Experience

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  Consultant

  • Accounting and Financial Operations Consultant (CPA, CGMA, MBA)

    • 2015 - Present

    Recently relocated to Greater Seattle Area. Currently searching for new employment/contract opportunities.CORE COMPETENCIESInternal Control Design and Review: Identified and strengthened internal control weaknesses in high risk environments. Effectively utilized technology to design solutions mitigating risk, achieving efficiencies and improving the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.Financial and Management Reporting: Extensive experience and continuing professional education in U.S. GAAP and IFRS reporting requirements. Proven track record in preparation of quarterly, annual and regulatory SEC filings for multiple entities.Financial System Implementations: Implemented, tested and trained participants on accounting software rollouts and upgrades, including ACCPAC, Great Plains, Oracle, PeopleSoft, QuickBooks, Sage and Sun Systems.Staff Recruitment/Training/Supervising/Mentoring: Provided leadership in developing strategies for the recruitment and retention of accounting and operations staff, reducing turnover and increasing cross-training opportunities.External Audit Management: Coordinated and facilitated all aspects of financial and compliance audits by external auditors and donor agencies resulting in shortened overall fieldwork days and resolution of prior years’ findings.

  • International Accounting and Financial Operations Consultant

    • 1999 - 2015

    Providing services to a variety of U.S. and international organizations. Previously based in East and Southern Africa with travel to all regions of Africa and United States. Recently relocated to Seattle, WA.Representative clients include: Pathfinder International, Marie Stopes International, Helen Keller International, IMA World Health, and Catholic Charities.Identified operational bottlenecks and initiated process improvements resulting in improved monthly close performance and meeting of internal, statutory and donor reporting deadlines. Implemented electronic banking and mobile cash payment systems to reduce risk of loss due to fraudulent activity.Strengthened the overall process for recruitment and training of accounting and operations staff, substantially reducing staff turnover and increasing cross-training opportunities.Provided expertise and mentoring to local staff on donor compliance issues, stressing the need for ethical and transparent work practices.

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  Pathfinder International

  • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

  • Internal Auditor (ICE Contract Employee)

    • 2012 - 2012
    • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Created, presented and provided coaching to field offices on comprehensive corrective action plans to facilitate strengthening of noted deficiencies.

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  Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)

  • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

  • Finance Manager/Senior Management Team Member

    • 2008 - 2008
    • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Successfully cleared backlog of delinquent donor reporting and unresolved audit findings.

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  U.S. Department of State

  • U.S. Embassy, Lilongwe, Malawi

  • Grants Manager

    • 2004 - 2005
    • U.S. Embassy, Lilongwe, Malawi

    Resolved outstanding issues relating to prior years’ grants, allowing for official closeout and release of current year funding.

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  Black & Decker

  • Baltimore, Maryland HQ

  • Financial Reporting Contract Assignment

    • 1998 - 1999
    • Baltimore, Maryland HQ

    Provided research and analysis of FASB pronouncements of accounting standards. Drafted applicable notes to financial statements for 10-K and 10-Q submissions.

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  Marriott International

  • Bethesda, MD

  • Manager, Entity Accounting and Audit Coordination

    • 1997 - 1998
    • Bethesda, MD

    Streamlined process for providing entity-level financial information to multiple internal departments. Provided due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.

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  U.S. News & World Report

  • Washington D.C. Metro Area

  • Treasury Operations Manager

    • 1996 - 1997
    • Washington D.C. Metro Area

    Automated cash management and treasury functions utilizing online banking resources. Significantly decreased outstanding receivables through increased interactions and follow-up with customer base.

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  Capital Realty Investments

  • Rockville, MD

  • Assistant Vice President/Assistant Controller

    • 1994 - 1996
    • Rockville, MD

    Drafted and filed 10-K, 10-Q and other SEC regulatory filings for six separate public entities. Provided research and analysis of FASB pronouncements of accounting standards.

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  Wolpoff & Associates Certified Public Accou...

  • Baltimore, MD

  • Audit Senior

    • 1991 - 1994
    • Baltimore, MD

    Provided audit and tax services to a variety of private entities and high net worth individuals.

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  Riggs Bank

  • Washington, DC

  • Banking/Lending Officer

    • 1987 - 1991
    • Washington, DC

    Specializing in corporate and consumer lending.