Bio: Sarah started with Colonial almost four years ago. She was originally hired as a temp to assist in the Customer Care department, which quickly grew into a full time position due to her drive and can-do attitude. In March of 2017, she applied for and earned a position in Colonial’s Accounting department, where she serves as Collections Specialist.
Tell me a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in New Hampshire and moved to DC four years ago after many years working abroad with the Peace Corps, where I became fluent in Mandarin and earned my black belt in Taekwondo. Outside of Colonial, I enjoy biking and also serve as a certified Mandarin translator.
What are some of your regular duties as Collections Specialist?
My main duties are posting payments and researching open invoices. If we find we provided parking services for a customer, we assist in bringing the balance current.
What do you like about working in parking?
Working in the parking industry has given me the opportunity to learn about the greater DC Metro Area and about the businesses and people we serve. I was not familiar with the lay of the land or the hundreds of businesses, firms, and companies that operate in the DMV. I’ve now learned the who and – definitely – the where of many organizations, like hospitals and research centers, hotels and restaurants, museums, art centers…the list goes on. I like being in a role where I am constantly learning new things about my environment.
Why do you like working at Colonial Parking?
Prior to Colonial, I taught overseas for 6+ years. I am now starting a second career in accounting through on the job training. Not many industries still offer that any more and its great to be a part of a company that promotes growth in the way that Colonial does
What do you think makes you good at your job?
My educational background in research, as well as my prior career as a teacher, gives me the skill set and mentality to investigate missing payments and interact with customers. With close to 300 locations, there are over three hundred ways to manage a garage and parking is anything but cut and dry. Accounts Receivable requires patience and persistence in order to ensure accuracy of accounts. This, in turn, adds to satisfaction of our customers and clients.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The Collections Team is relatively new to Colonial Parking. Collections has many demanding responsibilities and our colleagues in Ops are genuinely appreciative of our help. It’s simply nice to be appreciated.
What are your goals at Colonial?
I would like to become more well-rounded within the Accounting department. Accounts Receivable is one aspect of many within the field and I have a lot to learn about accounting in theory and in practice.
About Colonial Parking: Colonial Parking manages 280 plus parking locations in the Washington, DC area. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service to both our customers and clients, as well as hiring trusted and driven employees that exude our integrity and accountability. We would be happy to review your project, be it large or small.