KAREN THORP

Lake Zurich, IL ***** acgjo7@r.postjobfree.com (630) 347-

**** ****

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenthorp

Independent and proactive administrative specialist with strong

organizational skills, a natural talent for outside the box thinking. Serve

as point person for team collaboration. Experience from small to Fortune

500 companies both national and international, and not-for-profit

organizations. Excellent at streamlining process and have instinctive

problem resolution abilities.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Event Planning . Expense Reports . Financial Reconciliation . Project

Management . Accounts Payable/Receivable . Calendar and Travel Coordinator

. Executive Administrative . Coach and Mentor . Teamwork.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Microsoft Office Suite all versions including Publisher . Concur . Internet

research.

Databases: Sales Logics . ACT . Navision . Salesforce

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MetLife, 2014

Agency Assistant

> Created postage tracker ensuring precision and simplifying process.

> Provided friendly atmosphere and disposition for visitors, agents and

customer service calls.

> Produced reports, organized and distributed communications.

> Detail proofed new business applications ensuring compliance and no

delay before submitting to underwriting.

> Reviewed new insurance policies ensuring accuracy. Absolute

confidentiality required.

Walgreens, 2013 - 2014

Senior Administrative Assistant to Group Vice President and HR Director

> Structured, organized and expedited the activities and workload of

executives. Prioritized schedules, maintained calendars and developed

a system of follow-up for projects, meetings and issues to assure

operations are efficient and effective.

> Planned and strategized bringing energy and creative new ideas.

Arranged and coordinated details for meetings, conferences, and

special events. Trouble-shooted problems that arise.

> Prepared reports, presentations, documents, etc. Created presentation

materials to ensure affectivity.

> Delegated work to less experienced administrative staff. Coached and

mentored these individuals and created a working team. Provided input

on performance evaluations.

> Scheduled travel arrangements, including ground, flight, car hire

transportation and hotel accommodations. Prepared travel itineraries

and meeting schedules.

> Handled confidential and/or sensitive information with high

discretion.

> Managed various administrative projects. Participates in gathering

research and generate reports as needed. Notify project participants

on timelines and completion dates.

> Assist in compiling and developing the unit's annual budget. Process

expense reports and monitors incoming invoices. Prepare forms to

process and pay invoices.

Contract, 2013

Executive Assistant

> Provide administrative support to seven Senior Managers and Directors;

created, re-arranged and organized individual meetings and recurring

appointments.

> Arranged detailed travel itinerary to ensure successful business

meetings.

> An experienced team leader with the ability to initiate and manage all

manner of projects and requests.

> Structure planning, execution, and organization of tasks and meetings.

> Prioritize multiple tasks effectively.

> Skilled in creating collaboration in conflict situations.

Insperity, Libertyville, IL 2011 - 2012

Manager of Customer Engagements - Executive Assistant to Vice President

> Met goals for revenue 100% and exceeded goals working as a team 50%.

> Managed all aspects of event and conference details and supported both

parties from the primary stages throughout the booking and logistics

process; conference calls, travel, location venue. Met deadlines 100%.

> Managed accounts receivable bringing in 20% quicker payments.

> Created and edited proposals, researched speakers, confirmed

availabilities, fees and requirements. Improved the contract template.

Christ Church Lake Forest, Lake Forest, IL 2009 - 2011

Administrative and Receptionist

> Developed and managed a system that kept track of 50 plus families per

month, and prompted 15 pastors and/or ministry staff to follow up with

ministry matters resulting in satisfied members.

> Edited the content and flow of the weekly bulletin read by over 1000

people.

> Researched, compiled, managed and distributed to staff members weekly

church activity reports.

> Gathered, wrote and edited roughly 40 prayer requests per week while

supporting and comforting attendees..

> Initiated and created weekly motivational blogs sent to pastors,

staff, elders, deacons, ministry staff and non-staff resulting in life

change and direction for greater performance and personal development.

Converge Worldwide BGC, Arlington Heights, IL 2004 - 2009

Communication and Correspondence Specialist

> Maintained communication with 14 district offices and over 1000

churches throughout the U.S. for membership communications.

> Assisted staff members with a variety of administrative duties

including typing letters, setting up excel spreadsheets, entering

data, mail merging, update email, web addresses, filing, etc.

> Initiated meetings with staff members to resolve issues that come up

and provided solutions for the organization.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Head Office, Fortune 500 Companies, Chicago and London, England

Business Owner, Reimbursement Supervisor, Reconciliation and Accounting,

Accounts Payable

> Upgraded, developed, and re-designed existing and new computer

programs and procedures to meet department requirements.

> Reviewed and authorized reimbursements for managerial expenses.

> Provided quality training of staff in various ledger and computer

functions.

> Formulated Excel worksheets, adjusted and reconciled credit card and

sales records.

> Maintained daily communications with numerous offices throughout

London, acted as liaison with banks, customers and managers.

> Detailed work while managing multiple projects in a fast paced office

environment.

> Provided professional customer service within a demanding environment

due to tight finances.

> Compiled, processed, and investigated data for accurate inventory.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Harper College, Palatine IL

> Continual courses toward AA Degree (Honor Student).

> International Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa member.

> Writer's Courses, writing children's books.

Other

> Speaker at Morning Christian Women's Conference, First Reformed Church

of Oostburg, WI.

> Write to Publish Conference, Wheaton, IL.

> Writing for Publication course, Taylor University, IN.

> Life Skills International certification, Downers Grove, IL.

Contact this candidate