations
- Managed employee compensation planning and talent development
- Developed and implemented HR policies and procedures ensuring labor law compliance
- Reduced labor costs by 20% through staffing optimization and workflow improvements
- Served as primary HR partner resolving employee conflicts and benefits-related concerns
- Built internal documentation and reporting systems to support leadership decisions
- Led DEI-focused initiatives and culture improvements
- Oversaw parent communication systems and operational service quality
Education
MBA -
Park University
Parkville, MOBachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, MOSkills
- Operations Strategy & Execution
- People Operations & HR Leadership
- Hiring, Onboarding, Promotions & Separations
- Payroll & Multi-State Compliance
- Accounts Payable & Vendor Management
- Policy & SOP Development
- Performance Management & Coaching
- Process Improvement & Systems Design
- Employee Relations & Culture Building
- Remote Team Leadership
Timeline
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Jackson County
06.2023 - Current
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Zeiter Tax Services
10.2021 - 06.2023
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Miracles Day Care For Infants
05.2013 - 06.2023
MBA -
Park University
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
Missouri Southern State University