Accounts Payable Project Management

Melissa R. Hawthorne

Dallas, TX *****

Supplier Summary:

** ***** ** ********** ** the telecommunications industry. Experienced telecommunications professional with expertise in billing coordination, financial analysis, and project management. Skilled in auditing wireless accounts, identifying billing discrepancies.

Strong background in tax audits, revenue impact issue resolution, and forecasting within large telecom environments.

Professional Summary:

20 years of experience in project coordination and management. Skilled in telecommunications billing audit, with expertise in reviewing and verifying billing accuracy, identifying discrepancies, and ensuring compliance.

Proficient in Excel and Business Objects for data analysis and reporting, consistently maintaining high accuracy and timely processing.

Experienced in supporting functional teams to achieve performance aligned with strategic business objectives, financials, accounts payable, and accounts receivable, with a strong focus on reconciliation, audit, research, and aging reports.

Education

Lincoln High – Shreveport, LA

Technical Skills:

Telegence, Care, CCAS, Compass

Orbit, AS400; Clarify, SQL (Training)

Business Objects

ABA (Automated Bill Audit) and Oracle

FDW (Bicep), Nova Tracker

I Plan FDW Warehouse

People Soft, SAP

Agile (Training), Cap Ex

AP, AR; Collections

Forecasting, and Corporate Budgeting, ABA System

Revenue Analysis Support & CSP

Purchase Orders

People Soft

Supply Chain

Business Objects Bill Audit) Oracle. FDW (Bicep)

Nova Tracker, FDW Warehouse, Word Processing

Great Plaines Software, ACH

Lockbox, Payroll

Journal Entries and Dashboard

GL Accounting, Quick Books, ADP

KRONOS and OKTA Workday

Administrative, Staff supervision

Policy Development, Spreadsheets.

Microsoft- Excel – V & H Look ups

Pivot Tables, Pie Charts and Concatenation

MS Office - Outlook, Word and PowerPoint

Certifications:

Six Sigma – White, Yellow, and Green Belts

Sarbanes Oxley

LEAN

Professional Experience:

Sr. Invoicing Coordinator

07/2024 - Current

Altice / Optimum / Suddenlink (Plano / Frisco, TX) Remote

Create detailed project plans with tasks and timelines identified. Establish and maintain schedules for projects

Perform project site surveys as needed. Permitting and Quality Control activities

Establish reports and provide status updates to Altice USA management personnel

Manage contractors, as needed. Review and approve material requests

Prepare and submit applications for state, county, and/or local road work permitting in accordance with regional procedures.

Review project prints to identify high customer impact or high cost system augmentations.

Monitor ACP submission activity.

ETS database management: Assign, update, and complete project as applicable.

TecTrac Database management: Import and assign projects in database system to contractor

Track and report deployment activity to the Construction Project Manager

Track and report vendor invoicing activity. Prepare and submit project invoicing. Track activity

Supplement project tasks and completion and ensure quality data is tracked as pole permitting and relocations are completed.

EXTENET Systems, Frisco TX (Onsite)

07/2023 – 06/2024

A/R Passthrough Specialist

Utility Invoice Reconciliation and Data Analysis:

Engaged in a collaborative effort with Accounts Payable, Network, Construction, Planning, and Engineering departments to reconcile aging utility invoices for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile (MPCS).

Implemented data analysis, payment posting, and high-volume billing through Microsoft Dynamics F&O (previously known as SAGE billing system).

Tracked and updated Extenet’s Salesforce Site Tracker Master file across various regions, including utilities of Municipalities and Government agencies, in anticipation of payments from third-party vendors.

Contract Examination and Node Attachments:

Performed thorough examinations of contracts, with a specific emphasis on node attachments targeting specific geographical areas.

GAAP Knowledge and Financial Statement Preparation:

Demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and adeptly utilized them in the preparation of crucial financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

ARCGIS Validation and Payment Management:

Utilized ARCGIS to validate Node and FA locations, aiming to prevent power shutoffs at specific sites.

Managed all payment postings through A/R Pass-Through for third-party entities.

Examined financial records, transactions, and internal controls.

Ensured compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

Identified areas for improvement in financial processes.

Comprehensive Contract Analyses and Utility Payments:

Executed comprehensive contract analyses tailored to our vendors, relevant for Accounts Receivable (AR) Pass-Through.

Conducted daily reviews and approvals for Utility payments from CCA.

Operating Protocols and Communication Skills:

Assumed the role of developing consistent operating protocols across various tasks.

Utilized expertise in communications, dispute resolution, and external audits.

Exceptional Customer Service and Financial Evaluation:

Exhibited exceptional customer service in a Senior Client Service role, collaborating with vendors to collect outstanding debts for Extenet Systems.

Demonstrated proficiency in evaluating financial statements to determine a company’s fiscal stability and profitability.

“Ensured timely and accurate posting of payments and adjustments in alignment with departmental guidelines.

“Proficient in analyzing balance sheets to understand a company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity at specific moments, while also knowledgeable about collection regulations.”

THR Texas Health Resources - Capital Budgeting Analyst/Telecom (Dallas TX) (Contract/Remote)

4/2022 – 11/2022

AR/AP

Audits, Reconciliations, and Payment Reviews:

Performed audits, reconciliations, and reviews of past-due invoices from 2018-2022, ensuring accurate posting and payment application in Oracle PeopleSoft FSM.

Supervision of Billing Processes for New Clients:

Supervised billing processes for new clients, ensuring compliance with accounting protocols specific to newly launched telecom services.

Cash Receipts Management:

Managed cash receipts, including bank deposits, wire transfers, credit card payments, and ACH transactions.

Prepared deposits using remote scanning technology and aided in bank reconciliation processes.

Collaborated with Billing Specialists to research and resolve payment discrepancies.

Customized Invoices for Construction and Planning Projects:

Created customized invoices for new construction and planning projects, focusing on network, and engineering initiatives.

Successful System Transition and Tenant Payment Audit:

Successfully executed the transition from the Arcadia accounting system to Oracle FSM PeopleSoft in January 2019.

Financial Record Keeping and Reconciliation:

Coordinated TEM sample preparation and imaging for research projects.

Analyzed nanomaterial structures using TEM techniques.

Interpreted TEM results to inform financial decision-making.

Invoice Preparation and Client Relationship Management:

Prepared invoices and reconciled accounts.

Maintained positive client relationships.

End-of-Month Processes and Billing Entity Management:

Managed three types of billing entities:

JV (Joint Venture): Collected data from shared drive storage and reported accumulated data from the prior month.

Texas Health Physicians Group (THPG): Created intercompany invoices and reported accruals for telecom and tenant services.

THR: Processed entries for upcoming billable services, including monthly charges for server data usage and additional phone lines.

Enhanced Tenant Invoices:

Integrated monthly billable charges for newly included tenant services (such as PDF Kofax) into the invoice creation process within Oracle PeopleSoft FSM, ensuring tenants receive comprehensive and accurate invoices.

Authored SOPs and created step-by-step visual instructions in PowerPoint for all billing practices.

Financial Records Examination and Compliance:

Examined financial records, transactions, and internal controls.

Ensured compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

Process Improvement and GAAP Familiarity:

Identified areas for improvement in financial processes.

Familiar with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and their application in preparing key financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.

Balance Sheet Evaluation:

Experienced in evaluating balance sheets to understand a company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity at any given time.

Income Statement Analysis:

Skilled in analyzing income statements to calculate net income by focusing on a company’s revenues and expenses during a specific period.

Chime Solutions – Cigna Express Scripts, Charter & Kaiser Permanente (3rd party) Dallas TX

2/2021 – 4/2022

Senior Training Manager

Restructured employee engagement and introduced a flexible training schedule, resulting in an 18% reduction in attrition.

Facilitated support for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as a Subject Matter Expert (SME).

Identified and evaluated the organization’s training needs through job analysis, career paths, and manager consultations.

Developed personalized and group training programs tailored to specific business requirements.

Identified and evaluated the organization’s training needs through job analysis, career paths, and manager consultations.

Developed personalized and group training programs tailored to specific business requirements.

Evaluated employees’ skills, performance, and productivity to identify areas for improvement.

Promoted brand values and philosophy through all training and development activities.

Designed a curriculum to facilitate strategic training aligned with the organization’s goals.

Selected and managed resources, collaborating with internal employees and training vendors for development and delivery.

Managed technologies and technical personnel necessary for effective training.

Stayed updated with the latest training trends, developments, and best practices.

Charter (Chime Solutions- 3rd party)

06/2020 – 2/2021

Designed customized training programs tailored to specific business needs.

Authored training manuals with a focus on achieving tangible results.

Managed attendance records through the Workforce Management (WFM) call-in line and Real-Time Adherence (RTA) observations for multiple teams and sites.

Monitored real-time Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across workgroups and sites to ensure goal attainment.

Drove real-time adherence to maximize operational efficiency.

Created and maintained comprehensive staff schedules, including training sessions, meetings, breaks, lunches, and town hall events.

Established new hire profiles in the WFM platform and linked them to the CMS for real-time activity reflection.

Actively optimized staff schedules based on attendance forecasts and planned events, while routinely reviewing current Paid Time Off (PTO) requests.

Additionally, I facilitated seamless communication and collaboration across on-site and remote teams, including the help desk, facilities, HR, logistics, operations, and production.

Chime Solutions, Dallas, TX

2/2020 – 6/2020

Kaiser Permanente (Chime Solutions- 3rd party

Designed customized training programs tailored to specific business needs.

Authored training manuals with a focus on achieving tangible results.

Provided dedicated concierge service to Kaiser members, including: Resetting the kp.org Portal, Troubleshooting technical support.

Addressing health plan-related questions and explaining health plan coverage for KP health plans such as Covered California, Medicare, and Medical/Medicaid.

Assisting with Early Enrollment for Senior Advantage health plans for KP Medicare members.

Filed and submitted claims via the EPIC system Tapestry for regions including North, South CA, GA, MAS (Mid-Atlantic Region), Hawaii, and Iowa.

Currently pursuing Pre-Licensing via AD Banker for Life and Health Insurance.

Processed and resolved CLAIMS efficiently.

AT&T Wireline, Dallas, TX

12/2014 – 4/2018

Senior Account/Financial Analyst

Played a pivotal role in the monthly and quarterly closing process by recording necessary journal entries, reconciling balance sheet accounts, and contributing to the monthly forecasting process.

Conducted comprehensive analysis of reports and developed financial solutions for a leading globally diversified Telecommunications company.

Produced detailed monthly financial reporting packages, including prior year and budget variance analysis across all product lines and regions.

Proficient in interpreting and analyzing financial statements to assess a company’s financial health and profitability.

Skilled in analyzing income statements to calculate net income by focusing on a company’s revenues and expenses during a specific period.

Enhanced the market report to include weekly and fiscal year runs for better tracking.

Developed a Month-over-Month Actuals report by project to assist customers in tracking fiscal year expenditure.

Created a monthly financial reporting package that included prior year and budget variance analysis for Network, Construction, Planning, and Engineering, thereby expanding financial visibility in my markets.

Assessed creditworthiness of individuals and businesses.

Analyzed financial statements and credit reports.

Recommended credit limits and terms.

AT&T Wireless, Richardson, TX

10/1999 – 12/2014

Billing Coordinator

Performed detailed daily audit and reconciliation procedures to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Conducted thorough bill reviews to identify irregularities, including discrepancies in claims within 30-day periods.

Ensured accurate application of Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) compliance for both new and existing customers.

Played a pivotal role in maintaining financial accuracy and ensuring timely payments.

Collaborated with Finance and Sales professionals to efficiently manage accounts receivable.

Compiled and processed information, including prices, discounts, and shipping rates, to create precise invoices.

Ensured accurate billing for services provided to customers.

Professionally requested payment for outstanding debts when necessary.

Maintained precise records of customer information and processed payments.

Demonstrated proficiency in automated bill audits and error code validation.

Oversaw the price plan database, proactively identifying revenue-impacting issues related to municipalities, city and state tax, surcharges, remittance address discrepancies, and ensuring customers received accurate price plan allowances.

Effectively constructed and executed queries using Business Objects systems. Queries were based on specific criteria relevant to auditing and reconciling consumer billing statements, identifying format, tax, and market.

Proactively escalated multiple monthly issues in 2008, considering both revenue implications and legal obligations, resulting in a cost savings of $138,000.00 for the company.

Integrated best practices to streamline billing processes, reduce risk, and maintain strong customer relationships.

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