Manager Finance
Resume:
Debra J. Bridgham
Quaker Hill, CT 06375
********.*****@*****.***
Experience that has dual reporting authority to the Town Manager and the Superintendent of Schools. Oversight of Municipal and School District financial personnel. Overall budgeting and fiscal management for both. Adept in working with state and local officials, policy makers, possess administration experience, strong research and critical thinking skills with the ability to analyze data to ensure accuracy, investigate inconsistencies, can extrapolate relevant information and compose logical and information written and verbal reports; able to manage multiple concurrent projects and shifting priorities while maintaining attention to detail and meeting strict deadlines.
Professional Experience:
Town of Westerly, Westerly Public Schools, Westerly Rhode Island Finance Director Appointed February 2015
Manage 86 million dollar budget with 1100 FTEs, 5 union contracts. Manage Finance Office, including Tax Collections, Purchasing, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable. Prepare the town’s official statement and oversee all bonding activities. Interact with financial institutions and rating agencies. Advise the Town Manager, School Superintendent, School Committee and Town Council on a variety of financial issues. Monthly reports to both School Committee and Town Council. Interim Finance Director February 2014- July 2014
October 2014 - February 2015
Responsible for the completion of school and town budget without delay. Responsible for 5 years forecast to state, federal grant reporting and compliance with the Rhode Island Department of Education uniform chart of accounts. Cross training of all finance staff in various accounting duties. Initiated a school lunch balance policy. Oversee food service program, insurance, both liability and worker’s compensation. Assisted in two union negotiations, Local 808 Clerical and Transportation and assisted the Superintendent with an extension of teachers’ contract.
Deputy Finance Director August 2011 – February 2014 In 2011, Westerly became the first municipality in the State of Rhode Island to consolidate their Finance Department along with the grounds maintenance department. My primary job duties for the school district, included budget preparation, monthly reports to School Committee, Rhode Island Department of Education Housing Aid reporting, Federal Grant reporting and the Department of Education’s uniform chart of accounts project. Responsibilities increased which included additional accounting staff, preparation of policy and procedures manuals, and ensured separation of duties of the payroll coordinators.
Business Manager July 2006- August 2011
Managed $50.39 million budgets with 558 FTE and 3 union contracts. Manage Finance office including purchasing, accounts payable, payroll, human resources and accounts receivable. Assisted in the development and implementation of finance department consolidation plans. Achieved savings of 4.9 million over 2 years. Developed successful new budget process and presentation, positively influencing public perception and ultimate acceptance of proposed budget by the finance board and town council: Coordinated two accounting conversions, the Rhode Island Department of Education mandated uniform chart of accounts and payroll from ADP to in house software. Accountant
Coordinated monthly closing, production and distribution of Finance Statements, reviewed monthly Balance Sheet and revenue expenditures statements, reviewed cost and operating information to ensure compliance with budget, responsible for accounting of all grants, including police and community development grants, responsible for providing all audit documentation and reconciliation. Hubbell Premising Wiring a Division of Hubbell Inc. Manager of Financial Services July 1995-September 2005 Accounting Supervisor July 1994-July 1995
Senior Account Associate November 1990 - July 1995 Education
St Bernard High School 1974-1979
GED Certificate 1980
Mitchell College Creative Writing
Microsoft Office, Tyler Technology (Munis), BPCS, Cincom,Timberline, ADP,QuickBooks Continue Education Courses related GASB
Membership in Professional Organization(s)
New England Government Finance Offers Association
Government Finance Officer Association
Rhode Island Government Finance Officers Association Society for Human Resource Management
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