Sarah J. Buckles 7652 Charlemont Drive, Manlius, NY 13104 | 315.399.0575

sjbuckles923@yahoo.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbuckles

Business Manager | Executive Assistant | Customer Advocate

Customer-focused, hands-on business manager specializing in overseeing daily administrative

operations of small businesses. Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and client

communications with urgency, confidentiality, and success. Effective in identifying and implementing

cost saving measures. Extensive experience working in a virtual environment.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Accounting software – QuickBooks, online

and desktop versions/Intuit Payments

Microsoft Office Suite

Remote email exchange/web domain

host - Rackspace, godaddy

Cloud Storage – WebEx, DropBox

Scheduling tools - Doodle, TimeTrade,

SignUpGenius

Screensharing – Skype, join.me, Facetime

VOIP phone systems – manage client

usage and administrative web portal

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MESSENGER ASSOCIATES, SYRACUSE, NY 2011-Present Career management and human resource consulting firm serving both individuals and organizations in

and around Central New York, as well as virtually across the country.

Business Manager, 2014-Present Partner with president and vice president on all operational decisions of the business.

Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable, resulting in on-time delivery of invoices

and receipt of payments – utilize QuickBooks to track all financial data.

Recovered $160,000 from phone provider due to fraudulent phone calls on our lines.

Assist with writing business proposals, letters of agreement, client communications – create

templates, draft language, identify time and cost for budgets.

Conduct research to gather information for current projects, potential new business or

operational changes, resulting in making informed decisions for the company.

Manage virtual technology systems - cloud storage, email, VOIP phone - continually research

options to ensure highest efficiency.

Executive Assistant, 2011-2014 Assist President with managing schedule, including phone, email and appointments.

Provide final proof and edits to all documents prior to submission, ensuring accuracy and

consistency.

Track and submit payroll to outside payroll company.

Oversee state and national (NYS WBE and WBENC) certification/recertification processes.

Control and post updates on company website and Facebook page for optimal company

visibility.

THE WINE HOUSE, INC., MANLIUS, NY 2006-Present Family owned boutique wine shop, carrying nearly 500 different wines and spirits from around the world.

Educational tastings and classes offered on a regular basis throughout the year.

Manager, 2006-Present Oversee all administrative and customer service aspects ensuring smooth daily operations.

Manage cash flow - continually track incoming and outgoing funds, resulting in keeping

accounts balanced.

Responsible for weekly product ordering and receiving to ensure in-stock position on key items.

Manage 4 part-time sales staff, including schedules, training, and payroll.

Fulfill special requests in timely manner – follow up with vendors and customers to maintain high

levels of customer satisfaction.

Sarah Buckles Page 2

STICKLEY FURNITURE, MANLIUS, NY 2007-2008

Planner, Purchasing Department, 2007-2008 Responsible for planning and buying for 6 categories of materials used in the factory.

Utilized inventory systems and weekly reports to analyze factory needs within assigned

categories.

Managed order fulfillment and shipment follow-up with vendors and factory personnel.

TOYS “R” US, INC., WAYNE, NJ 1995-2004

Manager of Training & Development, 1999-2004 Managed schedules and expenses for a team of 6 traveling trainers; served as their

communication link to office headquarters.

Coordinated training processes for 500 retail store teams.

Facilitated training sessions as necessary to ensure store needs were met.

Member of many cross-functional teams charged to plan company-wide programs and events.

Field Trainer, 1997-1999 Conducted training classes for store associates; led lessons on product features, selling and

customer service tips to equip sales associates with necessary skills for success.

Facilitated training classes with new management trainees – introduced participants to

company culture and expectations.

Special Order Coordinator, 1995-1997 Managed the special order program for the Babies “R” Us division.

Created the special order “help desk” allowing store employees to call in for assistance with

customer orders; fielded calls and provided required information to meet customer needs.

Responsible for writing and approving purchase orders.

Maintained extensive follow-up with stores and vendors to ensure timely delivery of

merchandise.

EDUCATION

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY Master of Arts, Child and Family Studies

Concentration: Child Development

Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY Bachelor of Science, Marketing

Psychology Minor

Niagara University Community Action Program (participant and board member)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Greater Manlius Chamber of Commerce (current business member; board member, 2007-2008)

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Fayetteville Manlius School District (classroom, book fairs, school café, 2009-present)

Eastern Hills Bible Church (children’s ministry program, 2009-present)