JAMES D. SMITH JR.
Peoria
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Accounting Clerk
Heyl Royster Attorneys at Law
Peoria, IL
06.2024 - Current
- Maintained accurate financial records using accounting software to ensure compliance.
- Assisted in preparing monthly financial statements and reports for management review.
- Coordinated with vendors and clients to resolve billing discrepancies promptly.
- Implemented improved filing systems, enhancing document retrieval efficiency by 30%.
- Trained new staff on accounting procedures and software usage to ensure consistency.
- Maintained organized filing systems for accounting records, ensuring easy access to crucial financial information when needed.
- Maintained accounting records utilizing in-house and client systems.
- Input high volume of monthly invoices with consistent accuracy.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries related to invoices, payments, or account balances.
- Collaborated with other accounting clerks to maintain a cohesive and supportive work environment, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement efforts.
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by conducting thorough account reconciliations and resolving discrepancies promptly.
- Identified and resolved internal accounting variances, promoting data accuracy.
- 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.
- Processed credit card payments and reconciled credit card statements for accuracy in accounting process.
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts and tracked expenses.
- Supported management by processing invoices and documents with consistent on-time delivery.
- Managed and responded to correspondence and inquiries from customers and vendors.
- Reconciled company bank, credit card and line of credit accounts, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to keep accounts audit-ready.
- Streamlined bookkeeping procedures to increase efficiency and productivity.
- Maintained account accuracy by reviewing and reconciling checks monthly.
Supervisor of Financial Patient Accounts
OSF Healthcare System
Peoria, IL
08.2020 - 05.2024
- Managed and monitored financial status of patient accounts.
- Prepared delinquent accounts for collections.
- Issued patient account refunds and distributed checks by mail.
- Constructed patient financial payment plans to resolve account balances.
- Performed contractual adjustment write offs on account balances.
- Applied charity and discounts to account balances per percentage coverage.
- Discussed patient insurance coverage resulting in patient responsibility balances.
- Developed strong client relationships through timely and thorough follow-up on inquiries and concerns.
- Optimized departmental processes with the implementation of innovative strategies, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving complex issues and providing exceptional service at all times.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making strategies, improving overall business performance.
- Led training sessions for new employees to ensure smooth integration into the company culture and workflow.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, facilitating effective communication across departments and teams.
- Spearheaded process improvement initiatives that increased operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality output standards.
- Played an integral role in launching successful projects by coordinating tasks among team members while adhering closely to established timelines and budgets.
- Prioritized tasks to meet tight deadlines, pitching in to assist others with project duties.
- Managed customer relations through communication and helpful interactions.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on customer service strategies and techniques.
- Created solutions for customers to satisfy specific needs, quality and budget.
- Analyzed customer data to identify trends and anticipate customer needs.
- Generated sales reports and presentations for senior management.
- Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
Financial Revenue Auditor
Peterson Hotels - Holiday Inn & Suites
Peoria, IL
08.2020 - 03.2023
- Technical accounting skills
- Credit Card and Cash handling
- 3rd shift Front desk operations
- Customer service
- A thorough understanding of the hotel’s management software. (Opera)
- Outstanding postings to guest accounts are completed.
- Resolve discrepancies across any systems, including room status, rates and no-shows.
- All departmental accounts and financial information are balanced, so the date can be closed.
- Financial and operational reports, or the so-called night audit reports, are prepared and distributed.
- Resolved Any non-automated or manual back-ups are performed.
Emergency Dispatcher
Life Alert
Los Angeles, CA
12.2018 - 07.2020
- Improved response times by prioritizing and efficiently managing emergency calls.
- Enhanced dispatcher training programs for more effective communication with first responders.
- Maintained accurate records of dispatched calls and their outcomes, ensuring thorough documentation for future reference.
- Provided life-saving assistance with medical emergencies over the phone, guiding callers through proper procedures until help arrived.
- Collaborated closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure timely responses to incidents requiring police intervention.
- Supported community safety by effectively dispatching fire departments to fire-related emergencies.
- Streamlined information gathering from callers, allowing for quicker decision-making and resource allocation.
- Assisted in updating department policies and procedures to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness of emergency dispatch operations.
- Effectively managed stressful situations, maintaining a calm demeanor while providing crucial support to both callers and first responders.
- Promoted public safety awareness by participating in community outreach events and presentations related to emergency preparedness.
- Contributed positively towards team morale by fostering a supportive work environment within the dispatch center.
- Coordinated large-scale multi-agency responses involving multiple jurisdictions during major incidents or disasters.
- Received public emergency and non-emergency calls and supervised response prioritization in order to effectively dispatch official units such as police, fire, and EMS while tracking data in real-time environments.
- Identified cases requiring additional resources and interventions, reaching out to supervisor to determine best next steps.
- Automated document flow by ensuring logbooks and fire, accident, and emergency reports were maintained with 100% accuracy.
- Increased timely treatment protocols by leveraging current response and quality assurance requirements.
- Cultivated client rapport by interfacing with callers to aid with medical emergencies.
- Routed calls to police, fire, and ambulance service to meet individual call needs.
- Provided on-the-job training and coaching to develop new dispatchers.
- Communicated pre-arrival instructions to emergency medical personnel, helping first responders deliver appropriate care and support to individuals.
Legal Debt Specialist Negotiator
Law Office Of Stefon A. Jones
Los Angeles
05.2016 - 12.2018
- Managed financial delinquent accounts
- Credit monitoring and consulting
- Structured monthly payment plans to resolve balances
- Negotiated next financial actions taken to resolve balances due.
- Streamlined communication between attorneys and clients through diligent management of correspondence and scheduling.
- Reduced Enhanced legal team efficiency by drafting and reviewing documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
- Case backlog by prioritizing tasks and maintaining organized case files for easy access by attorneys.
- Improved client satisfaction with timely updates on case progress and addressing inquiries promptly.
- Assisted in securing favorable settlements by conducting thorough legal research and providing attorney support during negotiations.
- Supported trial preparation efforts with comprehensive witness interviews, exhibit organization, and attendance at pretrial conferences.
- Increased accuracy in billing records through meticulous timekeeping practices for all assigned cases.
- Prepared affidavits, deposition summaries, and other legal documentation to facilitate efficient navigation of complex litigation matters.
- Trained junior legal assistants in firm policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure smooth integration into the team environment.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while handling a high volume of client data across multiple practice areas.
- Optimized document retrieval processes by implementing an improved electronic filing system for streamlined access to information within the firm’s database.
- Expedited resolution of routine issues with opposing counsel or court staff through professional communication skills both written and verbal.
- Filed court documents and legal pleadings with court clerk on behalf of attorneys.
- Prepared and drafted correspondence and legal forms to maintain smooth communications.
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality, and extreme discretion.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Worked alongside attorneys, administrative assistants, and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
- Completed electronic filings, initiated billing statements, and managed firm administrative matters.
- Responded to client inquiries to provide accurate legal advice and offer assistance.
- Created spreadsheets to track client progress and document billable hours.
- Negotiated settlements and mediated disputes to create mutually beneficial solutions and maintain positive relationships.
- Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Generated leads to meet and exceed revenue goals by identifying new clients.
Pharmacy Technician CPHT
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
Peoria, IL
07.2014 - 05.2016
- Improved patient satisfaction by efficiently processing prescriptions and managing inventory in a timely manner.
- Enhanced pharmacy workflow by assisting pharmacists with medication dispensing, labeling, and packaging.
- Streamlined prescription processing with accurate data entry and verification of patient information.
- Reduced medication errors by diligently cross-checking medications against patients’ profiles before dispensing.
- Maximized pharmacy efficiency through effective communication with staff members and adherence to procedures.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized work environment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Aided pharmacists in preparing sterile compounding products for IV administration using aseptic techniques.
- Increased overall pharmacy productivity by restocking supplies, organizing shelves, and maintaining cleanliness according to standards.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between shifts by thoroughly documenting all relevant information for coworkers during handoffs.
- Promoted patient confidentiality by adhering to HIPAA regulations when handling personal information during transactions.
- Supported inventory management initiatives through accurate record-keeping of received shipments and expired medications for disposal purposes.
- Proactively identified potential issues or discrepancies in medication orders, collaborating closely with pharmacists to resolve them quickly.
- Provided exceptional customer service, fostering positive relationships with both new and returning patients at the pharmacy counter.
- Assisted in training new team members on standard operating procedures to ensure consistent quality of service across the entire team.
- Optimized workflow efficiency through participation in regular team meetings discussing areas for improvement within the department.
- Answered incoming phone calls and addressed questions from customers and healthcare providers.
- Calculated dosage, filled prescriptions, and prepared prescription labels with absolute accuracy.
- Solved customer problems in-person or over telephone by providing assistance with placing orders, navigating systems, and locating items.
- Counted and labeled prescriptions with correct item and quantity.
- Stocked, labeled, and inventoried medication to keep accurate records.
- Entered and processed patients’ prescriptions into internal system.
- Performed wide range of pharmacy operations with strong commitment to accuracy, efficiency and service quality.
- Collected co-payments or full payments from customers.
- Restocked pharmacy shelves with current merchandise to drive consistent peripheral sales.
- Consulted with insurance company representatives to complete claims processing, resolve concerns, and reconcile payments.
- Counted, measured and compounded medications following standard procedures.
- Counseled customers on medications, appropriate dosage and potential side effects.
- Welcomed customers to pharmacy and answered questions relating to prescriptions and over-the-counter products.
- Managed opening and closing duties for pharmacy.
- Provided consultations and answered inquiries from patients, healthcare professionals and physicians regarding drugs, potential side effects, and specified use.
Dental Assistant /Dental Treatment Coordinator
Secure Dental
Peoria, IL
06.2011 - 06.2014
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing gentle and thorough dental cleanings.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling for increased efficiency and reduced wait times.
- Assisted dentists with complex procedures, ensuring optimal patient care and treatment outcomes.
- Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
- Educated patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, promoting long-term dental health.
- Managed inventory of dental supplies, reducing waste and optimizing resource allocation.
- Collaborated with the dental team to develop customized treatment plans for individual patients.
- Provided chair-side assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.
- Conducted preliminary assessments of new patients, gathering crucial information for accurate diagnoses.
- Prepared instruments and equipment for use in dental procedures, ensuring their availability when needed.
- Increased patient retention by building rapport through excellent communication skills and a friendly demeanor.
- Contributed to office organization by maintaining accurate patient records and updating files regularly.
- Handled administrative tasks such as billing, insurance claims processing, and appointment confirmation calls to support office operations efficiently.
- Aided in the development of staff training materials, fostering a cohesive team environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Performed x-rays safely while adhering to radiation safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality diagnostic images for dentists’ evaluations.
- Supported dentists during oral surgeries by preparing surgical rooms with necessary tools and sterilized instruments.
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
- Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
- Performed general chair-side duties for general dentistry, endo procedures, and oral surgery.
- Explained treatment procedures and instructed patients on home care guidelines.
- Prepared patient x-rays and images for dentist review.
- Documented patient dental health information, medical history, and vital signs for future reference.
Education
HS Diploma -
Peoria High School
Peoria, IL01-2009
Technical Degree - undefined
Ashworth College
Norcross, GA01-2014
Bachelors Degree - undefined
California State University -CSUN
Northridge, California01-2013
Associate degree - undefined
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL01-2011
Skills
- Payment processing
- Invoice processing
- Clerical support
- Administrative support
- Recordkeeping
- File maintenance
- Bookkeeping
- Data processing
- Document scanning
- Invoicing and collections
- Team collaboration
- Account reconciliation
- Data organization
- Invoicing
- Accounting software proficiency
- Financial management
- Revenue recognition
Timeline
Legal Accounting Clerk
Heyl Royster Attorneys at Law
06.2024 - Current
Supervisor of Financial Patient Accounts
OSF Healthcare System
08.2020 - 05.2024
Financial Revenue Auditor
Peterson Hotels - Holiday Inn & Suites
08.2020 - 03.2023
Emergency Dispatcher
Life Alert
12.2018 - 07.2020
Legal Debt Specialist Negotiator
Law Office Of Stefon A. Jones
05.2016 - 12.2018
Pharmacy Technician CPHT
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
07.2014 - 05.2016
Dental Assistant /Dental Treatment Coordinator
Secure Dental
06.2011 - 06.2014
Technical Degree - undefined
Ashworth College
Bachelors Degree - undefined
California State University -CSUN
Associate degree - undefined
Illinois Central College
HS Diploma -
Peoria High School
AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CERTIFIED NEUROPATHY LASER TECHNICIAN | BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION | HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION | LICENSED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN | PARALEGAL STUDIES