Cheryl Arlene Mathews
**** ** ***** ***** ***, Bentonville, AR 72712 479-***-****
************.*******@*****.*** https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylarlene-mathews
Summary
A pioneering, innovative and forward-thinking financial professional with global and domestic expertise in accounting, financial project management, regional governance, federal and state regulatory compliance, program and procedure development and implementation, and team leadership. Displays a proven hands-on track record of developing and managing high-performing teams focused on creating continuous improvement and customer focused culture. A strong logical and analytical thinker, detail-oriented and highly strategic problem solver who applies broad financial, operations, and business expertise to deliver solutions in decision making in business analysis that effectively integrate people, processes, technology, and data to produce financial success. Adheres to the strictest of confidence of all information deemed confidential.
Key Accomplishments
Spearheaded transition from manual money order to EFT payment process for a product with $1,000,000,000 in sales
Drove implementation of the above EFT payment system in over 3,900 stores, distribution centers, and fuel stations in 2014
After assuming leadership; led accounts payable teams to reduce inherited two and half year backlog to a current sta01tus, within one year through training, process improvement, and incremental goal setting
Established and implemented intercompany accounting procedures with eleven entities in seven countries for $100,000,000 stock vest international line
Experience
WALMART, INC. Bentonville, Arkansas
Finance Manager 2014-2017
Developed and implemented an inter-company invoicing process for 11 countries/entities for $100,000,000 international stock equity line, including the development and documentation of complex stock vest equity processes. Implemented systematic changes to SAP to ensure invoicing and payments were posted accurately on US general ledger, as well as, within foreign countries' books ensuring compliance with US GAAP and IFRS. Owned the month-end consolidation close process to produce accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports, including income statement, balance sheet, cash flow and related footnotes. Prepared financial statements, management reporting, i.e., analyzed actual vs. budget variances and prepared executive summary of explanations. Participated in the forecast and planning processes for the corporate segment, consolidated forecasting, monthly and annual financial reports. Review controls and procedures for the preparation of the monthly, quarterly, and annual corporate schedules and monthly financial statements ensuring all expenses and revenues are appropriately captured. Collaborated with investment management and banking teams. Facilitated posting and usage accuracy of financial general ledger system and chart of accounts.
Educated international finance teams; including United Kingdom, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina and Hong Kong on equity accounting, intercompany payable process, including systematic use of SAP and intercompany journal entry preparation
Owned and led corporate segment in the month-end close and preparation of financial statements and the consolidation process
Implemented systematic changes to SAP to ensure invoicing and payments were posted accurately on US general ledger, as well as, within international countries' ledgers per GAAP
WALMART, INC. Bentonville, Arkansas
Supervisor II (Global Shared Services) 2012-2014
Supervised and managed performance of multiple cross-functional teams of thirty plus associates, including accounts payable and check printing teams. Hired new team staffing, provided orientation and system training, set goals, provided career development assistance, streamlined, and documented processes. Issued performance evaluations for team members and offered developmental guidelines and resources to achieve goals. Oversaw training and development to encourage growth in SAP and Excel skills, as well as, increased accountability and improvement. Revamped safeguards, formulated and established business continuity controls, and reviewed, and applied Sarbanes-Oxley controls for areas managed. Also, led and managed EFT initiative project team to successfully develop and implement accounting receiving and payment processes ensuring stores, vendors and third-party interfaced with home office systems. Served as focal point of contact for all audit activity to include annual financial audit, interface with internal auditors and other regulatory entities, including monitoring all deliverables prepared by client (PBC). Reviewed controls and procedures for the preparation of the monthly, quarterly, and annual corporate schedules and monthly financial statements ensuring all expenses and revenues are appropriately captured and completed on time. Complied with all Federal and applicable State laws
Ensured successful implementation of alcohol EFT project by vetting and establishing goals by collaborating third party EFT provider, adult beverage vendors, and merchandising teams
Adapted to competing demands, organizational changes and oversaw change management, job-related activities and assignments for regulated goods and check printing teams
WALMART, INC. Bentonville, Arkansas
Fixed Asset Analyst (Global Shared Services) 2008-2011
Oversaw domestic fixed asset portfolio and provided accounting and system assistance to Canadian fixed asset team. Developed and implemented a new process and internal controls for ensuring assets under construction are placed in service in a timely manner, which provided correct capitalization of costs, and accurate recording of depreciation. Worked with sales and use tax department to improve the accuracy of reporting to states, counties, and municipalities. Partnered with system implementation team which developed the mapping of legacy systems including Oracle product - JD Edwards EnterpriseOne conversion to SAP. Participated in testing environments and providing recommendations to technology teams for changes necessary for a smooth transition of ERP systems. Partners with other operational areas to build strong working relations and improve workflow and organizational issues.
Prepared Asset Roll Forward reports providing asset tracking as well as forecast and budget processes
Performed asset cost analysis ensuring classification, recording, and depreciation for the logistic department, distribution centers, and real estate construction projects nationwide, are accurate at project level and in service
Additional Experience
FIRST SECURITY BANK, Springdale, Arkansas, Assistant Vice President/Regional Operations Manager, 2005-2007. Oversaw Northwest Arkansas region of eleven regional banking center managers, customer service representatives, and tellers, plus call center staffing totaled thirty-six. Developed and implemented written operational procedures for banking center managers, cash management, teller, and customer service staff training and development processes ensuring consistency in regulatory education. Provided a consistent and defined path for advancement and growth to staff. Identified fraud activity that impacted thousands of customer accounts. Implemented training for tellers and customer service reps for prevention and detection. Served on regional executive board, reviewed, and approved loan requests, and served on community activities committee.
FIRST COMMUNITY BANK OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, Van Buren, Arkansas, Cashier and Operations Officer (Executive Officer), 2000-2005. Served on Board of Directors. An integral part of the formation of all aspects of the new community commercial bank, including the hiring of initial employees, supervision, training and development of community support projects. Vetted and selected all software for bank, including accounting, payroll, as well as, loan and operational departments. Managed accounting, proof, customer service, payroll, and teller departments with a total of fifteen employees; responsible for performance reviews, compensation, and benefits, goal setting and discipline. Prepared federal and state reporting packages, reviewed tax documentation and filings, workers’ compensation, property tax reporting, and board of director's monthly financial statements. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements for company, including loan and deposit compliance, as well as, payroll, employee benefits and appropriate risk management for company’s liability, workers comp and property insurance.
US BANK, Van Buren, Arkansas, Loan Operations Supervisor, 1996–2000. Led team of five and trained staff in the loan support organizational policy and procedures. Maintained bank loan documents and reviewed documents for completeness and accuracy. Provided customer support during system conversion ensuring customers understood the necessity of account changes. Provided problem resolution assistance in personnel related matters.
AREA AGENCY ON AGING - WESTERN ARKANSAS, Fort Smith, Arkansas, Non-Profit and Government Accountant, 1990-1995. Oversaw elderly housing and senior citizen center’s managers. Established computerized payroll and billing system within the senior housing and senior citizen’s center's manager’s offices, as well as, corporate offices. Performed monthly healthcare accounting responsibilities, including budgets and close processes. Oversaw construction draws for senior housing working closely with architect, and construction foreman, to ensure constructions stayed on track and within budget. Grant writing for senior centers and housing. Complied with all Federal and State regulations, including HUD Housing.
Education Experience
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS, Conway, Arkansas
Bachelor of Business Administration – Major: Accounting, and Business Management
Affiliations
Institute of Management Accountants, Business and Professional Women’s chapter (served as President, President-Elect, and Member– Van Buren AR)
Computer Skills & Other
SAP, SAP/BI, JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, Oracle, PeopleSoft, proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office - Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Oracle Hyperion Essbase, WebEx, Air Watch Agent, Slack; Excellent communication skills