Controller/Accounting Manager

CHERYL A. GARDNER

*** **** **** / *********, ** *4625 / Mobile: 585-***-****

Email: ***********@*****.***

CONTROLLER / ASSISTANT CONTROLLER: ACCOUNTING / HUMAN RESOURCES / PAYROLL EXPERT

PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE AND SUMMARY

CONTROLLER / ASSISTANT CONTROLLER / SENIOR ACCOUNTANT with over 15 years of meticulous business experience in all facets of accounting, human resources, and multi-state payroll seeking to leverage diversified skill set for a new opportunity. Proficient in MS Office (including Excel & Access Database) and CYMA Accounting System. A strong team player with exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship management skills. A cumulative reputation for excellent accounting and organizational abilities, strong knowledge and experience with GAAP, and the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and solve problems under time constraints.

Core Competencies:

Daily Financial Operations Accurate and Timely Financial Reporting Month / Year End Close

External Audit Interface GL Reconciliation / Preparation of Balance Sheets Forecasting / Projections

P&Ls and Budget Statements Establishing and Enforcing Accounting Controls MS Office Suite

EXPERIENCE

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS ASSOCIATES, INC., Rochester, NY 1999 – 4/2011

Assistant Controller [2008 – 2011] Payroll & Benefits Administrator [1999 – 2008]

As a member of the leadership team, oversee the daily financial operations of this multi-million dollar, full-service strategic consulting services, HR, and talent management organization. Since joining the firm, have played a key contributory role in helping it grow to its national market position, serving clients in all 50 states via acquisitions, start-ups, & new business ventures. In 2010, Employee Relations Associates, Inc. was named #2 on the prestigious Rochester Top 100 list and #17 in 2009. Enjoy recognition for consistently driving business process improvements.

Produce GL reconciliation and numerous analyses including P&L variance, inter-company accounts, and aging

Facilitate communication with external auditors; prepare company tax returns for federal and state agencies

Generate monthly and year end close statements; prepare management sales reports

Complete all budget forecasts/outlooks and oversight of annual operating budgets

Achievements:

Consistently refined / applied rigorous operational controls to the management reporting process

Successfully converted to a Windows-based GL system without any interruption to the accounting operation

Provided the financial expertise throughout a period of exponential growth ($11M to $40M) in annual revenues

Played a key role in establishing/managing the highly lucrative partnership relationship with Wells Fargo Bank

As Payroll & Benefits Administrator, processed all weekly payroll for 150 personnel; managed A/P and A/R

Calculated all commissions, sick pay, bonuses, and special incentive checks; prepared payroll taxes

Successfully managed all administrative duties, including COBRA, 401(k), 125 Cafeteria plans, and W2s

Reduced costs by converting a payroll/billing data input system into an internal Windows-based function

Significantly reduced aged accounts from 90 to 60 days; resolved outstanding balance sheets for all accounts

TRAVEL PORTS OF AMERICA, INC. / TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA, Rochester, NY 1990 – 1999

Payroll / Benefits Administrator [1997 – 1999] Junior Accountant [1996 – 1997] A/P Auditor [1990 – 1996]

Held positions at increased levels of impact for a multi-state truck stop company with over 1,600 employees.

Responsible for all payroll functions and taxes; managed a full range of accounting functions

Administered all medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k), COBRA, and 125 Cafeteria plans for multiple states

Reconciled and verified payment data from an automated disbursing system; handled special accounting projects

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SUNY COLLEGE AT BROCKPORT, B.S., Business Administration / Concentration: Finance, Brockport, NY

SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, A.A.S., Business Administration, Long Island, NY

BRYANT & STRATTON COLLEGE, Certificates: Medical Terminology I / II, Medical Billing, Rochester, NY

Computer: MS Office, Access Evolution, PeopleSoft HRIS, KRONOS Time & Attendance, Lotus, ADP Payroll, and CYMA Accounting Systems

Excellent References Furnished Upon Request

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