Madra Bell

Madison, MS ***** * Email:ad19qa@r.postjobfree.com * Home: 601-***-**** * Mobile: 601-***-**** Experienced Subject Matter Expert

Human Resources * Administrative* Legal Analysis*Finances Experienced Subject Matter Expert with more than 10 years’ experience driving overall business performance and employee engagement by proactively diagnosing issues and opportunities while taking the necessary actions to address issues. Proven ability to serve as a consultant, anticipating and analyzing problems at the individual, team, and leadership levels to identify actionable recommendations. Skilled in collaborating closely with business leaders and SME’s to develop and implement solutions that drive organizational and business-unit objectives. Specialized skills in:

" Federal, state and local laws and regulations governing human resource procedures, veterans' rights, veterans’ benefits and obligations, as well as fostering effective relationships.

" Problem solving techniques used to clarify or resolve discrepancies between regulatory guidelines and supportive evidence.

" Interviewing techniques. Making contact with new hires to schedule individual reviews and orientations.

" Providing analytical, evaluative, and program development support to Management and Strategy programs which includes developing detailed approaches and steps to facilitate the implementation of human resource policies and program requirements, as well as administrative and project management program requirements (i.e., database management, research and analysis).

" Providing policy advice and technical program consultation to supervisors and managers. Providing expert advice to management regarding legal collaboration, restructuring requirements, billing matters, and human resources.

" Utilizing Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) to develop metrics and performance measures for service delivery analysis. Facilitates the development and execution of agency and human capital management policies, strategic human capital activities and initiatives.

" Areas of Expertise: Research, Data Analysis, Benefits Coordination, Recruiting, Process Improvement, Project Management, Compliance, Billing, Conflicts Management, Human Resources, accounting, budget, financial management, fiscal operations, time keeping and record keeping. Technical Skills Include:

USAJOBS, USA Staffing, HR Now, E-OPF, My Pay, Typing Skills: 65 wpm, 296.33 Guide to Processing Personnel Actions, OPM Qualification Standard Operating Manual, Federal Employee Health Benefits, Thrift Saving Plan, CFR – Code of Federal Regulations, Microsoft Office, Aderant Expert, LexisNexis Database RELATED EXPERIENCE

Conflicts Coordinator and Intake Specialist July 2019 – July 2020 Jones Walker LLP

Responsible for gathering information from established databases and from attorneys involved in order to establish whether a conflict of interest exists.Performs research in public databases and in the Firm's conflict management systems. Analyze findings and present results in a timely and organized fashion. Additional Duties:

• Performs searches of external and internal databases for pertinent information on existing and prospective clients, prospective employees and related parties.

• Processes requests for conflicts searches, perform necessary research, and complete business intake forms.

• Verifies that all searching is complete, consistent, and accurate and that all Firm conflicts procedures have been followed.

• Analyzes and interpret complex search results according to rules of professional conduct applicable professional standards and generates conflict reports. Provides guidance to internal customers regarding conflicts and intake policies and procedures. Creates a well-organized written analysis for attorneys.

• Performs self-evaluative quality control checks of conflict reports prior to delivery to the requesting engagement team.

• Assists department leadership in obtaining appropriate documentation to ensure all engagements and conflict resolutions are documented and recorded in the Firm's conflicts system.

• Follows up on new business and conflict issues with department colleagues and attorneys, when necessary.

• Collaborates with team members on new business, new employees and projects, with attention to deadlines and time-sensitive issues.

• Contributes to process, procedure, and technology improvements in order to reduce risk and improve efficiency.

Conflicts Analyst (Promoted*) August 2017 – July 2019 Butler Snow LLP; Ridgeland, MS

Responsible for gathering information from established databases and from attorneys involved in order to establish whether a conflict of interest exists. Assesses whether new mandates (and/or changed circumstances in pending mandates).

Additional Duties:

• Performs searches of external and internal databases for pertinent information on existing and prospective clients, prospective employees and related parties.

• Analyze and interpret complex search results according to rules of professional conduct applicable professional standards and generates conflict reports. Provides guidance to internal customers regarding conflicts and intake policies and procedures.

• Performs self-evaluative quality control checks of conflict reports prior to delivery to the requesting engagement team.

• Assists department leadership in obtaining appropriate documentation to ensure all engagements and conflict resolutions are documented and recorded in the Firm's conflicts system.

• Conducts research using a variety of data sources including information from recognized and creditable non governmental organizations, not-for-profit organizations.

• Prepares reports identifying findings and corrective actions; contributes to the preparation of correspondence to obtain action plans.

• Analyzes data obtained from a variety of sources to evaluate validity and accuracy of data provided and to identify risks.

Billing and Matter Management Assistant November 2015 – August 2017 Butler Snow LLP; Ridgeland, MS

Responsible for researching and responding to inquiries regarding billing issues and problems. Entered Partners’ time entries into the Firm’s time and billing system, as required, either received directly from the Partner or from the Firm’s Digital Dictation Expert. Monitored entry of time on schedule prescribed by Firm and sent reminders as needed. Prepared expense reimbursement and disbursement requests, including travel and expenses. Additional Duties:

• Responsible for supporting the administrative tasks necessary to open a new client’s file.

• Responsible for making changes to the client matter required through the workflow process throughout the life of the matter.

• Handled the administrative tasks necessary to close matters through workflow in collaboration with the Accounting Department and Records Management Department.

• Position supported the delivery of quality legal services to clients by providing legal billing support to attorneys, performing billing management tasks, and working collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment.

• Collaborated with attorneys to manage the matter opening and closing process.

• Reviewed and verified the accuracy of billing and supporting documentation as required in both paperless and paper environments.

• Ensured that invoices are submitted in a timely fashion and that all reductions or rejections to invoices are addressed immediately.

• Prepared outgoing bills for mailing and coordinated client billing matters with the Accounting Department.

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Human Resources Specialist (GS-12) January 2009 - June 2011 Veteran Benefits Administration; Jackson, MS

As a Human Resource Specialist, responsible for providing position classifications and management, recruitment and placement, management advisory services for assigned Regional Offices within the jurisdiction of the Human Resource Center. Responsible for mentoring new and senior HR Specialist. As a part of mentoring, responsible for reviewing personnel actions such as reassignments, promotions and various appointments. Consulted by some senior specialist regarding understanding regulations, rules or guidelines that are complicated and left to interpretation. As a senior specialist with years of experience, asked questions regarding appointments, promotions, reassignment, classifications and pay setting, which often required corrections and/or cancelations. As well as, responsible for participating in various audits.

Additional Duties:

• Prepared and posted vacancy announcements for all internal and external positions. Made qualification determinations using federal regulations and policies. Constructed certificates of qualified and eligible applicants for hiring officials.

• Issued job commitments correspondence for new employees. Initiated background investigations for security checks.

• Ensured that pay, entitlements, and work schedules were set in accordance with federal laws and regulations.

• Determined employee eligibility for appointments, promotions, demotions, and other personnel actions.

• Provided guidance to management, department heads and employees concerning individual employee relations problems.

• Interpreted the laws, rules, and regulations to department officials and employees involving problems of classification, pay suspension, separations, leave, reinstatements, and reemployment.

• Audited performance appraisals to ensure accuracy, compliance and completion. Program Analyst/Office Coordinator (GS-09) November 2007 – January 2009 Veteran Affairs Regional Office; Jackson, MS

Responsible for performing duties such as: managing projects; capturing business requirements; writing policies and procedures; supporting administrative operations; responding to inquiries on scanning and mail receipt; preparing and providing briefings; performing training; and data analysis. Performed administrative and analytic tasks related to administrative issues, including reviewing mail packages, resolving various issues related to mail processing and providing analysis to leadership, assigning work to various work queues, processing access requests, reviewing trouble tickets, sending out communications on systems outages and downtimes and monitoring system availability, etc. Additional Duties:

• Made eligibility determinations for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

• Coordinated weekly orientation meetings and testing groups for veterans in the program. Conducted and scheduled orientation briefings.

• Served as the liaison and researched issues for federal contractors.

• Timekeeper for employees within the department. Managed inventory levels and supplies for the office. Maintained liaison between the department and other departments and agencies of government.

• Audited purchase card charges for the staff members and prepared monthly financial reports for the department.

• Maintained accounts of all cost obligations for subsistence and expendable supply items.

• Examined accounting records for accuracy.

• Reported on monthly status of funds to supervisor Human Resource Liaison (GS-12) June 2003 - September 2006 Veteran Affairs Regional Office; Jackson, MS

Advised and directed the preparation of various types of personnel actions such as position changes, accessions, promotion, separations, etc. Provided counseling on federal benefit programs such as health benefit, life insurance, Federal Employees Retirement System, Thrift Savings Plan, Fair Labor Standards Act, Civil Service Retirement, Leave, Family and Medical Leave Act, etc. Responsible for providing assistance, advice, guidance, and services on EEO programs, policies, and practices. Skilled at providing information and guidance on Staffing and Recruitment processes regarding merit promotion, non-competitive recruitment, vacancy announcements, and general placement matters. Additional Duties:

• Coordinated training activities related to personnel management for all employees. Provided guidance to employees relating to employee benefits programs.

• Prepared documentation for management officials involved in disciplinary and adverse actions, grievances, and related process.

• Ensured that station policies and procedures complied with the National contract agreement with the union.

• Conducted local investigations to determine if management complied with the policies issued by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Prepared the documentation to validate the process.

• Prepared correspondence and conducted research for the station’s Worker’s Compensation Benefit Program.

• Administered the distribution of employee service pins and awards. Initiated paperwork for pay increases. Veteran Service Representative (GS-10) September 1999 - June 2003 Veteran Affairs Regional Office; Jackson, MS

Prepared and submitted appeals contesting decisions denying claims or the benefit amount awarded clients; researched and evaluated applicability of regulations and documents supporting claims; when necessary, represented clients before appeals board; interviewed veterans and their dependents for information needed to determine eligibility for a variety of benefits and services; discussed sensitive matters (e.g., marital or medical history) with veterans and their dependents. Advised and assisted them in establishing their rights to veterans’ benefits such as pensions, education, insurance, hospitalization, home loans, out-patient medical care and burial; processed applications for benefits; answered general inquiries made by phone and in person; provided information regarding claims procedures, and eligibility criteria; dealt with clients of various socio-economic levels and temperaments; made referrals to other agencies.

Additional Duties:

• Served as the primary contact for claimants and their representatives.

• Composed correspondence about veteran benefit programs and entitlement criteria. Identified issues and gathered relevant evidence to adjudicate benefit claims.

• Authorized payments for cases that did not require rating decisions. Input data necessary to generate awards.

• Compiled notification letters to veterans describing decisions and the justification. Conducted interviews in person or by telephone with veterans, eligible individuals, representatives, and advocates.

• Served in the call center on a weekly basis to provide customer service support to disabled veterans, legal guardians and family members. ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Domestic Engineer July 2011 – November

2015 Occupied temporary positions on occasion to be more readily available for my family. Statistician (GS-9) October 1998 – October

1999 USDA, Risk Management Agency; Columbia, South Carolina Designed surveys, build the frames, conduct various phases of large-scale surveys. Developed procedures for interpreting survey results and analyzed the data for trends and results. Included commodity or survey statistics, remote sensing, the Census of Agriculture. Evaluate data for validity and accuracy and applied models that resolved problems. Conducted research on survey design, sampling, and other methodological issues which included estimation theory, statistical computing, non-sampling error management and remote sensing. EDUCATION

Master of Science, Economics (Agricultural),

1998 Alcorn State University; Lorman,

Mississippi GPA: 3.9 on a 4.0 Scale (High

Distinction) Honors: Alcorn State Graduate

Assistantship

Bachelor of Science, Economics (Agricultural),

1996 Alcorn State University; Lorman,

Mississippi GPA: 3.72 on a 4.0 Scale (Magna Cum

Laude) Honors: National Dean's List (1993-1996)

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