Rebekah Moreland Bailey
*** ******* ****, ******* ******, TN 37385
************@*****.***
Summary
Accomplished and results-driven Accounting & Financial Leader with 20+ years of experience spanning corporate, nonprofit, and higher education sectors. Proven expertise in financial reporting, tax strategy, budgeting, audits, grants, compliance (SOX), office management, and cross-functional team leadership. Recognized for streamlining operations, enhancing compliance, and reducing tax burdens for individuals and organizations. Skilled communicator who translates complex data into clear, actionable insights.
Core Competencies
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Tax Preparation & Planning (Corp, S-Corp, Partnership, Individual)
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Audit Coordination & SOX Compliance
- Grant & Contract Management (USDA, ARC)
- Office Operations & Staff Leadership
- Business Strategy & Consulting
- ERP & Accounting Systems: QuickBooks, SAP, Great Plains, Drake, CS FAS, Tax Pro Professional Experience
General Manager – Controller
Manufacturing — 2019–2025 (Retired)
• Strategic Planning & Growth: Developed and executed business strategies aligned with organizational goals; identified market opportunities and drove business growth.
• Operational Leadership: Oversaw daily operations and implemented plans to enhance staff performance, safety, quality, and customer service.
• Financial Management: Managed budgets, analyzed financial data, and ensured fiscal responsibility.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruited, trained, and mentored high-performing teams; fostered a collaborative work environment with clear performance expectations and regular feedback.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Built and maintained strong relationships with clients, partners, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensured organizational compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards; led initiatives to uphold and improve quality control protocols.
Interim VP of Finance / Chief Financial Officer
Higher Education Institution — 2017–2019
• Oversight of A/R, A/P, HR, Bursar, Maintenance, Cafeteria, and Equine Center operations
• Lead preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Administer complex budgets and manage federal and state grants (USDA, ARC)
• Coordinate external audits and oversee capital construction project finances Tax Accountant & Business Consultant
Independent Practice — 2012–2019
• Delivered full-cycle tax and accounting services to diverse client base
• Achieved consistent 10%+ reduction in client tax liabilities
• Developed standardized office protocols, improving workflow efficiency and accuracy
• Conducted sales tax audits and compliance management Controller / Office Manager
Engineering & Contracting Firm — 2015–2017
• Supervised A/R, A/P, payroll, and HR for 12 employees
• Collaborated with Project Engineers to ensure accurate billing for federal, state, and municipal contracts
• Instituted SOPs that reduced operational errors and enhanced documentation Corporate Controller
Regional Company — 2008–2013
• Directed team of 14 in preparation of accurate financial statements
• Created and managed budgets, implemented cost-saving outsourcing strategies
• Offered board-level guidance on financial operations and internal controls Managing Partner
Retail Business — 2006–2008
• Oversaw financial operations including reconciliation, cash flow, and budget planning
• Led tax preparation for payroll, sales, and income taxes
• Reduced inventory lag through strategic inventory and sales management Grant Accountant / Tax Auditor
Large Public University — 2002–2006
• Managed billing and compliance for 40+ government grants
• Conducted annual audits and ensured UBIT tax compliance
• Developed and maintained budgets for multiple grant-funded programs Senior Accountant & Healthcare Business Consultant Regional CPA Firm — 1996–2002
• Established consulting division for physician practices and DME suppliers
• Guided SBA loan applications and created financial forecasts
• Improved medical billing and office management practices Education
Ph.D. in History, University of New Orleans – 2014 MBA, Mississippi State University – 2006
B.A. in Accountancy, University of Mississippi – 1996 Certifications & Affiliations
Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Institute of Management Accountants – 2002 Technical Proficiency
Excel Access Word PowerPoint Publisher QuickBooks SAP Great Plains Drake Pro-Systems CS FAS Tax Pro Microsoft 365 Business Central