Finance & Procurement Specialist with 20+ Years in Public Sector

Karen N. Jackson

Shreveport, LA 318-***-**** *********@*****.***

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented Finance and Administrative Professional with over 20 years of public sector experience supporting procurement operations, financial processing, vendor management, and contract review. Experienced in managing full-cycle purchasing, analyzing bids, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting multiple departments within a government agency. Known for accuracy, efficiency, and strong vendor and interdepartmental communication. Core Competencies

• Financial & Public Sector Procurement

• Budget Awareness & Cost Control

• Bid Preparation & Evaluation

• Contract Negotiation

• Vendor Relations

• Requisition & Purchase Order Processing

• Records & Documentation Management

• Regulatory Compliance

• Customer Service & Public Interaction

• Cross-Department Coordination

Technical Skills

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Publisher Adobe Zoom Skype Professional Experience

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office – Shreveport, LA

Finance Specialist December 2012 – Present

• Oversee financial and purchasing operations from requisition review to payment processing.

• Prepare bid specifications and analyze vendor proposals for compliance and cost efficiency.

• Negotiate contracts and pricing agreements to obtain quality goods and services at competitive rates.

• Provide financial and procurement guidance to multiple divisions within the Sheriff’s Office.

• Collaborate with correctional facility leadership to monitor food service purchasing and cost control.

• Coordinate procurement of uniforms, equipment, vehicles, fuel, ammunition, and office supplies.

• Maintain vendor relationships and conduct vendor communications and meetings. Comfort and Joy, LLC – Shreveport, LA

Administrative Assistant January 2011 – December 2012

• Managed scheduling and client appointments.

• Maintained spreadsheets and client databases.

• Coordinated vendor communication and supply ordering.

• Handled inbound calls and customer service inquiries. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office – Shreveport, LA

Administrative Clerk II (Fines & Bonds / Jail Records Cross-Training) September 2003 – December 2010

• Processed bond and court documentation accurately and efficiently.

• Collected and recorded payments for fines, probation fees, and traffic violations.

• Maintained official records in compliance with legal and departmental standards.

• Responded to public inquiries and directed calls appropriately. Education

Southern University at Shreveport – Shreveport, LA Major: Criminal Justice

Bossier Parish Community College – Bossier City, LA Major: Criminal Justice

Northwood High School – Blanchard, LA High School Diploma References

Available upon request

Contact this candidate