JOAN COLLIER
**** ** **** **., *******, NE *****
Home: 402-***-**** – Cell: 402-***-****
*************@*****.***
SUMMARY
Legal secretary/assistant, specializing in taxes, knowledgeable in insurance and real estate transaction as well, typing skills above average and computer literate, knowledge of Excel, and exceptional data entry skills as well as ten key calculating, above average skills in researching, some knowledge of multiple phone line systems.
HIGHLIGHTS
Analytical reasoning
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Account reconciliation
Quick learner, flexible and willing to change
Financial statements and analysis
Desire to achieve and excel
Flexible team player
Professional demeanor
General ledger accounting
Proficient using PC computer (Microsoft Office )
Good transcription and typing skills
Experienced with accounting spreadsheets
Strong organizational skills
Customer oriented
Able to multitask
Work well under stress to achieve deadlines
CURRENT CERTIFICATION
Enrollment Agent Certification to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service.
Expiration. Certification period from 4/01/2013 – 3/31/2016, (Master Tax Adviser).
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
Master Tax Adviser
H & R Block Tax Service 1/1991 - Current
Lincoln, NE.
Preparation of personal, corporate, partnership, gift tax returns under contract 12 months. January 1 thru April 15, and as needed occasionally thereafter.
Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Review financial records such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT
Secretary / Office Assistant
State of Nebraska SOS Program, at Lincoln Regional Center and Penitentiary
Lincoln, NE
Answered telephones and gave information to callers, took messages, and transferred calls to appropriate individuals.
Composed, typed, and distributed meeting notes, and routine correspondence.
Transcription of guards’ report of inmate activities and problems.
Operated office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arranged for repairs when equipment malfunctions.
Take dictation in shorthand or by machine and transcribed information.
Used computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.
Claims Service Assistant
General Casualty Insurance Company 1/1/1992 to 12/31/2003
Lincoln, NE
Assisted claims personnel, performing all duties from clerical to secretarial and adjusting small claims, reviewing policy coverage, etc.
Contacted or interview claimants, doctors, medical specialists, or employers to get additional information.
Entered claim payments, reserves and new claims on computer system, inputting concise yet sufficient file documentation.
Examined claims investigated by insurance adjusters, further investigating questionable claims to determine whether to authorize payments.
Investigated, evaluated and settled claims, applying technical knowledge and human relations skills to effect fair and prompt disposal of cases and to contribute to a reduced loss ratio.
Maintained claim files such as records of settled claims and an inventory of claims requiring detailed analysis.
Paid and processed claims within designated authority level.
Legal Secretary and Assistant for attorneys
Attended legal meetings, such as client interviews, hearings, or depositions, and took notes.
Completed various forms, such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients.
Drafted and typed office memos.
Mailed, faxed, or arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
Made photocopies of correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.
Organized and maintained law libraries, documents, and case files.
Prepared and distributed invoices to bill clients or pay account expenses.
Prepared and processed legal documents and papers, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, and pretrial agreements.
Received and placed telephone calls.
Reviewed legal publications and perform database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases.
Submitted articles and information from searches to attorneys for review and approval for use.