Vanessa Torres
National City
Summary
Administrative operations professional with more than 10 years of experience supporting complex organizations across higher education and financial services. Proven expertise in administrative operations, HR administration, budget management, project coordination, executive support, and process improvement. Recognized for building strong cross-functional relationships, streamlining administrative processes, and supporting leadership in achieving organizational goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative Officer 3
University California San Diego
La Jolla
11.2022 - Current
- Managed administrative operations for division exceeding 100 employees to ensure efficient workflows.
- Collaborated with CPO on personnel actions for division staff.
- Processed onboarding and separation requests in partnership with HR.
- Monitored annual budgets and project activities for IPPS.
- Developed procedures for equipment inventory and space management, optimizing resource utilization.
- Planned meetings, conferences, and retreats with core leadership team as primary resource administrator.
- Coordinated projects supporting student talent initiative to foster staff development.
- Assisted in planning fundraising events aligned with organizational goals.Managed administrative operations for a division of more than 100 employees, serving as the primary administrative resource for leadership and staff.
- Partnered with Human Resources and divisional leadership to coordinate employee onboarding, separations, and personnel actions.
- Managed divisional equipment inventory, office space planning, and administrative procedures to support day-to-day operations.
- Monitored annual operating budgets, project activities, and administrative expenditures for the Institute of Population and Precision Health (IPPH/IPPS).
- Coordinated executive meetings, conferences, retreats, and special events, working directly with senior leadership on planning and execution.
Financial Services Analyst 3
University California San Diego
La Jolla
03.2018 - 11.2022
- Partnered with the Procurement Card Manager to implement Concur across UC San Diego, supporting the campus-wide transition to a new financial system.
- Administered daily operations for the University's Procurement Card (P-Card) program, supporting more than 3,200 cardholders across campus.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures in Blink to ensure uninterrupted Procurement Card operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Conducted Procurement Card compliance audits independently and in partnership with Audit & Management Advisory Services (AMAS) to promote policy compliance and financial accountability.
- Utilized Oracle to research invoices, tax information, and financial transactions in support of campus financial operations.
- Served as a primary point of contact for faculty, staff, departments, and external vendors, resolving Procurement Card inquiries through phone, email, and the UC San Diego Services & Support Portal.
Travel and Entertainment Specialist
University California San Diego
La Jolla
10.2016 - 03.2018
- Managed complex travel and entertainment transactions, including stop payments, wire transfers, check reissues, and prepayments for university departments.
- Acted as the primary liaison between university departments and external vendors, resolving complex payment and travel-related issues while providing exceptional customer support.
- Designed and delivered department workshops, Q&A sessions, and customized training to educate UC San Diego staff on travel and entertainment policies and procedures.
Operations Manager
Wells Fargo Cash Vault
San Diego
01.2015 - 10.2016
- Led daily operations for a high-volume cash vault, overseeing a team of 12 employees while ensuring operational efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with banking policies and procedures.
- Oversaw cash handling, customer deposits, and financial transaction processes with a strong focus on accuracy, risk mitigation, and operational controls.
- Managed employee performance through coaching, scheduling, training, and accountability to maintain service levels in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Implemented new operational procedures and communicated policy changes through team meetings and ongoing coaching to support consistent execution across the department.
Service Manager II
Wells Fargo Bank
San Diego
03.2012 - 01.2015
- Directed daily branch operations while supervising a team of six employees, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service.
- Recruited, coached, and developed team members through performance management, training, and ongoing feedback to strengthen employee performance and engagement.
- Maintained compliance with banking regulations, internal controls, and audit requirements while supporting operational risk management and policy adherence.
- Partnered with branch leadership to resolve complex customer issues, improve operational processes, and deliver a consistent client experience.
Education
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification -
University California San Diego
San Diego, CA11-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Public Relations
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05-2009
Skills
- Administrative Operations
- Business Operations
- Program Administration
- Project Coordination
- Executive Support
- Human Resources Administration
- Employee Onboarding & Offboarding
- Budget Administration
- Financial Operations
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Regulatory Compliance
- Internal Auditing
- Vendor Management
- Operational Planning
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Oracle
- Concur
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Risk Management
Timeline
Administrative Officer 3
University California San Diego
11.2022 - Current
Financial Services Analyst 3
University California San Diego
03.2018 - 11.2022
Travel and Entertainment Specialist
University California San Diego
10.2016 - 03.2018
Operations Manager
Wells Fargo Cash Vault
01.2015 - 10.2016
Service Manager II
Wells Fargo Bank
03.2012 - 01.2015
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification -
University California San Diego
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Public Relations
California State University Fullerton