Accounting Tax

JOAN MAZZARELLA, CPA Candidate

Metro Atlanta, GA 860-***-**** ********@*******.*** www.linkedin.com/in/joan-mazzarella-7bbb4135

Tax Accounting/Analysis ò Corporate Tax ò Legal Compliance

US GAAP/ASC 740 ò Financial Reporting/Planning ò Project Management

A dynamic, detail-oriented Senior Tax Accountant highly regarded for comprehensively supporting tax filings at local, state and federal levels. Superior analytical skills combined with demonstrated acumen across provision, federal/state filings, research, software utilization, and financial reporting. Collaborate effectively with business leaders to handle compliance & governance responsibilities. Excellent communicator who leads, collaborates effectively and builds productive relationships. Progressive tenure with numerous promotions and extensive experience with US GAAP and ASC740 income tax accounting.

Selected Highlights

Provided superb assistance to the Tax Manager in coordinating and managing quarterly reviews and year-end tax provision audits by the external auditor and internal Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance auditors.

Elevated to Senior Consultant at Aetna, chosen to manage outsourced personnel, providing guidance, training, and maintenance of workflow. Wrote detailed procedures for outsourced staff on federal income tax return preparation.

Demonstrated outstanding accounting acumen in dramatically improving/enhancing tax processes, using new or existing reporting tools and systems to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency.

Improved methods to respond to time-sensitive information requests from internal and external auditors, including the IRS.

Core Competencies

Tax Accounting

US GAAP/ASC740

Compliance/Governance

Corporate Tax

(SOX) Compliance

Quality Review

Tax Analysis

Financial Reporting/Analysis

Project Management

Professional Experience

Fusion f/k/a/ Birch Communications Inc. ò Atlanta, GA ò 2017 – Present

Senior Income Tax Accountant (State and Federal)

Provided hands-on support and diligence in income tax based planning, reporting and compliance. Responsible for the administration of corporate multi-state and Federal taxes to ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations, while minimizing the corporate income tax burden through effective research and planning. Collaborated with the Senior Tax Executive in researching tax issues and developing tax minimization opportunities. Filed in a condensed time frame past due federal and state returns for an entity that was acquired in 2014, which resulted in approximately $3,000,000 in refunds.

Initiated and assisted in the tax planning process, including research and analysis of tax law

Preparation of quarterly and annual income tax provisions, including tax account reconciliations and management of deferred taxes and related disclosures

Assist with preparation of quarterly valuation allowance analysis

Maintain direct working relationship with external auditors on income tax provision and valuation allowance matters

Assist in the design, implementation and maintenance of best practice policies and procedures in the areas of income tax reporting and compliance

Participated in monthly accounting close with preparation and ownership of tax accrual journal entries and reconciliations

Preparation of the consolidated federal income tax return and related state and local income tax returns

Maintain documentation and record keeping for audit defense

Assist with non-income based taxes as needed

Voya Financial ò Atlanta, GA ò 2014 – 2017

Senior Tax Accountant (State and Federal)

Prepare US GAAP and Statutory income tax provisions under ASC 740 (FAS 109) and SSAP No. 101. Develop, monitor and comply with internal controls for income tax reporting processes (SOX compliance). Prepare and file individual company and consolidated tax returns and extensions promptly. Generate quarterly and year-end tax account reconciliations and account roll forwards. Create tax basis balance sheets and maintain deferred tax inventory schedules. Manage the preparation of the foreign filings: Forms 5471, 8621 and 8858. Complete the reporting of foreign bank accounts “FBAR.”

Diligently gather and analyze a wide array of information from business units and other sources to prepare federal income tax returns and related reports to exacting professional standards.

Conduct in-depth research on various tax technical issues and accurately document conclusions.

Deliver superb assistance to the Tax Manager in coordinating and managing quarterly reviews and year-end tax provision audits by the external auditor and internal Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance auditors.

Quickly and effectively respond to nuanced information requests from internal and external auditors, including the IRS.

Utilize excellent organizational skills to excel as the Business Continuity Plan coordinator.

Consistently deliver meaningful contributions to continuous development initiatives, as well as sharing technical expertise in tax accounting and tax reporting with Corporate Tax Department staff.

Aetna ò Hartford, CT ò 2001 – 2014

Consultant / Senior Consultant – Corporate Tax: 2005 – 2014

Actively participated in various tax processes. Prepared tax provisions and Life, Property and Casualty and C Corp returns (federal/ state income and premium) in accordance with compliance regulations. Researched federal and multistate income tax issues. Demonstrated working knowledge of FAS 109 & SSAP 101. Performed all responsibilities while maintaining a work at home status (06/09-08/14). Periodically traveled to CT during critical tax sensitive periods. Cross-trained colleagues.

Promoted due to excellent performance, chosen to manage outsourced personnel, providing guidance, training, and maintenance of workflow. Wrote detailed manuals for functions to be performed by offshore staff.

Maintained the Life and A&H reserves at the product level effectively identified all new accounts related to reserves

and categorized/determined the tax treatment of reserves according to Section 807 under the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Collaborated closely with the actuary department to obtain needed reserve information.

Recognized for outstanding accounting acumen in dramatically improving/enhancing tax processes. Used new and existing reporting tools or systems to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency.

Provided substantial contributions in a team environment; maintained positive constituent relationships at all levels.

Financial Reporting & Accounting Consultant: 2001 – 2005

Provided accounting, reporting and reconciliation of benefit expenses for a variety of insurance products on a statutory and GAAP basis. Promoted and maintained positive constituent relationships.

Completed monthly, quarterly and annual vouchers and reports meeting stringent deadlines.

Maintained accurate GAAP and statutory reports by researching and reconciling balance discrepancies, in addition to maintaining and modifying Oracle reports.

Key team member in improving/enhancing tax processes through custom-tailored reporting tools and systems.

Moved

Additional Relevant Experience

Royal & Sun Alliance formerly ORION Capital ò Farmington, CT - Supervisor/Tax Accountant

Monitored state tax legislation including the impact on the reported findings to management. Assisted management with reporting including Taxes, Licenses & Fees schedules and state and premium tax accruals, along with potential recoupment of guaranty fund assessments. Promoted to supervisor; managed state tax compliance activities as well as three high-performing staff tax accountants.

Education

Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT - Bachelor of Science – Accounting

Additional Credentials

Technical Skills

ProSystems, OneSource, InSource, Premium Pro, Workday, PeopleSoft, Oracle, WDesk, Booke, Super Forms, Intelliforms, Proforms Plus III, Corp Tax, nVision, FileNet, General Ledger Applications and In-house check cutting system, Management Information System (EMIS), RIA/Checkpoint, CCH Tax Research Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access),

Professional Development

Certified Public Accountant (Candidate): anticipated completion October 2019

Volunteering Experience

Furkids Dog Shelter / Connecticut Children’s Hospital / Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation

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