Merilee Updike Email & Phone Number

Spokane, Washington Area

Spokane, Wa

* Provide advanced data analytics, reporting and data mining as requested by supported groups, prioritizing multiple requests in order to meet the needs of all areas.* Create, enhance and automate processes using tools such as Windows Command files, Monarch, MS Excel, MS Access and Foxtrot to aid in completion of routine responsibilities; eliminating manual work, reducing completion time and streamlining tasks.* Build and maintain Foxtrot scripts to aid teams in updating the core systems or internal reporting SharePoint sites for routine maintenance or special projects.* Act as a Subject Matter Expert to other corporate employees on tools such as Microsoft Office, Foxtrot, Business Intelligence (BIC), Monarch and Visa Data Manager to increase their understanding and functionality of the tools and help resolve problems or issues they are having.* Actively participate and provide guidance to others on enterprise teams for BIC, Core Systems Change Control and other specialized teams as needed. Support site administrators for various SharePoint sites used within the organization for these teams.

Spokane, Wa

* Maintain functionality of Baker Hill (Experian) Loan Origination System, Applink user interface and FIS/IBS Loan Core System for Production, Test and Training environments, including updating credit policies, product matrix, user hierarchy and branch structure. Ensure the systems meet regulatory guidelines. Coordinate with vendors as needed for updates/system upgrades.* Provide routine reporting, analysis and ad hoc data requests on consumer and small business activity using advanced analytics and programs such as MS Access, MS Excel, Business Objects (BIC) and Crystal Reports.* Update loan core system (FIS/IBS) as needed using Foxtrot scripts or Mass Exchange.* Maintain FIS/IBS Bank Control to enable system to service loans properly.* Provide technical support to Lending System users, including provisioning users and troubleshooting system access problems for Baker Hill Origination/Applink, Snagit, Keyboard Express, as well as external vendor applications such as CT Lien, DealerTrack/FDI Collateral Manager, IAC, Kroll, NADA, RIMS.

Spokane, Washington Area

* Analyze monthly financial reports generated by Loan Accountants, providing information to Manager and Controller on trends and/or problems with the loan portfolio.* Provide high-level analyses when necessary to support Manager, Assistant Controller and Controller.* Develop and maintain a financial reporting package for participated consumer loans for remitting and reporting to the investor on a monthly basis.* Provide Accounting expertise to servicing departments within Sterling Bank, including involvement in numerous Kaizen events.* Provide loan data to auditors and regulators on a regular basis.* Provide loan data and schedules for SFD Quarterly/Annual Reports and FDIC Call Reports.* Provide expertise towards acquisitions and system conversions for loan data.* Provide expertise on large loan pool purchases and sales.* Responsible for GL mapping on the loan systems.* Maintain ongoing relationships with computer system vendors as it relates to loans and mapping.* Maintain Hedge Accounting and research balancing problems.

Spokane, Wa

* Supervise three Accountants of varying levels.* Perform annual reviews, recommending annual raises and/or promotions when appropriate.* Enforce Sterling Savings Bank and Accounting Department policies and perform disciplinary actions when necessary to ensure the productivity of the Loan Accounting area.* Hire personnel when necessary to maintain the Loan Accounting area.* Review daily and monthly activity of Accountants, verifying accuracy and timeliness.* Report Asset Securitization portfolio to Trustee and investors.* Develop and maintain a financial reporting package for participated consumer loans for remitting and reporting to the investor on a monthly basis.* Analyze monthly financial reports generated by Loan Accountants, providing information to Manager and Controller on trends and/or problems with the loan portfolio.* Provide high-level analyses when necessary to support Manager, Assistant Controller and Controller.* Review Loan Accounting processes and reports, recommending updates or changes when necessary for meaningful reporting to other parties within and outside of Sterling Savings Bank.* Responsible for coordinating all loan sales to investors with Accounting Department, including ensuring that systems are properly updated, GL accounts are set up, and reporting is in place for monthly remittances.* Responsible for Control Charting on all loan plans on the BISYS system.* Provide Accounting expertise to servicing departments within Sterling Savings Bank.

Spokane, Wa

* Prepare FHLMC, FNMA and other investor reports, remittances and reconciliations.* Remit daily and monthly cash disbursements to investors.* Track and remit to investors of construction participation portfolio.* Track, remit and report Asset Securitization portfolio to Trustee.* Prepare or assist in preparing other special investor reports as required.* Prepare monthly reconciliations of investor’s principal balance, custodial bank accounts, investor’s payable accounts and investor’s escrow account balances.* Interpret and maintain servicing guides and manuals relating to investor reporting for FHLMC, FNMA (A/A and MBS Pools) and Private Investors.* Prepare portfolio and investor escrow reconciliations.* Set up and maintain Access databases to expedite the reconciliation processes.

Spokane, Wa

Most Recent Position:* Analyze and report financial and operating results.* Track, analyze and report Demand Side Management/Conservation (DSM) activities to internal parties, as well as to Commission Staff members in Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California.* Compile annual DSM program review reports and file with Oregon Public Utility Commission and California Public Utilities Commission.* Compile annual DSM weatherization reports for Business Energy Tax Credits and file with Oregon Office of Energy.* Compile quarterly DSM activity reports and file with California Public Utilities Commission.* Prepare and coordinate annual budgets for Energy Delivery line of business.* Provide direction on DSM accounting issues.* Provide direction on miscellaneous Federal Energy Regulatory Commission accounting issues for Energy Delivery line of business.* Maintain Rate Comparison Models.* Provide miscellaneous Financial/Accounting analyses as needed.