Diane Gardner
Chicago
Summary
Senior credit analyst with extensive experience in credit analysis and collections, managing portfolios exceeding 800 accounts. Successfully recovered $1.2 million from invalid deductions while fostering strong stakeholder relationships. Proficient in preparing detailed reports for executive leadership, enhancing decision-making processes.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Credit Analyst
Amylu Foods LLC
Chicago
01.2015 - Current
- Prepared weekly collection reports, evaluated processes, measured portfolio efficiency, and forecasted monthly collection objectives.
- Interpreted complex terms for collection process and affiliate agreement terms and maintained relationships with internal and external customers.
- Reconciled bank receivables by verifying transactions and ensuring accuracy in financial records for CEO.
- Successfully manage portfolio for over 800 accounts.
- Strategically recouped funds from invalid deductions.
- Prepared reports for Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officers, and sales team on trends, collection efforts, adjustments, and invoice updates.
- Manage accounts receivable projection using Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
- Analyze accounts and make risk assessments.
- Contribute to strengthening risk infrastructure with processes to evaluate and control credit risk.
Credit & Collection Specialist
Mi-Jack Products
Hazelcrest
01.2013 - 06.2014
- Managed accounts receivables for the supply chain process for several assigned commodities supporting Mi-Jack manufacturing and Global Support Group.
- Managed revenue cycle process from prior authorizations to payment receipt, ensuring timely collections and cash flow.
- Prepared collection reports on a weekly basis and evaluated and managed all assigned portfolios and forecast monthly collection objectives.
- Established payment plans with delinquent debtors and negotiated settlements with creditors, facilitating recovery of otherwise uncollectible debts.
- Developed and implemented policies to resolve client outstanding balances.
- Analyzed accounts and made risk assessments.
- Handled processing of checks, ACH transfers, and credit card payments.
- Ran queries, resolving reconciling items, preparing reconciliations for processing.
- Handled portfolio of invoices for international and Mexico accounts for Customs, maintaining oversight of $1-2 million in receivables.
Credit & Collection Specialist
Cision US Inc.
Chicago
01.2013 - 06.2014
- Successfully reduced the Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) by 30%.
- Collected on high risk delinquent accounts, mitigating potential losses for service accounts.
- Contacted delinquent debtors by phone or mail to request payment or arrange a payment plan.
- Established client credit lines and developed payment plans to facilitate timely collections.
- Managed accounts receivables and payables, ensuring timely invoicing and processing of funds.
- Researched and resolved all payment discrepancies.
- Identified and discussed issues attributing to account delinquency with management.
- Research all deductions, credit the account, and or rebill.
- Managed all unidentified and unapplied cash receipt in a timely manner.
Bookkeeper/Secretary
J.R. Kent Construction
Chicago
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Ensured all permits were valid and up to date to facilitate compliance and project progress.
- Answered incoming phone calls and responded to emails expeditiously.
- Developed and maintained spreadsheets, reports, forms, and letters to streamline data management and communication.
- Made daily follow up calls on the status of all outstanding proposals.
- Managed a portfolio with approximately 20-50 jobsites.
- Evaluated and confirmed insurance on all properties involved.
- Created spreadsheet on replacement value on all materials for each jobsite.
- Coordinated appointments for city inspections for up to three projects simultaneously.
- Coordinated city inspections.
- Communicated with workers on what is needed before inspections.
- Acted as point of contact for vendors subcontractors, and various construction services teams and solicited quotes for bids on new jobs.
- Made arrangements with insurance companies to have funds mailed to lockbox.
Credit & Collection Analyst
Randa Accessories
Rosemont
01.1993 - 11.2011
- Processed and reviewed new and existing credit applications for small and large commercial accounts, ensuring accurate credit assessments.
- Evaluated company liquidity profitability and credit history.
- Managed a $5-20 million portfolio with approximately 600 accounts using the AS400.
- Analyzed credit relationships through review of Dun & Bradstreet reports and industry research and based on findings, assigned credit limit.
- Managed accounts receivable projecting using Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
- Evaluated and released orders from credit hold.
- Resolved past due issues through database queries and gathered financial information to facilitate timely collections.
- Followed up on delinquent accounts and maintained files on collection agency accounts.
- Made recommendation on uncollectable accounts for assignment to outside agency.
- Assisted in training new employees on proper collections procedures and techniques.
- Built rapport with customers to identify and address trends causing deductions, enhancing customer relationships.
- Communicated with sales staff, customer service, and shipping.
Education
Associates Degree - Accounting/Business Law
Wilbur Wright College
Chicago, ILSkills
- Credit Risk Analysis
- Credit risk analysis
- Risk Assessment Models
- Financial Reporting Tools
- Data Analytics Tools
- Excel and PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook and Word
Timeline
Senior Credit Analyst
Amylu Foods LLC
01.2015 - Current
Credit & Collection Specialist
Mi-Jack Products
01.2013 - 06.2014
Credit & Collection Specialist
Cision US Inc.
01.2013 - 06.2014
Bookkeeper/Secretary
J.R. Kent Construction
01.2012 - 12.2012
Credit & Collection Analyst
Randa Accessories
01.1993 - 11.2011
Associates Degree - Accounting/Business Law
Wilbur Wright College