Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sara Walchuk

Regina,SK

Summary

At Brandt Tractor Ltd., I spearheaded a team of 37, enhancing operational efficiency and financial performance through strategic policy development and stakeholder management. My leadership in acquisitions and credit management, coupled with a knack for fostering teamwork and collaboration, significantly improved process efficiencies and financial metrics. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

National Credit Manager

Brandt Tractor Ltd.
04.2022 - Current
  • Manage a team of 37 staff members across Canada, with 5 managers reporting directly to myself
  • Participated in 2 large acquisitions. Delegated as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the acquisition team, providing guidance, policy and systems knowledge to new members and high level stake holders ensuring smooth transitions into Brandt's team
  • Direct 3 high-performing credit teams across Brandt Tractor's Construction & Forestry division, Brandt Tractor's Transportation division and Brandt Tractor Agriculture division, through consistent leadership, guidance, and performance evaluations.
  • Implemented effective reporting systems that provided timely updates on receivables aging and other critical financial metrics.
  • Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and yearly financials to ownership group on credit and collections performance, with notes on improvement steps being taken.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable regulations by staying current on industry trends and adjusting company policies accordingly.
  • Provided insightful recommendations for process improvements, leading to increased efficiency and overall operational excellence.
  • Built excellent relationships with division, branch and department managers to encourage communications between operations, head office and the customer.

Assistant Credit Manager

Brandt Tractor Ltd.
03.2021 - 03.2022
  • Focus on staff retention as well as department growth.
  • Training and development of staff, including but not limited to training materials, process documentation, hosting of meetings between the operations team and Credit staff to review delinquent accounts and projected concerns.
  • On average managed 14 direct report staff members.
  • Increased cash flow by diligently pursuing past-due receivables through targeted collection efforts.
  • Conducted periodic reviews of existing client accounts to ensure compliance with established payment terms or recommend adjustments if needed.
  • Applied advanced analytics techniques to assess customer creditworthiness, enabling better decision-making regarding lending terms or collateral requirements.
  • Reduced delinquency rates by closely monitoring customer accounts and taking proactive measures to address issues.



Credit Coordinator

Brandt Tractor Ltd.
03.2019 - 02.2021
  • Evaluate credit applications and determine creditworthiness based on established guidelines.
  • Set and monitor credit limits and terms for new and existing customers.
  • Review aging reports and follow up on overdue accounts to ensure timely payments.
  • Investigate and resolve credit disputes and billing discrepancies.
  • Maintain accurate records of credit transactions and account statuses.
  • Collaborate with sales and customer service teams to address credit-related inquiries.
  • Prepare reports and analyses on the credit portfolio and collections performance.
  • Implement and enforce credit policies and procedures to mitigate risks.

Service Writer

Royal Ford
01.2017 - 10.2018
  • Increased repeat business with exceptional customer service skills and follow-up calls to ensure satisfaction.
  • Reduced wait times for customers by effectively managing appointment schedules and coordinating with technicians.
  • Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, fostering trust and loyalty among clientele.
  • Produced accurate customer estimates and clearly articulated charges to customers to minimize complaints.
  • Enhanced communication between technicians and customers by acting as a liaison, resulting in clear expectations and better understanding of repair services.
  • Stayed up-to-date on technical knowledge through continuous education courses and manufacturer-provided training materials.
  • Maintained strong professional relationships with vendors, enabling prompt delivery of necessary parts for repairs.
  • Maintain SGI Signing officer status, upholding integrity throughout the process

Service Writer

Truck Pro Yorkton
04.2015 - 01.2017
  • Established a welcoming and professional environment in the service area, creating positive first impressions for customers upon arrival.
  • Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, fostering trust and loyalty among clientele.
  • Utilized industry-specific software programs efficiently to manage work orders, invoices, and customer information.
  • Calculated correct order totals, updated accounts, and maintained detailed records for inventory management.
  • Ensured accurate documentation of completed repairs, aiding in the maintenance of detailed records for future reference.
  • Assist the parts department on inventory and ordering in anticipation for services prebooked for biannual/annual provincial inspections.
  • Maintain SGI Signing officer status, upholding integrity throughout the process.
  • Assist the owner in all other tasks as needed.

Education

High School Diploma -

Thom Collegiate
Regina, SK

Skills

Policy Development

Teamwork and Collaboration

Problem-Solving

Time Management

Multitasking

Critical Thinking & Decision-Making

Bankruptcy Procedures

Stakeholder Management

Portfolio Management

Performance monitoring with Mentoring and training

Strategic Planning

Financial Reporting

Timeline

National Credit Manager

Brandt Tractor Ltd.
04.2022 - Current

Assistant Credit Manager

Brandt Tractor Ltd.
03.2021 - 03.2022

Credit Coordinator

Brandt Tractor Ltd.
03.2019 - 02.2021

Service Writer

Royal Ford
01.2017 - 10.2018

Service Writer

Truck Pro Yorkton
04.2015 - 01.2017

High School Diploma -

Thom Collegiate
Sara Walchuk