Amanda Gerard Email and Phone Number

Led month-end close process and other core accounting activities for this financial services and technology company with nine subsidiaries and three consolidated entities. Ensured timely and accurate general ledger close, general ledger account analyses, and complex bank reconciliations. Reviewed financial transactions and quarter-end work paper files for multiple entities. Delivered financial presentations and ad hoc reports to the controller and CFO. Analyzed financial information detailing balance sheets and income statement accounts. Managed and mentored a team of two.Drove continuous process improvement and addressed assessed inter-department reporting challenges in collaboration with the controller.Entrusted to mentor accounting staff on process improvement and GAAP.Stabilized department during the transition to remote operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining on track to meet the deadline for annual close.Played a crucial role in gaining visibility and improving annual close accuracy by supporting CFO and controller.

Managed in-house financial statement preparation, month-end close, and bank reconciliations, interfacing with counterparts in the Nepal office. Performed periodic budgeting and modeling to project monthly cash requirements and forecasting. Generated monthly reports comparing budgeted costs to actual costs. Prepared monthly donor reports for the CEO and development team. Coordinated annual audits. Handled weekly deposits, vendor payments, bi-monthly payroll for five staff, and FSA programs for employees.Conducted meticulous reviews of financial information to ensure the integrity of the general ledger, including the chart of accounts and temporary restricted funds accounts.Optimized accounting and finance processes and procedures, expediting annual audit from up to 2 weeks to half a day of fieldwork.Created cash flow models that accurately predicted future cash trends and needs.Generated ad hoc financial reports to predict future donation trends and opportunities to support organizational objectives.Designed budget-vs.-actual model to improve management decision-making. Contacted frequently by organization to provide accounting guidance and instruction after employment ended.Displayed strong attention to detail while maintaining accurate donation information in eTapestry database.

Promoted to manage budgets, financial reports, cash flow projections, and month- / year-end close processes. Oversaw biannual inventory audits and reconciliations. Administered company benefits and interfaced with insurance brokers. Developed 401(k) plan for 250+ employees. Maintained ERP system. Hired, trained, and mentored finance and accounting staff. Led a team of 6.Established comprehensive accounting procedures, controls, and policies to position the company for growth. Secured $2.5M in financing for operating capital and ten additional stores by building financial and inventory control framework that could withstand external bank audits.Transitioned company to retail 5-day accounting close, enabling quick decisions and business strategy alignment.Conceptualized and created sophisticated financial models to expedite the close process and facilitate data-driven management decision-making.Fostered strong relationships with external banks, CPAs, and auditors, leading to an increase in credit line from $400K to $2.5M and securing tax credits totaling $150K in pass-through savings.

Advanced in overseeing all accounting areas, including accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, bank reconciliations, and monthly balance sheet statements. Conducted month-end close. Prepared monthly reports, including payment, account, inventory reconciliations, and financial statements. Developed budgets and forecasts for the management group. Hired, trained, and mentored accounting staff. Led a team of 6.Implemented effective budget and expense controls by analyzing income and expenditures.Managed monthly payables exceeding $3M, maintaining positive domestic and foreign vendor relationships to ensure optimal payment terms.Upgraded banking platforms, leveraging automation to ensure an efficient and timely approval process.Automated employee expenses via a customizable credit card platform, saving weeks in expense tracking by quickly exporting and importing data into the ERP system.Created and implemented budget vs. actual results, reviewing data with department heads.

Played a key role in migrating from QuickBooks to SAP Business One ERP, facilitating integration with production, planning, and inventory by mapping and transitioning accounting department to new system.Automated accounting department, mitigating late bills to missing payments.Interfaced with Wells Fargo to secure $400K financing for four new retail locations.