Accounting Office Manager with Client Relations Focus

Sandra Higgins

773-***-**** Chicago, IL ***** ***********@*****.*** www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-higgins SKILLED FINANCE PROFESSIONAL with expertise in Accounts Payable disciplines and practices. Dedicated and results-driven, passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and fostering strong relationships. Bilingual in Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing), bringing a multicultural perspective to communication and collaboration. Excel in problem-solving with a keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills to maintain quality in fast-paced, team-driven environments. Highly organized and dependable, effectively managing hospitality event planning and operations with efficiency, flexibility, and punctuality to ensure seamless execution of tasks and objectives. EXPERTISE

Accounts Payable Requests & Processes Recurring Payments & Reports Journal Entry Maintenance Signature Approvals Processes AP Aged Invoice & Reconciliation Reports Travel & Expense Reports and Audits Year-End Tax Forms & Filings for Vendors

Technical: MS Office, Opera, HIS, Aloha, C-Vent Conference Management, SAP, AppZen, Concur PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

OFFICE COORDINATOR/HOSPITALITY, YMCA OF THE USA, Chicago, IL Nov. 2025 – April 2026

Provided tech support, training, and guidance for the Cvent MRF.

Coordinated and assisted team management with the submission of Request For Proposal (RFP).

Oversaw posting and monitoring of travel processes and procedures to ensure accuracy and compliance. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, YMCA OF THE USA, Chicago, IL Sept. 2021 – Nov. 2025

Prepare recurring payments and reports for monthly check runs, including reference materials and SOP’s.

Execution of weekly check runs, inclusive of voided and stopped payments.

Oversaw the month-end closing, reconciliation, audits, and travel and expense reporting.

Monitor and report delinquent credit card balances to optimize the organization’s credit standing.

Developed and delivered a comprehensive training program on travel expense processes, equipping end users with the knowledge and tools to navigate policies, optimize compliance, and streamline reimbursement workflows.

Create Open Items, Aged Invoices, and General Ledger reports to balance monthly GL reconciliations. CONFERENCE CENTER COORDINATOR, YMCA OF THE USA, Chicago, IL July 2015 – May 2021

Planned and executed over 75 meetings annually for 15-200 attendees, coordinating logistics with catering, technology, and general services to ensure seamless events. Managed conference center reservations, room readiness, and guided Conference Center Assistants.

Greeted visitors, clients, and vendors, ensuring quality customer service at reception. Oversaw visitor access to the security system and badge provisioning. Informed meeting requestors of event pricing and service options.

Served as YMCA Conference at Your Service Agent, managed onsite meeting needs and troubleshooting AV requests. NIGHT AUDIT INCOME/REGISTRATION, MARRIOTT FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES, Chicago, IL March 2014 – July 2015

Balance and report on financial aspects to ensure all revenues are accurately accounted for. Performed nightly audits.

Perform Front Desk at Your Service Agent duties, including guest registration at arrival and departure, while delivering exceptional customer service representative of the Marriott brand.

Balance and close out banks, ensuring financial accuracy and compliance with hotel policies and standards. EMERGENCY REGISTRAR/PATIENT ACCESS CLERK, WEST SUBURBAN MEDICAL CENTER, Oak Park, IL Nov. 2011 – April 2013

Registered patients and collected patient data for insurance verification and copay administration. CREDIT MANAGER, INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, Rosemont, IL July 2008 – Sept. 2011

Developed and implemented credit policies and procedures with business unit management to minimize financial risks, reviewed and approved customer credit terms, and provided regular advice on potential bad debts and reserves.

Educated and trained staff on credit and collections best practices, arranged quarterly meetings with department heads, and coordinated efforts to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Assumed responsibility for collecting materially delinquent accounts, reviewed financial data to protect the company from losses, and performed additional duties to secure customer satisfaction and meet or exceed company goals.

Contact this candidate