City of Porterville

January 2020 Employee of the Month

Araceli Cerda

Finance Department

For the month of January, we are pleased to honor Araceli Cerda as the City of Porterville’s employee of the month.  Araceli joined the Finance Team as an Account Clerk I in June of 2013. She is being recognized for her consistent dedication, positive attitude and outstanding work ethic.

Araceli started at the front counter with cash collections helping our customers in processing their utility billing transactions and setting up new utility service accounts.  She displayed excellent customer service, always professional and her energy and enthusiasm for learning was quickly apparent.   In June 2014, Araceli was promoted to an Account Clerk II. She was assigned to the Accounts Receivable division and quickly learned and mastered the Accounts Receivable module and billing process. In this position she was responsible for setting up new accounts, monthly billing, and the collection of several thousand dollars in past-due accounts.

Araceli obtained her California Notary License in June 2016 which has been an asset to the City.  She is a team player and always willing to help out wherever we have a need. During the East Porterville ESA sign up events, Araceli, helped after regular work hours to notarize documents and assist the public with translation services and on occasion translates City documents for other departments.

In April 2018, Araceli was promoted to Utility Billing Supervisor and has shown excellent management skills.  She is effective at responding to customer questions and complaints and resolving issues while maintaining a professional demeanor. With her positive attitude, exemplary work ethic, and trustworthiness, Araceli is truly one of our most valued employees. 

Araceli is married to Manny. They have 2 boys, Alex who is 16, and Nico who is 12, and two daughters, Nelinha who is 5, and Emma who is 7 months.  Araceli is very much involved with her children and you can often find her cheering them on at sporting events and extra-curricular activities. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, reading, and loves spending quality time with her family.

Araceli’s favorite part of working for the City is the teamwork environment and her fellow coworkers. Araceli is one of our more dedicated staff with excellent work habits and has a great attitude. Thank you, Araceli, for your hard work and congratulations for being chosen as the employee of the month for January 2020!