Mary Rakestraw Email & Phone Number

Bryan/College Station, Texas Area

Bryan/College Station, Texas Area

• Coordinate administrative procedures for the operation of the Counseling Department ensuring proper work flow and office policies are upheld• Maintain high standards of confidentiality, attendance and flexibility• Execute excellent communication skills composing letters and reports independently and accurately• Schedule appointments with the counselor, teachers and parents for Section 504 meetings• Constant interaction with staff, students, parents and school officials providing information and assistance

Peoria, Illinois Area

• Served as administrative support and facilitated communication for the Executive Director, Director of Operations and five staff members• Executed all receptionist/administrative responsibilities with accuracy and proficiency• Functioned as Human Resource Administrator by conducting new hire orientation, benefits eligibility and benefits enrollment• Developed and maintained strong interpersonal relationships to build consumer satisfaction and community support• Supervised the office assistant and executed the team member's annual evaluation• Ordered all office supplies, maintained and documented supply inventory of equipment loan closet• Scheduled all conference room meetings, organized event planning for the annual membership meeting and holiday celebration – realizing a $5,000 annual savings through event planning• Controlled daily finances including payroll, accounts payable/receivable and expense reports• Managed grant reporting and reconciled monthly expenditures against the operating budget• Maintained records for all other financial warrants, purchase orders, receipts and reports

Peoria, Illinois Area

• Served in a lead capacity with a team of 25+ to prioritize work in a dynamic environment under the pressure of tight deadlines• Maintained complex paper records, database records, spreadsheets and filing system• Supervised and mentored Bradley University interns• Created monthly client spreadsheets providing customer information and payment details• Specialized in the review of detailed contracts for accuracy• Conferred with management team to determine purchase needs and account status• Researched, corresponded and negotiated with vendors while building strong relationships• Analyzed, prepared and issued purchase order contracts with support documentation• Reconciled invoices noting discrepancies in order to research and resolve issues• Worked directly with accounting department on payables and cash flow • Approved and paid invoices by verifying transaction amounts• Skilled in Microsoft Office, the use of general office equipment and assessing website usability and navigation

▪ Responsible for clients in the East Coast territory ▪ Conducted training seminars and courses to improve client experience and success▪ Served as direct contact between agency and clients▪ Facilitated communication with clients to address all current needs and anticipate future needs ▪ Addressed all clients questions/concerns with a knowledgeable, friendly approach in order to improve agency-client relationship and success