Patricia Parada
Regina,SK
Summary
Dedicated and result driven Administrative Professional with 20+ years of progressive experience supporting municipal services, procurement, and office operations. Recognized for streamlining workflows, strengthening compliance, and enhancing communication across large organizations. Skilled in coordinating executive calendars, drafting and proofing high-quality reports and correspondence, and managing financial and records systems with precision. Adept at building trust with stakeholders, resolving complex inquiries, and providing clear guidance to staff at all levels. A proactive problem-solver who improves service delivery, safeguards organizational resources, and creates efficiencies that free leadership to focus on strategic priorities.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
PURCHASING CLERK
City of Regina
02.2019 - Current
- Administer and audit the City’s Purchasing Card (P-Card) program, overseeing 439 cardholders across multiple departments and subsidiaries, ensuring compliance, preventing misuse, and reducing fraud risk through rigorous monthly audits. Educate and train 400+ new and existing staff on P-Card policy, Delegation of Authority, and procurement procedures, improving compliance rates and reducing recurring log errors. Lead procurement processing for all transactions under $7,500, creating Purchase Orders and Done Deals that accelerated turnaround times and freed senior buyers to focus on high-value contracts.
- Monitor and analyze purchasing activity on 200+ Blanket Orders, identifying spend patterns that informed cost-saving procurement strategies and optimized vendor agreements.
- Maintain accountability controls by reconciling logs, escalating non-compliance, and initiating immediate card cancellations for lost, stolen, or offboarded employee cards, safeguarding City funds.
- Act as SME and advisor to management and finance on purchasing trends, compliance issues, and reconciliation challenges, producing reports that informed budgeting and audit readiness.
- Streamline communication workflows by managing the procurement inbox, prioritizing vendor and staff inquiries, and ensuring accurate, timely responses to internal/external stakeholders.
- Strengthen internal controls by developing and enforcing clear, diplomatic communications on non-compliance issues, fostering accountability across all levels from frontline staff to executives.
- Execute financial oversight by monitoring mid-cycle payments and available credit to ensure uninterrupted purchasing power for all departments, avoiding operational standstills.
PURCHASER/PAYABLES
The Floor Show
03.2014 - 07.2017
- Directed purchasing operations by creating, tracking, and reconciling purchase orders, ensuring accurate documentation and timely processing. Negotiated with vendors and sourced new suppliers, reducing costs and strengthening supplier relationships to improve product availability. Resolved back-order and inventory discrepancies by coordinating with internal sales staff and external vendors, minimizing service disruptions.
- Coordinated shipping and logistics with freight companies, ensuring on-time delivery and optimized distribution efficiency.
- Conducted market research and pricing analysis, aligning procurement decisions with budget targets and industry trends.
- Managed inventory controls, monitoring stock levels to avoid shortages and streamline order fulfillment.
- Processed accounts payable transactions with accuracy, ensuring timely vendor payments and supporting smooth financial operations.
- Organized multiple purchasing projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining compliance with company policies.
PURCHASING ASSISTANT
SaskGaming
03.2012 - 10.2013
- Reviewed, processed, and validated purchase orders with accuracy, supporting efficient procurement operations across two casino locations. Coordinated requisitions for slot machine parts, office supplies, and employee recognition program rewards, ensuring timely fulfillment and vendor compliance.
- Administered telecommunications and equipment services, including photocopiers, landlines, and mobile phones, maintaining continuity of business operations.
- Maintained and updated internal spreadsheets to track standing and blanket purchase orders, improving reporting accuracy and financial oversight.
- Collaborated with internal departments and vendors to resolve order discrepancies, streamline purchasing workflows, and support cost-effective procurement.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS SCHEDULER
SaskGaming
03.2011 - 03.2012
- Coordinated and filled shift vacancies in priority sequence, ensuring compliance with collective agreements and maintaining fair labor practices across two casino locations. Recorded and updated all shift replacement changes in employee schedules, maintaining accurate workforce data for management and HR teams.
- Entered payroll time exceptions in the HR information system, supporting accurate payroll processing and reducing discrepancies.
- Collaborated with managers and staff to resolve scheduling conflicts and maintain adequate staffing levels for business continuity.
- Ensured confidentiality and accuracy in handling employee records, supporting compliance with organizational and union policies.
BOX OFFICE & CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
SaskGaming
09.2001 - 03.2011
- Delivered front-line customer service to casino guests, consistently meeting service standards and resolving inquiries promptly. Processed and maintained player’s club card applications with accuracy and efficiency, supporting customer loyalty programs.
- Performed cash handling and reconciliation, including opening duties, balancing tills, and ensuring operational accuracy.
- Achieved top performance as Tourism Visitor Information Counselor, graduating with the highest provincial score in 2003.
- Provided bilingual service in English and Spanish, strengthening accessibility and improving guest satisfaction.
- Supported department operations by monitoring equipment functionality, reporting issues, and ensuring smooth daily operations.
ACTING BOX OFFICE SHIFT MANAGER
SaskGaming
05.2008 - 05.2010
- Improved operational efficiency by reducing ticket pickup times by 56% on show nights, implementing a new procedure to pre-print online orders. Provided leadership and support to customer service representatives, ensuring consistent delivery quality service to guests.
- Increased sales and service quality by building and applying strong product knowledge, enabling staff to better engage and upsell to customers.
- Delivered detailed monthly reports and departmental updates to senior management, supporting informed decision-making.
- Strengthened customer satisfaction by resolving escalated issues promptly and maintaining a positive guest experience.
ACTING GUEST SERVICE COORDINATOR
SaskGaming
06.2003 - 01.2007
- Supervised and scheduled daily activities of 30–40 team members across two casino locations, ensuring operational consistency and high service standards.
- Reduced employee overtime by 30% through effective delegation, schedule optimization, and workload balancing.
- Implemented service programs designed to enhance the guest experience, leading to improved customer satisfaction scores.
- Monitored and evaluated team performance, providing coaching and support to strengthen efficiency and accountability.
SHIFT COORDINATOR
Spartan Holdings Ltd (Burger King)
09.1993 - 08.2001
- Coordinated front counter and kitchen staff to maintain smooth daily operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintained strict adherence to sanitation, health, and safety standards across all work areas, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Assisted management with inventory control and weekly stock ordering, supporting cost control and operational efficiency.
- Trained staff on service standards, safety practices, and food handling procedures to improve performance and reduce errors.
SALES ASSOCIATE
Things Engraved
07.2010 - 12.2016
STORE ASSOCIATE
Marshalls
01.2014 - 08.2014
BOOKSELLER
Coles Bookstore
06.1998 - 09.1999
Education
CERTIFICATE - PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
University of Regina
Regina, SK01.2009
CERTIFICATE - TOURISM VISITOR INFORMATION COUNSELOR
Saskatchewan Education Tourism Council
Regina, SK01.2003
DIPLOMA - HIGH SCHOOL
Balfour Collegiate
Regina, SK01.1995
Skills
- Administrative & Office Management
- Procurement & Purchasing Support
- Compliance & Policy Enforcement
- Records & Document Management
- Scheduling & Calendar Coordination
- Customer Service & Client Support
- Process Improvement & Training
- Data Entry & Database Management
- Communication & Correspondence Management
- Multitasking & Time Management
Awards
Board of Directors Member, Co-Chair, First Years Childcare Inc. (2009-2013), Executive Committee & Chair of Communications Committee, Saskatchewan Visible Minorities Employees Association (2009-2013), Aboriginal Employee Network Committee Member, SaskGaming (2011-2013), Box Office Team Leader, Regina Folk Festival (2011-2012)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
PURCHASING CLERK
City of Regina
02.2019 - Current
PURCHASER/PAYABLES
The Floor Show
03.2014 - 07.2017
STORE ASSOCIATE
Marshalls
01.2014 - 08.2014
PURCHASING ASSISTANT
SaskGaming
03.2012 - 10.2013
IMMEDIATE NEEDS SCHEDULER
SaskGaming
03.2011 - 03.2012
SALES ASSOCIATE
Things Engraved
07.2010 - 12.2016
ACTING BOX OFFICE SHIFT MANAGER
SaskGaming
05.2008 - 05.2010
ACTING GUEST SERVICE COORDINATOR
SaskGaming
06.2003 - 01.2007
BOX OFFICE & CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
SaskGaming
09.2001 - 03.2011
BOOKSELLER
Coles Bookstore
06.1998 - 09.1999
SHIFT COORDINATOR
Spartan Holdings Ltd (Burger King)
09.1993 - 08.2001
CERTIFICATE - TOURISM VISITOR INFORMATION COUNSELOR
Saskatchewan Education Tourism Council
DIPLOMA - HIGH SCHOOL
Balfour Collegiate
CERTIFICATE - PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
University of Regina
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