Jean Warren

• Maintained accurate financial records by regularly reconciling accounts receivable and payable ledgers using ZOHO accounts and other platforms.
• Ensured timely payments from clients and to Vendors through effective communication and proactive follow-ups.
• Posted customer and vendor payments by recording EFT, Shopify and Paypal credit card transactions.
• Verified discrepancies and resolved clients' and Vendor billing issues.
• Analysed aging reports and provided recommendations for improving collections efforts.
• Prepared bills receivable, invoices, and bank deposits.
• Developed and maintained strong client and vendor relationships, fostering trust and open communication.
• Provided exceptional customer and vendor service by addressing inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Processed incoming and outgoing payments in accordance with established financial policies.
• Completed daily process adjustments to maintain accuracy.
• Reduced outstanding account balances through diligent follow-up on past due invoices.
• Reconciled ledgers and verified proper posting.
• Negotiated payment terms with clients to facilitate mutually beneficial agreements while maintaining company profitability goals.
• Enhanced cash flow by implementing efficient accounts receivable processes and procedures.
• Created monthly reports detailing accounts performance metrics for senior management review.
• Established credit limits for customers based on thorough risk assessments, minimizing potential losses.
• Partnered with sales teams to develop customized payment plans for high-value clients, ensuring long-term business partnerships.
• Performed banking, business administration and financial tasks to guarantee five-star service for clients.

• Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns regarding their account status or charges billed.
• Managed high-volume workload while maintaining attention to detail, resulting in reduced errors in financial documentation.
• Posted receipts by entering and verifying transactions from local deposits and lockboxes.
• Billed customers by sending statements and invoices via email.
• Answered customer questions and concerns and sought through outstanding payment accounts to resolution.
• Investigated account discrepancies by obtaining and verifying information from customer service and sales department staff.
• Contributed to faster payment collections by generating and distributing monthly aging reports to management
• Developed strong relationships with clients, leading to improved communication and prompt payment of outstanding invoices.
• Followed up unpaid accounts due to credit card reversals, declined credit cards and non-sufficient funds.
• Optimized internal workflows through cross-training with other finance department staff members, increasing overall productivity levels.
• Facilitated smooth communication between various departments involved in revenue cycle management processes through regular meetings and clear information sharing practices.
• Adhered to strict confidentiality guidelines when handling sensitive financial information, ensuring full compliance with company policies and legal regulations.
• Verified postings, figures and documents for mathematical accuracy, proper coding and correct entry.
• Improved overall cash flow by identifying and resolving issues related to unapplied payments, reducing instances of lost revenue.
• Summarized, classified and recorded financial and numerical data to compile and maintain financial records, using journals and Netsuite.
• Contacted customers daily to collect tardy payments.
• Collaborated with sales and customer service departments to resolve billing issues, improving customer satisfaction rates.
• Enhanced cash flow by efficiently processing invoices and monitoring overdue accounts.
• Received recognition for consistently achieving collection goals within established deadlines, demonstrating dedication.
• Streamlined invoice processing for increased efficiency.
• Maintained accurate records of client transactions, ensuring timely updates.
• Used Excel and Netsuite databases to total, debit and credit accounts.
• Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to maximize collections.
• Monitored accounts to verify compliance with payment terms and schedules.
• Utilized Microsoft Excel and Netsuite software to manage invoices and payments.
• Reviewed accounts on monthly basis to assess aging and pursue collection of funds.
• Identified, researched, and resolved billing variances to maintain system accuracy and currency.
• Generated monthly accounts receivable reports to submit developments for management review.
• Safeguarded documents of accounts receivable and payments to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
• Generated invoices upon receipt of billing information and tracked collection progress.
• Matched purchase orders with invoices and recorded necessary information.
• Input financial data and produced reports
• Reconciled company bank, credit card and line of credit accounts, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to keep accounts audit-ready.

• Set up company books with MYOB later migrating to XERO
• Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company
• Monitored inventory levels of office supplies, placing orders when necessary to prevent stock shortages.
• Developed strong relationships with clients through exceptional customer service and timely responses to inquiries.
• Fostered a positive work culture through open communication channels, promoting teamwork and collaboration among staff members.
• Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity, and implemented modifications to improve overall performance.
• Managed payroll and benefits administration to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Streamlined office processes by implementing efficient organizational systems and procedures.
• Managed hiring process to onboarding, ensuring top talent acquisition.
• Created new employee handbook, IT policies and conflict resolution process
• Implemented new software systems using MYOB and later Xero, increasing efficiency in daily operations and record-keeping.
• Resolved financial discrepancies and customer billing issues with timely attention.
• Coordinated with vendors and suppliers to facilitate timely payments.
• Maximized cash flow through optimal billing and collection processes.
• Developed and maintained effective relationships with banking institutions to support financial operations.
• Completed weekly payroll for employees.
• Completed quarterly BAS statements.
• Organized and updated databases, records and other information resources.
• Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for both clients and staff.
• Maintained relationship accountability for clients.

• I took various short term casual accounts positions in both accounts receivable and Accounts payable while settling my family into Australia, but mainly focused my attention on establishing accounting, administrative legislative and compliance for our family business. Once our cabinet making business was running seamlessly, I took up an offer of employment to work at Bio-Strategy.

• Procuring new corporate and individual clients.
• Preparing client Financial Needs Analysis and Risk Profile Analysis to presentation and recommendation of appropriate product quotations with full disclosures via either PowerPoint, or face-to-face discussion.
• Installation of new business followed by full Record of Advice document for client records.
• Servicing of existing business involving regular telephone contact, client visits, training new and existing staff on Fund rules and/or medical aid schemes. Recommending enhancements to existing benefit structures as client needs changed.
• Liaising and negotiating with healthcare funds and insurance companies on behalf of the client to ensure the smooth running of the business.
• Negotiating provider rates and underwriting decisions and ensuring that there would be no selection against the insurance risk pool.
• Creating lists of potential clients for leads on additional business.
• Selling insurance to new and existing clients.
• Meeting potential clients and giving detailed information about the features and advantages of policies offered as well as differences between product structures.
• Assisting corporate clients to address cover shortfalls through Buy-and-Sell structures and Key-Man Insurance.
• Preparing annual compliance reports for submission to South African Financial Services Board (FSB).
• Keeping effective records of potential money laundering transactions as required by the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA).
• Ensuring full compliance with the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS) for accountable institutions.
• Annual submission of Financial Statements.
• Oversaw the development of innovative products or services, positioning the company as an industry leader.

• Met with clients to develop employee cost-sharing strategies.
• Developed and managed personal book of business.
• Liaised with human resources professionals and executives about available services and benefits of different plans.
• Assisted customers in streamlining administration processes for employee benefits.
• Educated employees about their benefits options through presentations and workshops, fostering a better understanding of available resources.
• Assisted clients in navigating regulatory compliance requirements related to employee benefits.
• Managed complex cases for clients, resolving issues related to insurance claims and reimbursements timeously.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing cost-effective services while maintaining high-quality offerings.
• Conducted annual reviews of benefit plans, resulting in updated offerings that catered to evolving employee needs.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry developments and legislative changes to provide accurate guidance to clients regarding their employee benefits strategies by regularly attending conferences and product updates.
• Provided advice on benefit plan designs tailored to specific company cultures and demographics, ensuring optimal fit for each organization's unique workforce needs.
• Enhanced client relationships through consistent communication and providing timely solutions to their concerns.
• Supported companies during mergers or acquisitions by integrating multiple benefit plans into cohesive offerings that aligned with overall business objectives.
• Collaborated with HR teams to develop comprehensive onboarding processes for new employees, ensuring seamless integration of benefits information.
• Addressed employee inquiries and concerns with empathy, providing clear explanations and guidance on complex benefits topics.
• Facilitated smooth transitions between different insurance carriers when necessary, minimizing disruptions for both employers and employees alike.
• Analyzed and evaluated existing compensation and benefits programs and recommended improvements.
• Help create and optimize salary structures and bonus programs.

· Recruiting of new brokers.

· Training and Servicing of existing and new brokers on a large range of product choices.

· Preparing and presenting various medical benefit packages to brokers and their clients.

· Preparing group pension, provident, life and PHI quotations.

· Comparing medical aid benefits and contributions for medical aid quotations.

· Servicing current clients and adding necessary benefit enhancements to their portfolios.

· Client entertainment.

· Consulting with existing brokers on all aspects of their clients Portfolios

· Ensuring the smooth running of existing Pension/Provident funds with associated risk benefits.

· Ensuring timeous and efficient processing of renewal, withdrawals life and disability claims.

· Upgrading benefit structures of existing funds.

· Presentation of investment performance of the Sage Fund options.

· New Business Quotation and Presentations and broker level.

· Day to day servicing of existing clients.

· Broker training on new available products.

· Continuous monitoring of competitor products.

· Broker entertainment.

· Assist accountants in preparation of State and Federal tax Returns

· Accounts receivable/payable and general bookkeeping of varied customer accounts

· General office administration

I travelled overseas, working in various casual on contract positions to save money.

I believe that the experience I gained in different work environments and countries whilst travelling and working abroad in my youth was instrumental in preparing me for seamless communication with colleagues and enabled me to operate consistently across different business structures and cultures.