Ashley Wood
Irondale, AL ***** ********@*****.*** +1-205-***-****
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Work Experience
Office Assistant/Freight Broker
Ballard Logistics-Birmingham, AL
September 2022 to April 2024
Brokering
•Coordinated and scheduled shipments for multiple clients, ensuring timely delivery of goods
•Negotiated rates with carriers to secure cost-effective transportation solutions
•Managed a high volume of incoming calls from drivers and customers, providing exceptional customer service
•Resolved any issues or delays in the transportation process by communicating effectively with drivers and clients
•Coordinated with warehouse personnel to ensure smooth loading/unloading of cargo at pickup/delivery locations
•Provided regular updates on shipment status to clients, keeping them informed throughout the transportation process
•Optimized load planning by consolidating multiple smaller shipments into full truckloads whenever possible
•Negotiated favorable rates with carriers to ensure cost-effective transportation of goods
•Managed the entire freight process from booking to delivery, ensuring timely and efficient transportation
•Utilized industry knowledge to match appropriate carriers with specific shipping needs, optimizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness
•Monitored shipment status and provided proactive communication to clients regarding any delays or issues
•Resolved transportation-related problems by collaborating with carriers, shippers, and receivers to find effective solutions
•Maintained accurate records of shipments, invoices, and contracts for compliance purposes
•Ensured all necessary permits were obtained for oversize or hazardous cargo shipments in compliance with regulations
•Provided exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries promptly and professionally
•Prepared accurate rate quotes based on shipment details such as weight, dimensions, origin/destination locations
•Investigated carrier safety records before contracting them for transport services
•Demonstrated expertise in negotiating terms of contracts between shippers/receivers & carriers
Office Assistant
•Maintained confidential files and records, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for quick retrieval
•Prepared reports, presentations, and correspondence using Microsoft Office Suite
•Managed incoming calls and emails, responding promptly and professionally to inquiries
•Organized office supplies inventory by monitoring stock levels and placing orders when necessary
•Managed multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment without compromising quality of work
•Handled sensitive information with discretion while adhering to company policies regarding data protection
•Maintained office equipment functionality by troubleshooting issues or coordinating repairs
•Assisted in event planning activities such as venue selection, vendor coordination, invitations distribution etc.
•Managed inventory levels by conducting regular stock checks and placing orders as needed
•Provided exceptional customer service to clients, addressing inquiries or resolving issues promptly and professionally
•Maintained confidentiality when handling sensitive documents or information
•Demonstrated excellent organizational skills by managing calendars, appointments, and deadlines effectively
•Performed general office duties such as filing paperwork, answering phone calls, and greeting visitors
•Cultivated positive relationships with clients resulting in XX% increase in customer satisfaction ratings
Cashier and Customer Service/waitress
Irondale Cafe-Irondale, AL
February 2017 to August 2019
Cashier
•Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently, handling cash, credit card, and mobile payments. Handled large volumes of cash securely, following established protocols for safekeeping and depositing funds
•Provided exceptional customer service by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and addressing their inquiries or concerns
•Maintained a clean and organized cashier station, ensuring efficient workflow for both customers and colleagues
•Collaborated with team members to resolve any discrepancies or issues related to customer transactions
•Assisted in training new cashiers on proper procedures for handling transactions and providing excellent customer service
•Utilized point-of-sale (POS) system to process orders and gift cards accurately while maintaining high transaction speed demonstrating strong attention to detail to ensure accurate pricing for customers
•when entering prices or discounts into the POS system Effectively communicated promotions or special offers to customers during checkout process, increasing upsell opportunities
•Resolved customer complaints or conflicts in a professional manner, striving to find satisfactory resolutions for all parties involved
•Maintained knowledge of current menu items, specials, promotions, and company policies to provide accurate information to customers as needed
Customer Service
•Participated actively in staff meetings or trainings aimed at enhancing product knowledge or improving customer service skills
•Supported other front-of-house staff members during busy periods by assisting with tasks such as bussing tables or restocking condiments
•Ensured compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, including proper handling of food items or cleaning procedures
•Maintained a positive and professional attitude even during high-stress situations, ensuring a pleasant experience for customers
•Collaborated with colleagues to maintain accurate cash drawer records and resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner
•Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when faced with unexpected challenges such as system malfunctions or difficult customers
•Consistently achieved high accuracy rates when processing transactions, minimizing errors and reducing the need for corrections
•Managed long lines effectively by maintaining composure and utilizing efficient transaction techniques
•Developed rapport with regular customers by remembering their preferences and providing personalized service whenever possible
•Contributed to a positive team environment by actively supporting colleagues during busy periods or challenging situations
•Adhered strictly to cash handling procedures outlined by the company's financial policies and protocols
•Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information such as credit card details or personal identification numbers (PINs)
•Cultivated relationships with customers by engaging in friendly conversation and showing genuine interest in their needs or preferences
•Assisted with maintaining cleanliness and organization of the front-of-house area, including restocking supplies or cleaning surfaces as needed
•Collaborated with colleagues to ensure smooth transitions during shift changes, providing accurate updates on ongoing transactions or customer requests
•Demonstrated strong knowledge of cash handling procedures, ensuring accuracy when counting back change to customers
•Maintained a high level of professionalism and integrity when handling confidential information such as credit card details or personal identification numbers (PINs)
•Actively participated in team meetings or trainings focused on improving cashier processes, enhancing customer service skills, or addressing any operational challenges
•Efficiently processed gift card transactions
Office Manager/Receptionist/bookkeeper
Alabama Electric Motor Service-Leeds, AL March 2007 to September 2011
•Developed and implemented efficient filing systems to improve document organization and retrieval Streamlined the invoice processing system by implementing an automated software solution resulting in a reduction in processing time
•Oversaw inventory management, ensuring adequate supply levels while minimizing waste and reducing costs by
•Coordinated office moves and renovations, successfully minimizing downtime and disruptions to workflow, twice
•Assisted in the implementation of new accounting software/ Utilized accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks) to input and track financial data accurately
•Helped Company go from using a Brother Wordprcessor
•Maintained confidential employee records, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations
•Used Quickbboks to create reports on office expenses, budget variances, and operational performance for senior management review
•Managed accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, ensuring accurate and timely payments and collections
•Performed monthly reconciliations for bank account, credit card statements, and other financial documents to ensure accuracy and resolve any discrepancies
•Implemented automated systems for expense tracking, reducing manual errors by XX%
•Provided support during external audits by preparing necessary documentation and answering auditor inquiries
•Assisted in the preparation of annual tax returns for individuals or businesses as required by law/regulations Collaborated with tax professionals to gather necessary documentation for the preparation of tax returns
•Monitored inventory levels to prevent stock outs or excess inventory costs; implemented just-in-time inventory system resulting in XX% reduction in carrying costs
•Reconciled general ledger accounts regularly identifying/resolving discrepancies promptly/ Prepared journal entries accurately/timely according to established guidelines/procedures
•Prepared monthly/quarterly/year-end financial statements accurately/timely according to GAAP(Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
•Managed cash flow effectively by monitoring/reconciling bank accounts regularly and optimizing cash management strategies
•Audited expense reports ensuring compliance with company policies/guidelines; identified fraudulent activities/errors saving the company $XX annually
•Mentored/trained new office staff members on best practices/procedures improving overall department performance/productivity
•Monitored accounts receivable aging report following up on overdue payments promptly reducing outstanding balances
•Maintained accurate financial records and performed bookkeeping duties for multiple people
•Managed all accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely payment of invoices and collection of outstanding debts
•Implemented efficient record-keeping systems to streamline bookkeeping processes
•Identified discrepancies or errors in financial records and resolved them promptly
•Developed effective strategies for managing cash flow to optimize working capital utilization
•Provided support during external audits by preparing requested documentation and answering auditor inquiries accurately
•Greeted and welcomed visitors, providing a positive first impression of the company
•Managed a high volume of incoming calls, efficiently routing them to the appropriate departments
•Maintained an organized front desk area
•Responded to inquiries from clients and employees in a timely manner, providing accurate information or directing them to the appropriate resources
•Handled sensitive documents with confidentiality and discretion, maintaining strict adherence to privacy policies
•Managed office supplies inventory by monitoring stock levels and placing orders when necessary
•Provided training to new employees on company policies/procedures as well as proper use of office equipment/software tools
•Implemented a comprehensive disaster recovery plan for company records that ensured minimal disruption during unforeseen events
Education
Some college in Business Administration
Jefferson State Community College - Birmingham, AL
Skills
•Time management
•Microsoft Outlook
•Journal Entries (10+ years)
•Logistics
•Customer service
•Account Reconciliation (5 years)
•Office Management (10+ years)
•Microsoft PowerPoint (10+ years)
•Accounts Receivable (5 years)
•Customer relationship management
•Microsoft Excel (5 years)
•Organizational skills
•Account management
•Microsoft Word (10+ years)
•Office Assistant (5 years)
•Bank Reconciliation (10+ years)
•General Ledger Accounting (10+ years)
•Accounts Payable (7 years)
•Communication skills
•QuickBooks (7 years)
•Leadership
•Computer skills
•Bookkeeping (10+ years)
•Microsoft Office (10+ years)
•English
•Negotiation
•Management