Accounts Payable Human Resources

CARLA EDWARDS

Raleigh NC 571-***-**** ****************@*****.***

Summary

Accomplished finance and operations professional with a strong background in financial management, grant and contract administration, and human resources across government, nonprofit, and private sectors. Demonstrates expertise in budgeting, forecasting, regulatory compliance, and full-cycle accounts payable/receivable. Adept at streamlining processes, enhancing internal controls, and supporting strategic initiatives through data-driven insights. Proficient in financial systems including SAP, QuickBooks, and Excel, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to drive operational excellence and fiscal accountability.

Skills

Project Coordination

Process Improvement

Regulatory Compliance

HR Operations & Payroll

Data Entry & Documentation

Accounts Payable/Receivable

Financial Analysis & Reporting

Contract & Grant Management

Communication & Stakeholder Management

Software Proficiency (SAP, QuickBooks, Excel, etc.)

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

A.A.S in Hotel Management, New York City Technical College, New York City, NY – 1987.

Accounting Certificate, Fairfax County Government

Experience

FINANCE SPECIALIST 09/2023 - 02/2025

The Center for Black Health & Equity/ Public Health-Nonprofit - Durham, NC

Led end-to-end financial management operations, from preparing annual reports and executive financial statements to managing payroll, reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger integrity, resulting in streamlined processes and reduced month-end closing times.

Designed and implemented robust forecasting models and financial dashboards, collaborating with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to drive strategic planning, scenario analysis, and budget optimization across operational and capital expenditures.

Enhanced organizational efficiency and compliance by automating reconciliation tools, optimizing corporate travel procedures, and managing contract oversight—ensuring timely payments, accurate reporting, and cost savings.

Provided strategic support across the project lifecycle, including effort reporting, FTE allocations, invoice payments, and financial oversight of product development and research budgets, contributing to accurate grant management and resource alignment.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST 04/2023 - 05/2023

Advance Medical Center - Raleigh, NC

Negotiated favorable contract terms to reduce business risk and support financial goals, while ensuring compliance and accuracy in monthly grant and contract reconciliations.

Maintained financial data integrity by managing bookkeeping systems, applying accurate coding, and overseeing timely vendor payments—enhancing organization and vendor relationships.

Conducted in-depth reviews of expenditures, invoices, and projections using Excel tools, improving budget tracking, financial accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistency between procurement, invoicing, and reporting processes, supporting seamless effort reporting, cost transfers, and project closeouts.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 01/2023 - 02/2023

Manufacturing Company - Barbaric, NC

Processed invoices, tracked payments, and reduced outstanding receivables.

Reconciled accounts and resolved billing discrepancies promptly.

Prepared aging reports and flagged delinquent accounts for follow-up.

Improved billing workflows by streamlining and automating processes.

FINANCE SPECIALIST II 04/2019 - 05/2022

Bennett Aerospace/Army Research Operations - Raleigh, NC

Analyzed financial data and prepared reports to support strategic decision-making.

Managed budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to optimize financial performance.

Ensured compliance by reviewing transactions, reconciling accounts, and maintaining accurate records.

PROJECT SUPPORTS 08/2018 - 03/2019

Siemens Healthineers - Cary, NC

Assisted with project planning, scheduling, and documentation to ensure timely deliverables.

Tracked project milestones and maintained detailed status reports for stakeholders.

Coordinated team communications, meetings, and logistics to support smooth project execution.

PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR COORDINATOR 05/2018 - 07/2018

Syndicus/SBM Life Science - Cary, NC

Coordinated project timelines, resources, and deliverables to keep initiatives on track and within scope.

Maintained project documentation, reports, and status updates to ensure transparency and accountability.

Scheduled meetings, prepared agendas, and supported communication between stakeholders and team members.

OPERATIONS ANALYST II-TRADE SETTLEMENTS 03/2018 - 05/2018

Credit Suisse - Research Triangle Park, NC

Executed and validated daily trade settlements across multiple asset classes, ensuring timely and accurate processing.

Reconciled trade discrepancies with counterparties, custodians, and internal teams to minimize financial risk.

Monitored settlement failures and implemented corrective actions to improve straight-through processing (STP) rates.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT-COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST 12/2014 - 06/2015

Syndicus LLC/Bayer Crop Science - Morrisville, NC

Supported executive leadership with calendar management, travel coordination, and confidential correspondence, ensuring seamless daily operations.

Created, proofed, and distributed high-level internal and external communications, enhancing organizational messaging and executive visibility.

Coordinated meetings, events, and speaking engagements, preparing detailed briefs and presentation materials.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST 01/2014 - 11/2014

Randstad/GlaxoSmithKline - Durham, NC

Provided high-level administrative support to executives, managing calendars, travel, and confidential communications.

Drafted and edited internal and external communications, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and alignment with brand voice.

Coordinated meetings, events, and presentations, supporting seamless executive and team collaboration.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/HR MANAGER 06/2008 - 08/2013

Fairfax County Government- VA Department of Information Technology - Fairfax, VA

Provided comprehensive support to executive leadership, managing schedules, communications, and high-level administrative tasks with discretion.

Oversaw HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and policy implementation to ensure compliance and employee satisfaction.

Acted as a liaison between executives and staff, facilitating smooth internal communication and conflict resolution.

HR MANAGER 11/2005 - 10/2007

Fairfax County Government Public Health Department - Fairfax, VA

Led full-cycle HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and employee relations to support organizational growth.

Developed and enforced HR policies and procedures, ensuring legal compliance and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Managed performance evaluations, training initiatives, and career development programs to enhance employee engagement and retention.

FINANCE SPECIALIST II 10/2002 - 11/2005

Fairfax County Government - Reston, VA

Conducted detailed financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting to support strategic planning and decision-making.

Reconciled accounts, monitored expenditures, and ensured accuracy in financial reporting and compliance with internal policies.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams on audits, cost controls, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN 01/1995 - 10/2002

Government Department of Tax Administration - Reston, VA

Processed accounts payable and receivable transactions, ensuring timely and accurate financial records.

Reconciled bank statements and general ledger accounts to maintain financial integrity and resolve discrepancies.

Assisted with month-end and year-end closings, preparing journal entries and financial reports.

Education and Training

University of Phoenix - Phoenix, AZ Bachelor's Degree

Business Management, Information Systems, 01/2014

GPA: 3.5

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