DENISE NEAL
Maricopa
Summary
Versatile, quick‑learning professional with a proven ability to excel in fast‑paced, dynamic environments. Recognized for a strong work ethic, clear communication, and the ability to master new concepts quickly and apply them with precision. Skilled in enhancing operational efficiency and resolving complex billing inquiries with accuracy and professionalism. Committed to continuous growth, adaptability, and supporting collaborative teams while driving organizational success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Student Account Coordinator
University of Arizona Global Campus
Chandler
10.2023 - Current
- Lead a team of 15 Student Account Coordinators, overseeing training, performance evaluations, and daily operations.
- Performed monthly quality assurance audits for 10–12 staff, identifying performance gaps and implementing coaching strategies that strengthened consistency and elevated customer satisfaction.
- Oversee daily operations related to student billing, financial aid disbursements, and account reconciliation, ensuring compliance with Title IV regulations.
- Collaborate with Financial Aid leadership to resolve escalated student issues and ensure compliance.
- Develop and implement new SOPs to improve efficiency and student satisfaction.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on COD and NSLDS systems, providing guidance and troubleshooting support to staff.
- Directed and coached a dedicated team assigned to doctoral student support, maintaining ownership of escalated cases and high-level reviews to ensure timely, accurate resolution.
Student Account Coordinator
The University of Arizona Global Campus
Chandler
11.2019 - 10.2023
- Acted as primary liaison for students navigating financial aid, billing, and account inquiries, delivering personalized support and resolving complex issues with empathy and efficiency.
- Managed high-volume caseloads using CampusVue and CRM systems, ensuring timely processing of disbursements, refunds, and payment plans.
- Collaborated with internal departments to troubleshoot account discrepancies and implement corrective actions, reducing resolution time.
- Designed and facilitated onboarding workshops for new hires, including interactive training modules and process documentation related to Doctoral
- Initiated improvements to student communication workflows, resulting in a measurable increase in satisfaction scores and reduced call escalations.
- Maintained compliance with federal and institutional policies, regularly auditing student records and financial transactions.
- Secured and sustained access to COD and NSLDS platforms, enabling accurate origination, disbursement tracking, and reconciliation of federal student aid for thousands of student accounts.
- Recognized for outstanding service and promoted to Lead Student Account Advisor based on performance and leadership potential.
Office Manager
Hyginix LLC
San Diego
08.2018 - 07.2019
- Oversaw office inventory activities, including ordering and requisitions, stocking, and shipment receiving.
- Compared vendor prices to ensure optimal savings, prepared vendor invoices, and processed incoming payments.
- Solved equipment issues promptly and efficiently, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Reviewed technical documentation to assist third-party vendors in performing accurate repairs on warranty equipment.
- Conducted diagnostic procedures to determine the root cause of customer problems and provide accurate repair recommendations.
- Answered phone calls, responded to emails, routed mail, and coordinated courier services.
- Maintained a filing system for records, correspondence, and other documents.
- Managed front desk operations, including greeting visitors, answering questions, and directing them to appropriate personnel.
Front Of House Manager
Chick-fil-A Restaurants
San Diego
01.2018 - 08.2018
- Trained new employees, delegated daily tasks and responsibilities, and monitored activity and completion.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, providing hands-on training and mentoring to individuals with lagging skills.
- Recognized and rewarded for outstanding work performance for cultivating a positive and collaborative customer service culture.
- Inventoried materials weekly to identify and resolve discrepancies, maintaining highly accurate and current records.
- Completed weekly performance evaluations to identify weaknesses and develop improvement strategies.
- Oversaw a talented team of four to six members by actively communicating project information, remedying issues, and delivering positive feedback.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues and offered thoughtful solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Monitored employee actions for adequate safety, sanitation, and general housekeeping compliance, proactively protecting staff and customers from safety hazards and infection risks.
Waitress Cashier & Expeditor
Sababa Kitchen
San Diego
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Performed complete opening, closing, and shift change duties to keep the restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Applied communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
- Mediated agreements between employees to clarify misunderstood directions and resolve performance conflicts.
- Monitored meal preparation to ensure timely delivery and guest satisfaction.
- Trained new expeditors and food runners according to company policies and standards.
Cashier & Expeditor
Pei Wei
San Diego
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Mentored new team members on registers, meeting customer needs, maximizing group performance, and maintaining high customer satisfaction.
- Processed Point of Sale (POS) transactions, including checks, cash, and credit purchases or refunds.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs to promote loyalty, satisfaction, and sales numbers.
- Worked closely with the Key Shift Leader to solve problems and handle customer concerns.
- Executed and supervised plate preparation according to temperature and condiment specifications to ensure timely delivery and guest satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - BA - Psychology
The University of Arizona Global Campus
Chandler, AZSkills
- Student Financial Services: COD, NSLDS, CampusVue
- Leadership & Training: Staff development, performance management, cross-functional collaboration
- Process Improvement: SOP creation, workflow optimization, policy implementation
- Communication & Support: Conflict resolution, student engagement, customer service excellence
- Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, data analysis
Timeline
Lead Student Account Coordinator
University of Arizona Global Campus
10.2023 - Current
Student Account Coordinator
The University of Arizona Global Campus
11.2019 - 10.2023
Office Manager
Hyginix LLC
08.2018 - 07.2019
Front Of House Manager
Chick-fil-A Restaurants
01.2018 - 08.2018
Waitress Cashier & Expeditor
Sababa Kitchen
01.2017 - 08.2017
Cashier & Expeditor
Pei Wei
08.2015 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Arts - BA - Psychology
The University of Arizona Global Campus