Liz Ward

Experience

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  Express Clothing

  Apr 2003 - Aug 2003

  Sales Associate

  Promoted and sold merchandise Helped customers to the dressing rooms and at the point of sale Cleaned the store and helped with displays

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  Fuschia Boutique

  Jun 2003 - Aug 2006

  Sales Associate/Administrative Assistant

  Promoted and sold merchandise Helped customers to the dressing rooms and at the point of sale Cleaned the store and helped with displays Acquired extensive knowledge and experience with Quickbooks Pro, involving point of sale,inventory, and purchase orders

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  Drake University

  Aug 2006 - May 2009

  Costume Shop Technician/ Teachers Assistant

  • Created and maintained inventory and bookkeeping system of costume rentals • Designed, built, and created costumes strengthening ability to meet strict deadlines while working on multiple projects• Led and assisted students in completing projects while encouraging their creativity and development

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  Leopardo Companies, Inc.

  May 2007 - Aug 2008

  Master Contracts and Human Resources Intern

  • Developed and operated database for sensitive material involving past and current employee records• Managed the distribution and collection of over 500 Master Contracts expediently and efficiently increasing knowledge of Mail Merge • Worked extensively in Excel and Access database systems increasing analytical and Excel capabilities

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  Tent Theatre

  May 2009 - Jul 2009

  Company Member/Actor
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  StageWest Theater Company

  Aug 2009 - Oct 2009

  Company Member/Actor
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  Nebraska Theatre Caravan

  Oct 2009 - Jan 2010

  Company Member/Actor
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  Curly's Bar and Grill

  Jan 2010 - Mar 2010

  Server/Bar Tender

  Responsible for making and serving drinks and food Worked register, cleaned tables and restaurant

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  Leopardo Companies, Inc.

  Apr 2010 - Jan 2018

  • Prepare complete billing packages that include an invoice, sworn statement, general construction waiver, AIA G702/703 and other potential client driven documentation such as Bank of America’s extensive invoicing requirements• Actively participate in the collection of receivables• Perform monthly job cost review on all assigned projects• Perform preliminary financial review of all projects, and obtain all available information and insight regarding the financing of the project and financial condition of the client• Collect, review, organize and distribute subcontractor waivers, including subcontractors’ supplier and 3rd tier subcontractor waivers• Enter weekly payables, and distribute checks based on completeness and accuracy of their submitted documentation.• Maintain billing schedule with appropriate, up to date information, on all assigned projects adhering to substantial completion dates and lien right expirations• Collect, review and distribute all certified payroll for PBC, USPS, City of Chicago, and JOC projects while adhering to their extensive billing procedure and requirements Show less • Assist with the management of 25 commercial interior projects simultaneously• Assist with the management and scheduling of the Building Services Department • Evaluate drawings to help identify any potential issues, and assist with updating drawings • Create, distribute, and readjust schedule as needed • Prepare budget estimates, take off schedules, financial and technical offers for projects• Review, track and distribute construction submittals for project and drawing compliance• Generate, track, and distributed RFI’s to responsible parties• Manage, prepare and deliver project close out documents by consolidating warranties, owners manuals, and asbuilt drawings• Prepare, evaluate, maintain and coordinate the incoming and outgoing of all subcontractor agreements, purchase orders, change orders, meeting minutes, proposals, etc.• Collect, review and distribute all up to date certificates of insurance, maintaining project compliance while following industry, governmental, and company standards Show less • Assisted Accounting Department in multiple facets increasing my skills and knowledge of budgeting, billing, payables, and payroll• Managed, entered and posted Chicago Office and Tenant Interior payables expanding my understanding of Leopardo’s Accounting system and Viewpoint Software• Helped maintain logs indicating wages and hours for all trades on all 60 of the 6 North Michigan Projects• Updated and expanded Certified Payroll Template to correctly reflect LCI’s and individual Subcontractors Liquidated Damages for each denomination (Journeyman, Laborer, Apprentice) • Coordinated office events, meetings and the upkeep of office supplies on a weekly basis; work directly with vendors to lower costs and increase quality• Maintained positive relationships with subcontractors and clients through receiving both in person and telephonically Show less

  • Project Accountant

    May 2012 - Jan 2018

  • Project Engineer/Assistant

    May 2011 - Aug 2012

  • Accounting Assistant / Receptionist

    Apr 2010 - May 2011
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  Liquidated Damages Band

  Aug 2010 - now

  Band Manager

  • Administer all day to day communication and productivity across collaborating teams, junior staff, venue representatives, band members, and charitable organizations for performance needs, efficiency, fundraising, and schedule• Develop and implement the bands social media strategy, including website and Facebook page• Assisted in the fundraising of over $5 Million dollars through ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations for charities throughout the Chicagoland area including the Alzheimer’s Association, The City of Hope Foundation, Benefit to Aspire, Homes for Hero’s, USO of Illinois, Rebuilding Together Chicago, and Federation of Women Contractors. • Manage the event schedule of all performances for the band, including logistical requirements such as back line, lighting, sound, and schedule of all load ins, and sound checks. • Troubleshoot logistical issues that arise during performances and rehearsals• Create, set, and adapt schedule for all rehearsals to stay on track for performances• Manage rehearsals and band members to create efficient practices and performances• Research and hire replacement performers when needs arise• Collect, create, and distribute all materials required for rehearsals Show less

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  Independent Consulting Services

  Dec 2017 - Dec 2021

  Project Manager

  • Strategically cultivated 8 strong client relationships including DePalma Group Architects, Inc. • Identify the process issues or risks throughout current company platform, evaluate, and propose solutions to management, impose said solutions to drive process improvement and productivity• 30%-40% increase in client’s invoice processing and payment efficiency• Managed a team of 4 accountants to complete overhaul of company financial records for previous years to bring up to date. o Project was completed ahead of schedule, and under budgeto Planned resources carefully to ensure that the workforce was utilized 100% of the timeo Documented and shared procedures of accounting process to facilitate project hand-over• Directed overhaul of accounting practices, software, procedures, risk assessment, and budget analysiso Prepared annual budgets ranging from $1.5M to $7M with forecasting and financial reporting identifying highest ROIo Provide training development, and ongoing support for client company staff and management on new systems• Responsible for project management, field work directions, onsite training and client acquisition and engagement in financial and accounting services; exposed to various industries, performed analytical procedures to identify risk, recommend solutions and adjust schedule to control such risko Streamline current accounting practices to focus on important issues and reporting problems that they have been experiencing.o On a monthly basis complete reconciliation of all company accounts, provide quarterly reports, and relevant data for all clientso Create company platform on Quickbooks Online to streamline work process, record keeping, invoicing, and financial reportingo Create all year-end financial reporting, tax prep documents, and general ledger closing• Purchasing for Interior Products, manage shipments, supplier bids, quotes, invoicing, budgeting, and AR/AP in QuickBooks Show less

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  Kali Group, LLC

  Dec 2017 - Jun 2020

  Director Of Accounting

  Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Billing, GL Reconciliation, evaluation of contractsRisk Management of all subcontractors and clients

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  Speedread Technologies, LLC

  Sept 2020 - now

  • Chief Operating Officer

    Dec 2021 - now

  • Director Of Accounting

    Sept 2020 - May 2022