Leslie Smart
Belton
Summary
Accomplished accountant with expertise in financial reconciliations and mentoring at The Raytown Water Company. Proven ability to enhance decision-making through comprehensive reports and improve customer satisfaction by resolving billing discrepancies. Skilled in Microsoft Excel and critical thinking, driving compliance and efficiency.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Accountant
The Raytown Water Company
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Assisted with compiling system wide information for meter conversion from traditional meter reading to AMI.
- Familiar with Aclara metering software through certification, training and daily use.
- Investigated and resolved reading and billing issues utilizing work orders and critical thinking.
- Reviewed daily irregular consumption reports and resolve issues.
- Managed monthly financial reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
- Mentored junior accounting staff on best practices and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
- Documented cash, credit, fixed assets, accrued expenses, and line of credit transactions.
- Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed books.
- Completed daily cash functions like account tracking, payroll and wage allocations, budgeting, donating, and cash, and banking reconciliations.
- Used advanced software to prepare documents, reports, and presentations.
- Maintained accurate records of fixed assets, including acquisition costs, depreciation schedules, and current values for insurance purposes.
- Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
- Developed comprehensive financial reports for stakeholders, enhancing decision-making processes.
Accounting Clerk
The Raytown Water Company
04.2013 - 05.2023
- Processed invoices accurately to ensure timely payments and maintain vendor relations.
- Assisted in budget preparation by compiling financial data and projections for management review.
- Oversaw payroll processing, ensuring accuracy in employee compensation and compliance with regulations.
- Maintained organized filing systems for accounting records, ensuring easy access to crucial financial information when needed.
- Input high volume of monthly invoices with consistent accuracy.
- Managed accounts payable and receivables and payroll.
- Assisted in payroll processing tasks such as timesheet validation, overtime calculation, benefits administration, and tax deductions.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries related to invoices, payments, or account balances.
- Supported audit preparations through meticulous documentation review and prompt response to auditor inquiries.
- Improved cash flow management with diligent monitoring of incoming payments and timely collections followups.
- Demonstrated adaptability by learning new software tools and accounting practices, ensuring continued professional development and growth.
- Processed payments and documents such as invoices, journal vouchers, employee reimbursements, and statements.
- Matched purchase orders with invoices and recorded necessary information.
- Generated invoices upon receipt of billing information and tracked collection progress.
- Entered figures using 10-key calculator to compute data quickly.
- Reconciled company bank, credit card and line of credit accounts, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to keep accounts audit-ready.
Customer Service Representative/Utility Billing Clerk
The Raytown Water Company
10.1999 - 04.2013
- Processed utility billing inquiries and resolved discrepancies efficiently.
- Managed customer account updates and maintained accurate billing records.
- Implemented streamlined procedures for payment processing and collections.
- Trained new staff on billing software and customer service protocols.
- Led initiatives to reduce billing errors, improving overall customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced communication with field technicians to ensure timely maintenance of utility equipment.
- Simplified complex rate structures for customers through clear explanations, enhancing understanding of billed services.
- Improved accuracy in meter reading data collection, resulting in fewer billing discrepancies and disputes.
- Monitored outstanding balances on a regular basis, identifying trends and initiating collections efforts when necessary.
- Collaborated with other departments to resolve complex billing issues, ensuring customer satisfaction and retention.
- Participated in ongoing training sessions to stay current on changes within the utility industry affecting billing procedures.
- Maintained updated customer account information, providing accurate billing statements and addressing inquiries promptly.
- Increased efficiency in utility billing processes by implementing new software and data entry methods.
- Generated detailed monthly reports highlighting key performance indicators, assisting management in identifying areas for improvement.
- Utilized strong organizational skills to maintain an accurate filing system for all utility-related documents.
- Reviewed incoming meter readings for accuracy before inputting data into the billing system, catching potential errors early.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding their utility bills, fostering positive relationships between the company and its clients.
- Achieved timely resolution of disputed charges by thoroughly investigating customer concerns and adjusting invoices accordingly.
- Assisted customers with setting up payment plans or extensions, minimizing delinquent accounts and improving revenue collection.
- Conducted audits on existing accounts to identify potential errors or inconsistencies in billing records.
- Contributed to the development of new policies and procedures to enhance overall utility billing operations.
- Managed sensitive client information with discretion while maintaining strict confidentiality protocols as required by law.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and standards during all aspects of the billing process.
- Interacted with customers to resolve billing disputes and respond to inquiries.
- Verified accuracy of billing data and corrected discrepancies.
- Processed customer invoices, credit memos and payments within established timelines.
- Handled account payments and provided information regarding outstanding balances.
- Maintained detailed records of customer payments and billing adjustments.
- Executed billing tasks and recorded information in company databases.
- Monitored outstanding invoices and performed collections duties.
- Entered and maintained billing information in company internal databases for accessibility.
- Responded to customer concerns and questions on daily basis.
- Used data entry skills to accurately document and input statements.
- Audited and corrected billing and posting documents for accuracy.
- Collaborated with customers to resolve disputes.
- Utilized various software programs to process customer payments.
- Maintained accurate records of customer payments.
- Processed payment via telephone and in person with focus on accuracy and efficiency.
- Produced and mailed monthly statements to customers and assisted with related requests for information and clarification.
- Entered invoices requiring payment and disbursed amounts via check, electronic transfer or bank draft.
- Kept vendor files accurate and up-to-date to expedite payment processing.
- Reconciled accounts receivable to general ledger.
- Encoded and canceled checks using bank machines.
- Resolved customer inquiries through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
- Trained new team members on company policies and best practices for superior customer service delivery.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
- Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
- Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to new hires, contributing to their successful integration into the team.
- Addressed customer inquiries to ensure satisfaction and foster positive service experience.
- Participated in training programs to enhance product knowledge and customer service skills.
- Trained new Customer Service Representatives on company policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints quickly.
- Delivered prompt service to prioritize customer needs.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of product and service changes.
- Educated customers about billing, payment processing and support policies and procedures.
- Trained new personnel regarding company operations, policies and services.
- Cross-trained and provided backup support for organizational leadership.
- Investigated and resolved accounting, service and delivery concerns.
- Monitored cash drawers in multiple checkout stations and maintained adequate cash supply.
- Cross-trained and backed up other customer service managers.
- Identified and resolved discrepancies and errors in customer accounts.
Education
High School Diploma -
Belton High School
Belton, MOSkills
- Customer service
- Critical thinking
- Problem resolution
- Computer proficiency
- Microsoft Excel
- Complaint resolution
- Payment processing
- Professional telephone demeanor
- Microsoft outlook
- Product knowledge
- Administrative support
- Clerical support
Certification
Aclara meter installation
Aclara meter reading and billing software
Timeline
Accountant
The Raytown Water Company
05.2023 - 08.2024
Accounting Clerk
The Raytown Water Company
04.2013 - 05.2023
Customer Service Representative/Utility Billing Clerk
The Raytown Water Company
10.1999 - 04.2013
High School Diploma -
Belton High School