**** *. *********** **. **

Byron Center, MI *****

Phone: 231-***-****

Email: xuctra@r.postjobfree.com

MELANIE LYON-ALDRICH

EDUCATION

Baker College Graduate Studies Flint, MI

MBA

Focus Area: Finance

Degree Received: February 2011

Baker College Flint, MI

BBA

Focus Area: Accounting

Degree Received: June 2009

Baker College Flint, MI

Associates

Focus Area: Accounting

Minor: Computer Information Systems

Degree Received: June 2006

RELATED

EXPERIENCE

Pipp Mobile Storage Systems, Inc. Walker, MI October 2011-Present

Accounting Associate II-Temporary full-time

Review invoices and check requests

Sort and match invoices and check requests

Set invoices up for payment

Monitor accounts to ensure payments are up to date

Resolve invoice discrepancies

Vendor file maintenance

Assist departments with any extra work during business merger

IPA Management, LLC. Grand Haven, MI September 8- 21, 2011

Property Accountant-2-week Contract

Researched, analyzed and prepared final statements for tenants

Analyzed the General Ledger account discrepancies

Prepared security deposit refund invoices and delivered to Accounts Payable department.

Prepared tenant account analysis and reconciliations

Performed general administrative functions when needed; copying, scanning etc.

Worked closely with other property accountants, CFO and assistant controller

Reconciled Bank deposit receipts with AR vouchers

Prepared and reviewed monthly journal entries

Posted entries to the general ledger

Calculated tenant expense billing

Reported directly to the CFO

NetOne Communications, Inc. Sears, MI 1996-May 2011

Office Manager/Staff Accountant

• Managed Accounts Payable

Executed daily operations of A/P

Audited documents for accuracy

Sorted and matched invoices and check requests

Prepared and processed accounts payable checks, wire transfers and ACH payments

Ensured discrepancies were researched, approved, corrected and documented

Entered invoices and paid vendors using QuickBooks

Reconciled vendor accounts to statements and followed up to correct discrepancies

Reconciled monthly credit card statements and followed up to correct discrepancies

Communicated with management daily/weekly on company financial status via in person or email and make recommendations such as balancing unbalanced budget

Collaborated closely with management to issue approved payments on outstanding debts and/or invoices on time

Mailed checks to vendors, matched check stubs to invoices and filed

Communicated with vendors via email or phone as needed to approve amounts, reconcile disputes, and make timely payments

Reconciled register with bank accounts online

Reconciled bank statements by matching and analyzing withdrawals and deposits to company books and following up on discrepancies with management and the bank.

Downloaded and submitted appropriate form 1099 with payment monthly

Imported and reconciled transactions using Quicken Web file to balance books with bank statements

Designed and implemented processes and/or procedures that improved internal control, eliminated late fees/unnecessary interest, and improved efficiency of A/P

• Managed Accounts Receivable

Performed and overseen A/R invoicing, collection and account reconciliation, posted checks, prepared deposits and submitted electronically to financial institution

Approved and processed refunds and other chargebacks to customer accounts timely and accurately

Researched and negotiated chargeback claims; prepared and submitted appropriate information if there was a need to dispute

Managed cash application verifying all cash receipts were applied properly

Monitored and assured rebilling of delinquent/problematic receivables monthly; recommend further action as necessary

Made recommendations to improve quality of invoicing and collection procedures

Supervised up to five A/R clerks and customer service representatives

Trained new employees and prepared work schedules

Organized a recovery system and initiated collections

Processed and approved requests for credits and refunds

Executed daily operations of A/R using remote business applications using electronic payment processing (ACH, ECP (Electronic Check Posting/Payment), Credit Card (Chase PaymentTech), etc.)

Mastered 10 key manipulation

Reviewed and reconciled daily & monthly reports for correctness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures

Followed up and responded to client questions and/or concerns via email, phone, in person or written correspondence

Submitted ad hoc reports that meet management’s needs as requested

Introduced business process improvements that enhance A/R functions, improved internal control, reduced cash float time, increased money available for use, eliminated duplication and reduced processing time by 3 days.

• Provided Customer Service

Dealt directly with customers either by telephone, electronically or face to face

Responded promptly to customer inquiries

Resolved customer complaints

Obtained and evaluated relevant information to handle inquiries and complaints

Performed customer verifications

Processed orders, forms, applications and requests

Directed requests and unresolved issues to the designated resource

Managed customers' accounts

Kept detailed records of customer interactions and transactions

Recorded details of inquiries, comments and complaints

Recorded details of actions taken

Communicated and coordinated with internal departments

Followed up on customer interactions

Designed and implemented policies and procedures that increase customer service satisfaction and efficiency

Initiated and maintained communication with management to improve strategy:

Initiated strategies in restructuring and improving efficiency financial procedures to minimize float and maximize cash flow benefits

Analyze financial information to determine product costs, pricing and marketing strategies that were parallel to company goals

Reported liberally to address financial issues in order to speculate future cash flows and meet short & long-term financial needs

Initiated and designed more efficient work procedures

Increased efficiency by identifying, investigating, and fixing internal procedures

Identified inefficiencies in the infrastructure and advised recommendations to potentially increase efficiency

Lead the organization in identifying accounting and/or corporate inefficiencies, utilize resources to determine a solution by performing a cost/benefit analysis, implementing the solution and following up with management/coworkers on the change/improvement

• Managed Collections

Provided customer service regarding collection issues

Worked with third party collection agencies to initiate collection procedures that extend beyond my limitations

Processed and reviewed account adjustments, resolved client discrepancies and shorted payments

Responsible for reducing delinquency for assigned accounts

Planned, evaluated, implemented and continuously strived to improve all aspects of credit and collection functions and processes

Initiated, organized and participated in conference calls:

Liaison between clients and third parties to resolve financial and accounting issues

Banks/organizations/third parties to increase efficiency by improving equipment, procedures, and interest/transaction rates

Developed and maintained training manuals

Purchased Office Supplies

• Provided Technical Support

Installed and performed minor repairs to hardware, software, and peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications on or off-site

Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cable, operating systems, and appropriate software

Maintained record of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial action taken, and installation activities

Read technical manuals, conferred with users, and conducted computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems and provided technical assistance and support

Developed training materials and procedures, and/or train users in the proper use of hardware and software

Referred major hardware or software problems or defective products to technicians for service

Prepared evaluations of software or hardware, and recommended improvements or upgrades

Answered users' inquiries regarding computer software and hardware operation to resolve problems

Entered commands and observed system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors

• Provided Sales

Generated new and repeated sales by providing product and technical information in a timely manner

Determined customer requirements and expectations in order to recommend specific products and solutions

Recommended alternate products based on cost, availability or specifications

Accurately processed customer transactions such as orders, quotes or returns

Provided accurate information regarding availability of in-stock items

Obtained accurate information from vendors relating to shipment dates and expected date of delivery

Proactively recommended items needed by customers to increase customer satisfaction and improve transaction profitability

Increased sales and average order size by means of cross-selling, up-selling, add-on sales and offering promotional sale items

Educated customers about terminology, features and benefits of products in order to improve product related sales and customer satisfaction

Setup and maintained customer files

Identified trends in customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction

Managed time effectively, met personal goals and worked effectively with other members of the team

Communicated to management unexpected increases or decreases in demand for products

Maintained proficiency in using personal computer, data entry terminal and other common office equipment and software

Followed policies and procedures but determined best decision if safety/company image was a concern

Presented a professional image at all times to customers and vendors

Performed other duties as assigned.

• Created and maintained internal controls

Identified and documented areas of potential control weaknesses in order to mitigate risk within the organization

Identified inefficiencies, security issues and proposed solutions to these issue

• Recruited and screened potential employees for management

• Provided executive assistance

Relieved management of administrative detail, all projects

Coordinated work flow

Updated and chased delegated tasks to ensure progress to deadlines

Took initiative in manager’s absence

Composed correspondence/reports for own or manager’s signature

Arranged essential mail in priority action order for management

Processed replies on own initiative or from supervisor’s dictation or notes

Handled all phone inquiries within my capacity

Arranged "callbacks" to protect boss’s time

Provided back-up materials for callbacks

Routed calls elsewhere as needed

Initiated phone surveys/inquiries as needed

Arranged meeting facilities for appointments

Acted as recording secretary; prepared action minutes

Performed to earn boss’s full confidence

Assured discreet handling of all business

Provided back-up data as needed

Arranged amenities as needed

Scheduled visits away from boss’s area to protect priority/private tasks

Sought greater role in projects within administrative and other areas of competence

Sought training on projects outside my range

Studied and reviewed company or department procedures

Recommended management actions to improve standard operating procedures.

Presented comparisons on costs, risks, and benefits

Developed and tested new procedures

SPECIAL SKILLS

Computer Skills

Analyzing data with spreadsheets and SPSS

MRI Software

Apple software and hardware

Credit card processing (Chase Payment Tech, automatic & manual)

Superior 10 key abilities

ECP electronic check processing Hardware and Software (ProfitStars)

Operating Systems: DOS, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Vista, Ubuntu, Mac OSX

Databases: A/S 400, Access, Alpha 5, Alpha 4, other customized databases including intranets

Accounting Software: Microsoft Money, QuickBooks Pro, Peachtree, Quicken

Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Adobe Reader

Web Browsers: Internet Explorer, FireFox, Google Chrome, Safari

Email: Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail, Outlook, Thunderbird, IMAP

Other Skills

Self-aware; always improving skills through ongoing learning

Ability to handle multiple assignments effectively within a fast-paced working environment

Professional, ability to build professional relationships effectively

Knowledge and experience with journal entries, General Ledger G/L maintenance, Chart of Accounts, New Vendor Setup, Returns Analysis, A/R A/P aging, preparing financial statements, month end closing, 1099 processing, and payroll

Proficient with bank reconciliations and QuickBooks including online transaction reconciliation

Knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, GAGAS, GAAS, PCAOB and Sarbanes Oxley, preparing financial statements, analysis, internal controls

Developing and implementing new procedures and features to enhance the workflow

Excellent ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, financial documents and legal documents

Identifying problems and developing solutions, analytical, analyzing data

Resourceful, detail oriented, delegate efficiently

Adaptable and embrace change, team oriented

Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and meet deadlines required

Strong ability to communicate with others both written and verbal; adjusts communication style as needed

Coaching and mentoring

Creating efficient systems

VOLUNTEERISM________________________________________

Evart Public Schools-Elementary School/Chaperone

Resurrection Life Church, Grand Rapids, MI/Staff

MEMBERSHIPS

________________________________________

AICPA-CPA candidate membership#05207863

MACPA-CPA candidate membership#32823

REFERENCES

Available upon request

Contact this candidate