Accounting Operations Manager
Resume:
Aisha Cole
Tinley Park, IL *****
***********@*********.***
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Accounting and financial operations leader with 12+ years of progressive experience leading general ledger accounting, month-end close, financial reporting, budgeting support, financial analysis, account reconciliations, audit support, internal controls, compliance, AP/AR operations, team leadership, ERP optimization, and process improvement initiatives. Experienced in applying GAAP principles to financial reporting, strengthening internal controls, supporting audit readiness, and providing executive financial reporting and analysis to leadership. Recognized for strengthening financial
controls, improving operational efficiency, automating accounting processes, and supporting executive decision-making across multiple industries.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Financial Reporting • Month-End Close • General Ledger Accounting • GAAP Compliance • Internal Controls • Audit Support • Financial Analysis • Budgeting & Forecasting • Account Reconciliations • AP/AR Leadership • Team Leadership • Budget Management • Project Accounting • Regulatory Compliance • NetSuite • Concur • VersaPay •QuickBooks Online • SAP • Oracle • BlackLine • Ajera ERP • Advanced Microsoft Excel
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS MANAGER (Contract) – Goodheart-Willcox Jan 2026 – July 2026
• Managed and developed a team of two accounting professionals through weekly one-on-one meetings, training,
coaching, and operational support across AP and AR functions.
• Designed and built advanced Excel-based Chase/Concur reconciliation and NetSuite upload workflows integrating JPM Chase and Concur data through automated matching logic, split-transaction processing, and GL/cost center mapping.
• Created SOPs, workflow documentation, process flowcharts, and internal control procedures for vendor setup approvals, vendor changes, AP operations, expense reporting, and accounting workflows.
• Developed vendor banking validation procedures utilizing risk-based verification controls to strengthen payment security, improve internal controls, and reduce fraud risk.
• Led enhancements to VersaPay and NetSuite collections processes, improving customer communications, dunning procedures, aging visibility, collections reporting, and receivables management.
• Supported external audits by preparing GAAP-compliant financial documentation, coordinating audit schedules, responding to auditor requests, and providing reconciliations and supporting schedules to ensure audit readiness.
• Performed general ledger reconciliations, reviewed accounting transactions for accuracy, and supported compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Conducted Concur training sessions and developed training materials for corporate card users and approvers covering expense reporting requirements, policy compliance, and approval responsibilities.
• Improved customer statement reporting and aging analysis processes to enhance collections effectiveness and customer payment visibility.
• Partnered with Finance leadership to identify and resolve 50+ vendor billing discrepancies while recommending process improvements and strengthening accounting controls.
• Supported financial reporting, reconciliation analysis, unclaimed property compliance filings, and other special projects while utilizing Advanced Excel to improve reporting accuracy.
ACCOUNTING MANAGER – Synergy Surgical Sep 2024 – Nov 2025
• Oversaw daily accounting operations including AP, AR, payroll, cash management, reconciliations, and general ledger accounting.
• Executed full month-end close in accordance with GAAP, including accruals, journal entries, bank reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Led migration from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, including chart-of-accounts alignment, data cleanup, and process redesign.
• Implemented Rippling payroll system transition and Ramp corporate credit card platform with reconciliation workflows and spend controls.
• Managed Washington State B&O tax filings and reviewed multi-state sales tax reporting through Avalara.
• Partnered with external accounting firms during audit and tax preparation by providing financial records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Negotiated reduced healthcare benefit costs by evaluating and coordinating health, dental, and vision insurance plans, generating savings for both employees and the company.
• Created and maintained prepaid expense, amortization, and fixed asset schedules.
• Led annual employee benefits review process by working directly with insurance brokers and evaluating proposals from multiple carriers, successfully negotiating lower health, dental, and vision insurance costs while maintaining quality coverage for employees.
• Partnered with developers to improve internal systems supporting inventory, invoicing, purchasing, and financial operations.
• Prepared financial reports and reconciliations for management while supporting internal controls, compliance, and executive decision-making.
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT – Donald A. Campbell & Company Nov 2021 – Jul 2024
• Managed month-end close activities in accordance with GAAP, ensuring accurate general ledger reconciliations while preparing balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and monthly financial reports.
• Maintained and reconciled general ledger, cash, asset, liability, and corporate credit card accounts while ensuring compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Maintained the chart of accounts and prepared journal entries for payroll, ESOP retirement plans, prepaid expenses, deferred revenue, accruals, and other general ledger activities.
• Oversaw fixed asset accounting, including asset tracking, reconciliations, depreciation, and financial reporting.
• Researched, implemented, and administered the Ramp corporate card program, reimbursement processes, and related financial databases while strengthening expense management controls.
• Developed a GL Code Finder tool that improved expense coding accuracy and streamlined consultant invoice processing.
• Supported internal and external audits by preparing financial schedules, reconciliations, supporting documentation, and responding to auditor inquiries to ensure audit readiness and compliance.
• Partnered monthly with department leadership to review budgets, analyze spending trends, validate expense coding, provide financial analysis, and support budget compliance and management decision-making.
ACCOUNTANT – Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Nov 2020 – Nov 2021
• Performed SAP-based account reconciliations and certifications utilizing BlackLine while maintaining compliance with internal controls and accounting standards.
• Supported GAAP-compliant financial reporting through account reconciliations, financial analysis, and general ledger certification activities.
• Certified and validated reconciled accounts within BlackLine, supporting financial reporting accuracy and audit readiness.
• Supported reconciliation processes, account analysis, and financial controls across multiple business units.
• Partnered with finance teams to strengthen internal controls and ensure timely completion of financial reporting requirements.
ACCOUNTANT / PROJECT ACCOUNTANT – McDonald's Corporation Jan 2020 – Jul 2020
• Posted journal entries and financial transactions within Oracle while supporting project accounting, accounts receivable, and general ledger activities.
• Performed project and fixed asset reconciliations utilizing Oracle, Hummingbird, and Advanced Excel tools to support accurate financial reporting.
• Developed an advanced Excel lookup tool that improved operational efficiency and was incorporated into departmental workflows by management.
• Prepared reconciliation schedules and supported month-end financial reporting by ensuring accuracy of accounting transactions and financial data.
STAFF ACCOUNTANT – American Vein & Lymphatic Society Nov 2018 – Dec 2019
• Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, reconciliations, month-end close activities, and financial reporting for a nonprofit healthcare association.
• Performed fixed asset reconciliations, maintained depreciation schedules, and processed journal entries to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Assisted with budgeting and financial analysis, utilizing historical data and Advanced Excel functions to support forecasting and organizational planning.
• Prepared GAAP-compliant Profit & Loss statements, executive financial reports, and Board of Directors reporting packages while performing account reconciliations and cash management activities.
• Supported financial reporting, budget monitoring, and internal controls to ensure accurate accounting records and audit readiness.
STAFF ACCOUNTANT / OFFICE MANAGER – Brook Architecture Mar 2017 – Sep 2018
• Managed full-cycle accounting operations including AP, AR, payroll, reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Utilized Ajera ERP to support project accounting, project financial tracking, and reporting.
• Monitored project budgets and phase completion percentages against labor budgets.
• Communicated project utilization metrics to architects and supported WIP reporting.
• Prepared financial reports, reconciliations, and project accounting analyses to support operational and financial decision-making.
ACCOUNTANT – International Association of Lighting Designers Aug 2015 – Dec 2016
• Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, credit card reconciliations, expense reporting, and cash management activities for an international nonprofit association.
• Oversaw scholarship and stipend payment programs, ensuring accurate disbursement of nonprofit funds while processing domestic and international payments through checks, ACH transactions, wire transfers, and foreign currency transactions.
• Supported annual audit preparation by compiling financial records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation while maintaining compliance with accounting policies.
• Supported membership renewals, sponsorships, donations, and financial activities associated with international conferences and organizational events.
ACCOUNTANT / FINANCIAL OFFICER – Target Area Development Corp. Aug 2012 – Aug 2015
• Managed full-cycle accounting operations including AP, AR, payroll processing, account reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting.
• Processed payroll for approximately 600 youth program participants while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely wage disbursement.
• Implemented Direct Deposit and Chase Pay Card programs, improving payroll efficiency and providing payment solutions for participants without bank accounts.
• Prepared financial reports maintained accurate general ledger records, and supported month-end accounting activities through reconciliations and journal entries.
EDUCATION
MBA, Accounting – Robert Morris University (2019)
BBA, Accounting – Robert Morris University (2014)
AAS, Accounting – Robert Morris University (2012)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Moderator, BIPOC Employee Resource Group
Member/Leader, Ambassadors for Ownership ESOP Group
Contact this candidate