Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Wendy De La Cruz

Elfrida,AZ

Summary

Dynamic Payroll Benefits Coordinator with a proven track record in fast-paced environments. Known for exceptional productivity, consistently delivering high-quality results under pressure. Core competencies include payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management, supported by strong communication and problem-solving skills. Committed to ensuring efficient operation of payroll and benefits systems while adapting to last-minute changes.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Customer Care Associate

Arizona Public Service Co
Phoenix, AZ
10.2023 - Current

Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.

Assist customers with service orders, billing questions, energy savings tips, and high bill resolution.

Processed stop service orders, and assisted customers when service was disconnected for non-payment.

Assist customers with the website or mobile application. Assist customers with payments for services and energy-saving programs.

Payroll Benefits Corrdinator

City Of Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista, AZ
04.2018 - 10.2023

Assisted in the administration of health, life, disability, and other benefits.

Processed garnishments, child supports, and levies in accordance with federal and state laws.

Created payroll-related reports for pension plans, insurance, and other benefits.

Supported payrolls, driving timely and accurate payment of employee wages.

Onboarded new employees in time reporting and payroll systems.

Monitored changes in government regulations relating to employee benefits programs.

Reconciled payroll accounts and resolved discrepancies in a timely manner.

Maintained documentation related to employee benefits programs.

Investigated discrepancies between reported hours worked and paychecks issued.

Maintained and updated database for invoicing and accounting reconciliation.

Reviewed occupational data on alien employment certification applications to determine occupational titles and codes.

Processed employee rehires, transfers, terminations and withholdings.

Updated payroll records by entering changes in exemptions, insurance coverage, savings deductions, and job title and department and division transfers.

Extracted information from payroll system and generated reports for various departments and vendors.

Assisted in the development of training materials related to benefit program policies and procedures.

Ensured timely payment of premiums for group health insurance policies.

Implemented new payroll software, leading to a reduction in processing errors.

Calculated and processed end-of-year bonuses and adjustments with XX% accuracy.

Issued employees' paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions electronically.

Researched and resolved employee payroll questions and issues via email, phone and in person.

Conducted regular audits of payroll records to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Voided checks and issued stop payment orders to correct payroll discrepancies.

Developed procedures for the efficient processing of payroll transactions.

Coordinated with HR to ensure accurate employee data for payroll processing.

Tracked vacation, sick leave, and other time off accruals for all employees.

Oversaw payroll processing to comply with tax laws and court-ordered wage assignments and garnishments.

Conducted audits of payroll systems to identify errors or inconsistencies in payroll data.

Researched employee benefit and health and safety practices, recommending changes or modifications to existing policies.

Coordinated the distribution of annual W-2 forms to employees.

Prepared and submitted payroll reports for review by senior management.

Generated monthly reports on employee contributions towards 401K plans.

Managed timekeeping system and resolved any timecard discrepancies.

Processed and monitored sick pay, vacation pay, and other leave entitlements accurately.

Handled the setup and validation of direct deposit instructions for employees.

Responded to inquiries from employees about their benefit packages.

Administered employee insurance, pension and savings plans, working with insurance brokers and plan carriers.

Collaborated with employees and supervisors to immediately resolve discrepancies in timesheets.

Collaborated with external auditors during annual audits, providing necessary payroll records and explanations.

Maintained up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws to ensure compliance.

Prepared reports on the status of employee benefits programs for management review.

Communicated with third-party vendors regarding billing and services provided.

Assisted employees with payroll-related inquiries, providing clear and concise information.

Resolved discrepancies between payroll records and employee benefit data.

Offered subject matter expertise on employment regulations, compensation policies and personnel management procedures to optimize internal structures.

Reviewed employee benefit requests to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws.

Coordinated with insurance providers to provide employees with benefits information.

Analyzed current processes related to payroll and benefit activities and recommended improvements as needed.

Provided training to new payroll department staff on payroll systems and procedures.

Developed and maintained detailed payroll documentation and procedures guides.

Collaborated with Human Resources staff on various projects related to payroll and benefits administration.

Processed new hire paperwork for benefit eligibility and enrollment.

Provided support to employees regarding their retirement plans or stock options.

Managed the annual open enrollment process for all eligible employees.

Performed payroll calculations, including deductions and withholdings for all employees.

Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.

Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.

Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.

Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.

Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.

Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.

Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.

Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.

Updated and maintained databases with current information.

Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.

Benefits Coordinator

Cochise County Human Resources
Bisbee, AZ
01.2004 - 09.2017

Resolved employee issues related to benefits, serving as a liaison between employees and insurance providers.

Oversaw enrollment of new employees and company-wide yearly enrollment period.

Stayed current with benefits trends and legislation through continuous education and professional development.

Assisted employees with benefits enrollment and changes, providing guidance on plan options and implications.

Conducted surveys and focus groups to assess employee satisfaction with benefits offerings and identify improvement areas.

Led weekly open enrollment question and answer session with employees on benefit program updates.

Provided support for special projects related to benefits administration such as developing online enrollment systems or evaluating wellness programs.

Administered leave programs such as FMLA, PTO, and disability leave, ensuring compliance and proper tracking.

Produced detailed reports and data models to help clients pick optimal plans.

Performed routine audits of payroll deductions for accuracy and compliance with applicable laws.

Analyzed benefits usage and cost trends to advise on plan adjustments and negotiations with vendors.

Responded to inquiries from current and former employees regarding their benefits package.

Processed benefits invoices for payment, verifying accuracy and resolving discrepancies with vendors.

Assisted employees with enrollment in health and welfare plans.

Provided training and support to HR team members on benefits administration best practices.

Communicated effectively via email, phone and face-to-face with plan participants to resolve issues pertaining to health and welfare benefits.

Developed and maintained benefits policies and procedures manuals.

Assisted with the preparation of reports and presentations on benefits programs for senior management.

Managed and maintained employee benefits programs including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Coordinated annual open enrollment process, including preparation of materials, presentations, and employee support.

Assisted in resolving discrepancies between payroll records and vendor invoices related to employee benefits packages.

Participated in open enrollment activities including preparing materials, conducting presentations, answering questions, and distributing information packets.

Implemented wellness initiatives aimed at improving employee health and reducing healthcare costs.

Participated in benefits renewal process, analyzing proposals and making recommendations.

Drafted written communications about changes in the organization's benefits program or offerings.

Coordinated with external auditors during annual reviews of benefit plans for compliance purposes.

Conducted employee orientations to explain benefits programs.

Ensured accurate completion of required documentation when employees terminate employment or change benefit elections.

Developed and distributed communications materials to educate employees about their benefits and any changes.

Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations affecting benefits programs, including ACA and ERISA.

Maintained up-to-date knowledge of all benefit plan provisions, policies, and procedures.

Administered employee insurance, pension and savings plans, working with insurance brokers and plan carriers.

Researched employee benefit and health and safety practices, recommending changes or modifications to existing policies.

Discussed medical, dental, short-term and long-term benefit plans with new hires and eligible employees with status changes.

Mastered state and Federal benefit laws Including ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPPA and 401k administration.

Reviewed employee enrollments to verify accuracy, inputting information into company database.

Coordinated benefits processing, including enrollments, terminations and claims.

Maintained detailed records of employee benefits enrollments and changes for auditing and reporting purposes.

Checked accuracy and completeness of benefits applications and documents.

Conducted benefits orientation sessions for new hires, ensuring understanding of benefits offerings.

Provided assistance to plan participants by explaining benefits information to ensure educated selections.

Researched new benefits options that could be offered at competitive rates while providing maximum value to employees.

Managed claims processing activities related to employee benefits packages such as disability claims or long-term care claims.

Processed invoices related to employee benefits packages such as health insurance premiums, 401 contributions, life insurance premiums.

Collaborated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of services provided through the organization's benefits program.

Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.

Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.

Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.

Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.

Operated equipment and machinery according to safety guidelines.

Updated and maintained databases with current information.

Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.

Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.

Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.

Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.

Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.

Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.

Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.

Lead Medical Biller

Chiricahua Community Health Centers
Elfrida, AZ
04.1999 - 11.2004

Organized information for past-due accounts and transferred to collection agency.

Communicated with insurance representatives to complete claims processing or resolve problem claims.

Processed invoice payments and recorded information in account database.

Distributed or posted financial data to appropriate accounts and prepare simple reconciliations.

Generated and distributed month-end statements for customers and resolved related concerns.

Answered customer questions to maintain high satisfaction levels.

Executed account updates and noted account information in company data systems.

Eliminated inaccuracies in accounts payable payments by verifying information prior to generating checks and electronic payment transfers.

Managed all payments processing, invoicing and collections tasks.

Reviewed claims for coding accuracy.

Gathered information to produce accounts payable reports for review.

Resolved complex billing issues with third-party payers.

Prepared and submitted appeals to insurance companies when necessary.

Reviewed engine assigned codes and modifiers to update and verify accuracy.

Completed efficient drop and bulk filing to maintain well-organized and easily accessed systems

Identified and corrected discrepancies on patient accounts.

Coordinated communications between patients, billing personnel and insurance carriers.

Expedited payments by verifying accuracy and currency of vendor information.

Performed audits of medical records for accuracy in coding information.

Accurately input procedure codes, diagnosis codes and patient information into billing software to generate up-to-date invoices.

Handled billing, waivers and claims for private and commercial clients.

Reviewed account information to confirm patient and insurance information is accurate and complete.

Input details into accounts and tracked payments.

Monitored past due accounts and pursued collections on outstanding invoices.

Addressed and responded to staff and client inquiries regarding CPT and diagnosis codes.

Maintained billing software by updating rate change, cash spreadsheets and current collection reports.

Monitored accounts receivable aging reports, making adjustments as needed.

Submitted claims to insurance companies.

Applied HIPAA privacy and security regulations while handling patient information.

Collaborated with clinical personnel on documentation requirements that impact reimbursement outcomes.

Performed accurate and fully compliant monthly closing processes, accruals and journal entries.

Participated in meetings with physicians and other staff members to discuss current challenges facing the practice's revenue cycle management activities.

Created receiving reports and updated vendor balance sheets to record accounts payable.

Monitored customer account details for non-payments, delayed payments, and other irregularities.

Reviewed invoices for accuracy prior to submission for payment processing.

Trained staff members on coding techniques, billing protocols, and other aspects of medical billing operations.

Checked claims coding for accuracy with ICD-9 standards.

Weighed envelopes containing statements to determine correct postage and affix postage.

Submitted appeals using provider portals and phone communication.

Assessed billing statements for correct diagnostic codes and identified problems with coding.

Monitored reimbursement from managed care networks and insurance carriers to verify consistency with contract rates.

Acted as a liaison between patients and families and providers regarding inquiries about bills or payments.

Contacted insurance providers to verify insurance information and obtain billing authorization.

Prepared and posted weekly payments to vendors and suppliers.

Trained new team members on company policies and accounting systems to keep team operations productive and efficient.

Entered procedure codes, diagnosis codes and patient information into billing software to facilitate invoicing and account management.

Input statement information, reconciled accounts and resolved discrepancies.

Investigated past due invoices and delinquent accounts to generate revenues and reduce number of unpaid and outstanding accounts.

Performed insurance verification, pre-certification and pre-authorization.

Collected, posted and managed patient account payments.

Facilitated communication between clinicians and payers regarding disputed claims.

Reconciled codes against services rendered.

Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.

Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.

Completed facility and physicians credentialling.

Cashier Lead

Desert Videoland Oasis
Elfrida, AZ
08.1995 - 04.1997
  • Maintained cleanliness of checkout area during shifts.
  • Counted and balanced cashier drawers.
  • Processed returned merchandise by strictly following store return and exchange procedures.
  • Maintained work area and kept cash drawer organized.
  • Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up registers, counting money.
  • Scanned, priced, and bagged customer groceries quickly to keep lines moving.
  • Offered customers carry-out service at completion of transaction.
  • Assisted with training new cashiers and customer service team members to increase speed of onboarding.
  • Assisted customers with inquiries, returns, exchanges, refunds, and other transactions as needed.
  • Updated inventory records on a regular basis using POS systems.
  • Answered customer questions and provided store information.
  • Greeted customers promptly and responded to questions.
  • Welcomed customers, offering assistance to help find store items.
  • Verified customer age requirement for alcohol or tobacco purchases.
  • Processed payments through various methods.

Ordered supplies for cashiers when necessary.

Scanned items and checked pricing on cash register for accuracy.

Tracked company inventories, moved excess stock, and arranged products to improve sales.

Processed efficient and accurate cash, check, debit and credit card payments using Point-of-Sale system.

Kept check-out areas clean, organized and well-stocked to maintain attractive store.

Assisted management with developing and managing employee improvement strategies to encourage exceptional performance from staff.

Processed payments promptly for customers to exceed productivity standards.

Managed daily cashier operations, including training and scheduling of staff.

Answered phone calls to assist customers with questions and orders.

Maintained store security by monitoring surveillance cameras and responding to suspicious activity.

Assisted with stocking shelves and organizing merchandise displays.

Balanced registers at the end of each shift and prepared bank deposits.

Managed employee scheduling according to availability, forecasted customer levels and labor cost controls.

Education

High School Diploma -

Valley Union High School
Elfrida, AZ
05-1985

Skills

Complaint handling

Exceptional communication

Live chat support

Email correspondence

Technical troubleshooting

Customer service

Phone etiquette

Senior leadership support

Problem resolution

Time management

Data entry

Multitasking and organization

First call resolution

Billing coordination

Active listening

Timeline

Senior Customer Care Associate

Arizona Public Service Co
10.2023 - Current

Payroll Benefits Corrdinator

City Of Sierra Vista
04.2018 - 10.2023

Benefits Coordinator

Cochise County Human Resources
01.2004 - 09.2017

Lead Medical Biller

Chiricahua Community Health Centers
04.1999 - 11.2004

Cashier Lead

Desert Videoland Oasis
08.1995 - 04.1997

High School Diploma -

Valley Union High School
Wendy De La Cruz