Budget Analyst, Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable, Accountant, HR

Cynthia Stanford

* ****** **. ********, ** *****

Cell: 501-***-**** Email: ****************@*****.*** Summary

Highly accomplished and results-driven financial and program professional with over 25 years of experience in federal budget management, financial analysis, compliance, and human resources. Proven ability to interpret complex legislation, manage large-scale program budgets, optimize financial operations, and provide strategic advice to leadership. Adept at data analysis, system utilization (MAX A-11, FMMI, Protracts, SCIMS), and stakeholder collaboration to drive organizational effectiveness and achieve mission objectives. Experience

Budget Analyst UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FPAC-BC – Maumelle, AR April 2021 – April 2025

Budget Analyst UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, NRCS – Little Rock, AR January 2001 - October 2015

Strategic Budget Policy & Advisory:

Developed, implemented, and recommended budgetary policies that strategically impacted the financing and accomplishment of assigned national programs.

Delivered authoritative interpretations of complex congressional legislation and OMB policies, ensuring compliance and optimizing program funding strategies.

Collaborated with leadership to define and achieve short and long-term budgetary objectives, aligning fiscal plans with strategic program goals and establishing activity schedules. Budget Operations & Management:

Managed and oversaw comprehensive budget operations for FPAC Mission Area Agencies and national programs, encompassing full lifecycle budget formulation, execution, and rigorous data validation. Formulated and reviewed integrated budget guidance, enhancing financial transparency and control across diverse activities.

Conducted in-depth analysis of historical and current spending trends to develop consolidated, accurate budget estimates for complex, diverse national programs.

Utilized advanced financial oversight frameworks and budget systems as evaluative mechanisms to measure and enhance program performance and effectiveness.

Resolved complex prediction and forecasting problems stemming from operational uncertainties or programmatic changes, ensuring accurate financial projections.

Financial Analysis & Reporting:

Tracked the progress of appropriations through Congress, providing timely updates and strategic insights to leadership for proactive decision-making.

Served as the primary liaison between OMB staff and the Budget Division, facilitating seamless communication and resolution of budgetary matters for assigned programs. Reviewed, approved, and strategically recommended the amount and timing of fund allotments to assigned programs, ensuring optimal resource deployment and adherence to FPAC’s fiscal plan. Maintained rigorous accounting records to prevent over-obligation and proactively analyzed funds to identify trends, preventing potential surpluses or shortages.

Analyzed, evaluated, recommended, and revised annual supplemental requests for all working capital fund accounts, optimizing resource allocation.

Ensured 100% accuracy of program funding data entered into the MAX A-11 financial system, maintaining data integrity for critical national programs.

Conducted meticulous annual year-end closing activities and reconciled financial data with accounting records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Consolidated diverse financial data to generate comprehensive overviews of operational financial status, enabling data-driven decision-making by leadership.

Prepared and presented fund status reports to leadership, providing critical insights for strategic planning and fiscal management.

Managed the accurate entry and adjustment of integrated operating financial program data into a wide variety of reports, forms, schedules, and electronic systems. Managed comprehensive reimbursable fund operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing, reconciliation, and compliance with accounting principles and federal regulations. Leadership & Communication:

Led audits and financial reviews of projects and programs, prepared reports, and coordinated with program managers to resolve discrepancies and collect accounts receivable. Supervised a team of two accounting technicians and managed all budget functions, including acting as State Administrative Officer, demonstrating strong leadership and operational oversight. Provided expert financial guidance, advising state budget officers on compliance, analyzing general ledger transactions, and assisting the Arkansas State Office with budget estimation and fund control. Administered fund allocation and procurement, processing invoices, setting up purchase orders, and distributing funds to activities based on historical data and projected workload. Program Analyst UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, NRCS – Little Rock, AR May 2016 – April 2021

Ensured program compliance and effective delivery for Conservation Stewardship (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Programs (EQIP) by interpreting policies and statutes. Managed critical contract operations, including preparing debt/cancellation letters, monitoring Protracts reports for expiring contracts, and coordinating SCIMS for data integrity. Provided programmatic liaison services between state and national staff for Equitable Relief and Improper Payments, facilitating resolution and compliance.

Developed and implemented new program policies and regulations, collaborating with state leadership on performance targets and contributing to strategic planning for program initiatives. Management Analyst UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, NRCS – Little Rock, AR June 2000 – December 2000

Contributed to the development and implementation of strategic state-level plans, including the Arkansas NRCS operations, performance, and business plans.

Conducted comprehensive workload and budget analyses, utilizing analytical techniques and historical data to identify program needs and forecast future funding. Developed and monitored workload analysis reports, tracking progress against performance goals and identifying areas for process improvement.

Maintained organized data in computer systems, facilitating annual program assessments and workload analysis revisions.

Real Estate Agent Metro Real Estate – Little Rock, AR September 2017 – Current Advocated for and guided clients through all phases of residential real estate transactions, from initial market entry to successful closing.

Provided expert market analysis and strategic pricing recommendations, enhancing property presentation and developing comprehensive marketing campaigns across various channels. Negotiated complex purchase agreements and sales contracts, consistently securing advantageous outcomes for both buyers and sellers.

Managed the entire transaction lifecycle, meticulously overseeing documentation, legal compliance, and coordinating with all involved professionals (e.g., mortgage brokers, inspectors, attorneys). Educated clients on market conditions and financing options, empowering them to make informed decisions while delivering exemplary customer service.

Stayed current with real estate laws, regulations, and market trends through continuous professional development to ensure compliance and effective client representation. EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration August 2000 - August 2005 Webster University Little Rock, Arkansas 3.25 Cumulative GPA

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting August 1992 - May 1999 Philander Smith College Little Rock, Arkansas Cum Laude 3.46 Cumulative GPA

High School Diploma August 1992 - May 1999 Central High School Little Rock, Arkansas Cum Laude Graduate

Contact this candidate