Financial Operations and Grants Specialist
Resume:
CAREER OBJECTIVE:
Detail-oriented accounting and finance professional seeking a position where extensive experience with public/private sector finance, grants, and project accounting can support organizational goals and strengthen financial controls.
SUMMARY OF SKILLS:
• Extensive accounting experience with strong knowledge of accounting principles, accounts payable/receivable, invoice processing, and general ledger.
• Proficient with modern accounting software and the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong organizational, time management, and research skills with a record of meeting deadlines and managing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to detect and resolve discrepancies and support the identification of potential irregularities.
• Experienced in budgeting, financial reporting, and recommending optimized use of funds.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills, with experience training staff and working with diverse stakeholders.
Atiqullah Shirzad
9264 Palmerson Dr, Antelope CA 95843
***********@*****.***
U.S PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Fiscal Operation Specialist
Contra Costa Community College District 500 Court Street Martinez CA 94553 (Dec 2021 to Present)
o Maintain and track bond, state, and federal funds in accordance with District procedures and budget guidelines.
o Prepare, validate, and submit internal and external financial reports in alignment with established deadlines.
o Prepare budget modifications, budget transfers, journal entries, and month-end/quarter-end transactions.
o Assist with preparation and review of tentative and adopted budgets for restricted/unrestricted funds.
o Perform technical analysis of budget vs. actuals, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions.
o Reconcile accounting records with the financial system and BMET to ensure accuracy and compliance.
o Collaborate with the Purchasing Department to monitor contracts and change orders and resolve related issues.
o Design and improve reporting tools, spreadsheets, and procedures; provide training to staff as needed.
o Assist with year-end close, external audit, and internal audit activities.
o Coordinate with staff across the district and departments to resolve accounting issues, strengthen internal controls, and improve reporting.
Accounting Specialist
Contra Costa Community College District 500 Court Street Martinez CA 94553 (Jun 2018 - June 2022)
o Received, reviewed, and processed PO/BPO/BC requisitions and change orders in compliance with District policies and procedures.
o Processed vendor invoices, created vouchers, obtained approvals, and submitted to Finance for payment.
o Maintained organized hard copy and electronic filing systems for audit-ready documentation.
o Generated PWC-100 filings through the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) for construction projects and vendors.
o Monitored retention and escrow accounts and maintained related tracking schedules.
Accounting Technician (Accounts Payable) on-call (part time)
MCOE- Marin County – Office of Education 1111 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael, CA 94903 (Apr 2017 Jul 2017)
o Reviewed vendor invoices, obtained appropriate approvals, and prepared payment batches for accountant review and check issuance.
o Maintained accurate hard copy and electronic filing systems to support efficient audits and record retrieval.
Accountant
Landlords Property Management –1505 Geer Road - Turlock CA 95380 (Mar 2016 – November 2016)
o Reviewed vendor invoices, prepared checks, obtained management approval, and mailed payments to vendors.
o Maintained accounting and filing systems for vendor payments and property records.
o Recorded tenant rent, prepared owners’ income reports, and processed income distributions to property owners.
o Prepared additional financial reports for management and stakeholders as needed.
INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Financial Management Advisor
ICMA/DAI – Strong Hubs for Afghan Hope and Resilience (SHAHAR) (April 2015 – Mar 2016)
o Provided on-the-job coaching and mentoring to municipal officials on financial management, including budgeting, revenue generation, and expenditure processes in line with Afghan government coding.
o Led the preparation of Revenue Generation Action Plans (RGAP) in coordination with municipal departments and district offices.
o Supported public hearings to improve citizens’ awareness of municipal finances and capital projects.
Finance Administrator
ICMA – SIKA West on (Stability in Key Area West) (Sep. 2014 – March 2015)
o Collected timesheets, prepared monthly payroll, and processed salary payments via bank transfers.
o Maintained hard and soft copies of all financial documentation and coordinated submission of originals to the home office.
o Prepared monthly expense reports and supported budget management for multiple sub-projects.
Finance Officer
AECOM – SIKA West on (Stability in Key Area West) (Jan. 2014 – Sep. 2014)
o Processed vendor invoices, staff travel expenses, and payroll; prepared vouchers and bank transfers.
o Prepared and remitted vendor and payroll taxes to the Afghan government finance directorate.
o Assisted the Finance Manager with monthly financial reports to the home office.
Municipal Public Finance Advisor
The International City/Country Management Association (IMCA) on Regional Afghan Municipalities Program for Urban Populations (RAMP UP West) (Dec. 2011 – Jan. 2014)
o Coached and mentored embedded municipal financial advisors in four western-region municipalities
o Supported revenue generation, collection, and expenditure in accordance with municipal law and procedures.
o Assisted with municipal annual budgets, public hearings, and mid-year reviews to increase transparency.
o Prepared operational assessments for municipalities and coordinated submission to USAID.
Finance Officer
Development Alternative Inco (DAI) on Regional Afghan Municipalities Program for Urban Populations (RAMP UP West) (May 2011 – Dec. 2011)
o Reviewed invoices for operational costs, travel, sub-projects, and grants; prepared vouchers and payment applications.
o Monitored cash flow between headquarters and provincial offices.
o Maintained accurate soft and hard copy filing for all payments to support audit requirements.
Regional Administration/Finance Officer
Creative Association International Inc. on Community Based Stabilization Grants Program (Nov 2010 – May 2011)
o Reviewed invoices for office and operational expenses; prepared vouchers and coordinated submission to the main office.
o Managed support staff, office equipment, vehicle logs, and fuel logs; coordinated meetings and events.
o Managed regional office accounts and financial needs and arranged travel documentation for national and international staff.
Finance Specialist
International Development Inco (DAI) on Local Governance and Community Development (LGCD) USAID Funded Project (Dec 2009 – Oct 2010)
o Processed construction and grant-related invoices across multiple provinces, obtaining approvals and issuing payments.
o Maintained accurate records and submitted documentation to the home office in Washington, DC.
Provincial Accountant
Badghis Provincial Management Unit (PMU) on National Solidarity Program (NSP) (Feb 2009 – Dec 2009)
o Prepared monthly budgets for provincial office needs and managed staff timesheets and payroll.
o Reviewed vendor invoices, prepared vouchers, and processed payments.
o Reviewed and processed proposals, installments, and final payments for more than 1,000 community projects.
Admin Accountant
MADRAC on Microfinance Program Herat, Afghanistan (Nov 17, 2007 – Dec 31, 2008)
o Disbursed loans to clients, received collections, and managed bank deposits.
o Prepared monthly staff payroll and managed office equipment, supplies, and related payments.
Social Organizer /Assistant Social Organizer
UN-Habitat on National Solidarity Program (NSP) Karokh District – Herat, Afghanistan (Nov 2006 – Nov 2007)
o Supported formation and training of Community Development Councils (CDCs) in multiple villages.
o Facilitated community meetings, project prioritization, and basic training in project management and procurement.
Pharmacist
Coordination of Human Assistance (CHA) on Health Project in Tulak Ghor, Afghanistan (May 2006 – Oct. 2006)
o Dispensed medications, maintained pharmacy inventory, and prepared periodic medical reports.
EDUCATION:
2025 - 2026: California Tax Education Council (CTEC) – Registered Tax Preparer Certification.
2002 – 2005: Herat University, Afghanistan - Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Microeconomics out of U.S/Equals to BA in U.S
1999 – 2000: Intermediate Medical Institute, Herat, Afghanistan - Technician Pharmacist out of U.S
LANGUAGE: Dari (Native), Farsi, Pashto, English and Arabic
REFERENCE:
Available upon request.
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