Amanda Thompson
Cherokee,NC
Summary
Intuitive Contracting Specialist with 11 years of experience in grant and contract management. Detail-oriented worker with extensive knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations to include 2CFR 200. Follows strict budgets and regulations of all contracts and grants.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Enterprise Development Specialist
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
Cherokee, NC
10.2023 - Current
- Assessed the potential for business operations on the Qualla Boundary for both new and established entities.
- Provided support to new and existing businesses in completing loan applications, ensuring inclusion of necessary documentation such as business licenses and capital expense quotes.
- Researched economic trends, population growth, and other factors impacting local economies and small businesses.
- Formulated effective approaches to enhance business growth, generate employment opportunities, and attract investments.
- Created and maintained reports to track progress in meeting economic development goals.
- Collaborated with government officials, businesses, and community organizations in discussions related to economic development initiatives.
- Aided in the development and submission of grant applications specific to economic growth projects aiding in project funding.
- Developed and executed events to promote economic growth through educational programs on successful business operations including training in planning, finances, laws, and regulations.
- Researched potential funding sources for economic development projects.
- Assisted small businesses by providing technical expertise in navigating financial resources and training opportunities.
- Utilized data from surveys and focus groups to pinpoint areas of improvement for services provided to entrepreneurs.
- Maintained awareness of the impact of state regulations and legislation on local economies.
- Built strategic alliances with educational establishments, non-profit organizations, and key stakeholders dedicated to advancing regional economic expansion.
- Explored opportunities provided by local governments to encourage new business growth.
- Executed effective tactics to aid established businesses and entice newcomers to establish their presence in the region.
- Served as a liaison in coordinating efforts between planning teams and external departments, resulting in the successful attainment of shared goals.
- Utilized forecasting techniques to predict project costs and presented detailed cost estimates to decision-makers.
- Aided in team planning to ensure the attainment of project milestones and a streamlined expansion process.
- Focused on identifying opportunities and creating strategic plans for sustainability initiatives that improve energy efficiency while minimizing pollution, waste, and restoring natural systems.
Grant Administrator
Volunteers of America
Arlington, VA
07.2023 - 10.2023
- Monitor post award compliance for multi-year grant with AmeriCorps
- Collaborated with program staff to develop strategies for successful grants management.
- Maintained records related to grant activities including award letters, contracts, invoices and expenditure documentation.
- Monitored expenditures against budget allocations for each active grant project.
- Analyzed financial data from various sources such as accounting software programs and spreadsheets.
- Prepared periodic reports summarizing financial information related to grants projects.
- Participated in meetings with funders regarding progress updates on projects funded by grants.
- Developed and maintained relationships with funding organizations.
- Created detailed reports for each grant application process.
- Reviewed applications and documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated the preparation of budgets, narratives, tables, timelines, and other required materials for grant applications.
Grant Administrator
Buncombe County
Asheville, NC
11.2022 - 07.2023
- Conducted research to identify potential grant opportunities.
- Developed and maintained relationships with funding organizations.
- Created detailed reports for each grant application process.
- Reviewed applications and documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated the preparation of budgets, narratives, tables, timelines, and other required materials for grant applications.
- Assisted in the development of proposals that meet agency requirements and deadlines.
- Collaborated with program staff to develop strategies for successful grants management.
- Developed systems to track progress of all current grants awarded or pending approval.
- Maintained records related to grant activities including award letters, contracts, invoices and expenditure documentation.
- Monitored expenditures against budget allocations for each active grant project.
- Analyzed financial data from various sources such as accounting software programs and spreadsheets.
- Prepared periodic reports summarizing financial information related to grants projects.
- Participated in meetings with funders regarding progress updates on projects funded by grants.
- Researched changes in laws or regulations related to grant administration.
- Served as a liaison between program staff and external partners involved in the development of new grants initiatives.
- Assisted with developing procedures for monitoring performance outcomes associated with grants-funded projects.
- Prepared presentations highlighting accomplishments achieved through the use of granted funds.
- Advised senior leadership on policies governing the granting process.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, local government guidelines when administering grants.
- Identified potential grants and wrote proposals to submit along with grant applications.
- Wrote, researched and applied for grant proposals to obtain funding from private and government agencies.
Grant Compliance Officer
Cherokee Indian Hospital
Cherokee, NC
08.2020 - 11.2022
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with government regulations.
- Provided support and guidance during times when a client is struggling with compliance or making unhealthy choices.
- Achieved proper compliance and accurate executive level reporting.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures while implementing changes within an organization's operational framework.
- Performed post-closing monitoring activities to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state and local laws concerning wages, taxes and labor regulations.
- Ensured compliance with government regulations related to corporate governance.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to program operations.
- Ensured compliance with internal policies and external regulations such as accessibility standards.
- Prepared reports on findings related to internal controls and compliance matters.
- Ensured quality control compliance by reviewing completed tasks against specifications.
- Performed monthly reconciliations of grant accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated communications between stakeholders regarding progress toward goals outlined in approved grants.
- Implemented tracking systems to monitor grant awards over time and ensure compliance with all reporting requirements.
- Ensured compliance with all internal policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with internal audit teams to ensure compliance with applicable regulations regarding fraud prevention and detection procedures.
- Ensured compliance with internal policies and procedures related to accounts payable functions.
- Maintained records of program accomplishments for grant applications or other funding requests.
- Identified potential areas of risk associated with noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations.
- Tracked grant funding sources to ensure compliance with regulations and reporting requirements.
- Monitored freight costs to ensure budget compliance.
- Reviewed grant application guidelines to ensure compliance with requirements.
- Monitored compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing business activities.
Analyst II
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and Resort
Cherokee, NC
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Assist in the preparation of analysis of property budgets including capital, strategic and operational plans
- Prepare forecasting models and reports specifying results
- Evaluate both the statistical and financial factors and draws on all pertinent reference materials
- Assist in the development of strategic plans and strategies that optimize the return on company assets
- Prepare analysis to quantify the incremental impact of casino activities, considering compliance to objectives and established standards.
- Conducted market research to identify trends and customer needs.
- Developed financial models to analyze data and identify potential risks.
- Created reports, presentations, and other documentation for stakeholders.
- Analyzed large datasets using statistical methods and software programs.
- Prepared forecasts of future performance based on historical trends.
- Maintained accurate records of all data collected during analysis processes.
- Documented procedures for performing tasks such as data collection and manipulation.
Senior Internal Auditor
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
Cherokee, NC
11.2018 - 07.2019
- Reviews all audit work and submits work papers and reports to Audit Manager for approval
- Conduct financial analysis to coincide with annual audit plan
- Conduct risk assessments and business reviews; developed recommendations for resolving issues.
- Reviewed complex audit plans and risk assessment to identify potential areas of financial exposure.
- Evaluated internal controls, policies, and procedures for compliance with company standards and government regulations.
- Analyzed financial data to detect irregularities or discrepancies in accounting records.
- Conducted interviews with management personnel to gain an understanding of business operations.
- Performed walkthrough and tests of internal control systems to ensure accuracy and completeness of information reported.
- Drafted audit reports outlining findings and recommending corrective action plans.
- Monitored status of identified issues, ensuring timely completion of corrective actions taken by management.
- Developed effective working relationships with all levels within the organization to facilitate communication between departments.
- Investigated fraud allegations involving misappropriation of funds or other assets.
- Maintained a high degree of integrity when handling confidential information related to corporate activities.
- Prepared regular reports summarizing audit progress for senior management review.
- Facilitated training sessions on topics such as Sarbanes-Oxley requirements and best practices for internal control design.
- Drafted audit reports to display findings.
- Assessed potential risks, evaluated controls and conducted compliance testing.
- Investigated discrepancies that were uncovered during audits.
- Collaborated with management to address all major risks.
- Reviewed company policies against best practices to better understand level of compliance.
- Completed comprehensive audits of financial and business control systems and operational frameworks.
- Analyzed balance sheets for mistakes and inaccuracies.
- Performed audits of operational and financial areas to check compliance.
- Adhered to GAAS standards when carrying out audit program operations and producing working papers.
- Posted financial data in Excel spreadsheets and managed inventory.
- Gathered banking transactions via statements, recorded activity in Excel format and reconciled balances.
- Maintained accurate accounts for cash, fixed assets and other transactions.
- Wrote reports, authored papers and organized supporting documentation.
Lead Grant Analyst
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
Cherokee, NC
11.2016 - 11.2018
- Reviewed and analyzed grant applications for compliance with state, federal, and organizational requirements.
- Prepared financial reports to track grant expenditures in accordance with the approved budget.
- Developed grant proposals for submission to various funding sources.
- Provided technical assistance to grantees on program implementation and reporting requirements.
- Conducted research on potential funders, including private foundations and government agencies.
- Coordinated with internal departments to ensure timely submission of grant requests.
- Assisted in developing strategies for long-term sustainability of programs through grants and other funding mechanisms.
- Organized meetings between key stakeholders to discuss project goals, timelines, milestones.
- Attended conferences and seminars related to grants management best practices.
- Maintained an organized database of current and past grants awarded by the organization.
- Created detailed reports outlining progress towards meeting grant objectives.
- Analyzed data from multiple sources to identify trends or areas of improvement needed within a program's performance metrics.
- Collaborated with external partners such as local governments or non-profits when necessary.
- Identified new opportunities for securing additional funding sources outside of existing donors.
- Monitored all active grants for compliance with terms and conditions set forth by the funder.
- Advised senior staff members on strategic approaches that could increase the likelihood of successful application outcomes.
- Provided training sessions on how to effectively write proposals that meet donor criteria.
- Researched emerging trends in the field related to effective grants management techniques.
- Developed relationships with external contacts at foundations, corporations, government agencies., who may be interested in providing future support.
- Facilitated communication between internal staff members responsible for managing individual grants or projects.
- Developed financial analysis reports and presentations by applying acquired financial principles.
- Analyzed budgets and implemented action plans to rectify issues.
- Built and strengthened client relationships to form long-lasting, profitable bonds.
- Determined and tracked budget expenses with accuracy and transparency.
- Reviewed costs, expenses and revenues associated with construction projects.
- Utilized financial analysis to prepare plans of action for investment.
- Assessed requisitions each month to ensure accuracy and reconciled transactions.
- Created detailed technical reports highlighting findings to diverse stakeholders.
- Maintained strong pipeline of corporate clients by collaborating closely with partners.
Grant Analyst
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
Cherokee, NC
11.2015 - 11.2016
- Reviewed and analyzed grant applications for compliance with state, federal, and organizational requirements.
- Prepared financial reports to track grant expenditures in accordance with the approved budget.
- Developed grant proposals for submission to various funding sources.
- Provided technical assistance to grantees on program implementation and reporting requirements.
- Conducted research on potential funders, including private foundations and government agencies.
- Coordinated with internal departments to ensure timely submission of grant requests.
- Assisted in developing strategies for long-term sustainability of programs through grants and other funding mechanisms.
- Organized meetings between key stakeholders to discuss project goals, timelines, milestones.
- Attended conferences and seminars related to grants management best practices.
- Maintained an organized database of current and past grants awarded by the organization.
- Created detailed reports outlining progress towards meeting grant objectives.
- Collaborated with external partners such as local governments or non-profits when necessary.
- Identified new opportunities for securing additional funding sources outside of existing donors.
- Monitored all active grants for compliance with terms and conditions set forth by the funder.
- Provided training sessions on how to effectively write proposals that meet donor criteria.
- Developed relationships with external contacts at foundations, corporations, government agencies., who may be interested in providing future support.
- Facilitated communication between internal staff members responsible for managing individual grants or projects.
- Contributed toward improving processes related to tracking expenses against allocated budgets across all active projects.
- Analyzed budgets and implemented action plans to rectify issues.
- Built and strengthened client relationships to form long-lasting, profitable bonds.
- Determined and tracked budget expenses with accuracy and transparency.
- Reviewed costs, expenses and revenues associated with construction projects.
- Maintained strong pipeline of corporate clients by collaborating closely with partners.
- Created detailed technical reports highlighting findings to diverse stakeholders.
Family Community Partnership Manager
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
Cherokee, NC
06.2012 - 11.2015
- Monitor financial eligibility of new and existing students.
- Resolved conflicts between employees by providing guidance on company policies and procedures.
- Initiated new projects that resulted in increased productivity across all departments.
- Maintained up-to-date records of employee attendance, payroll information, vacation requests.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
- Assessed team member's skillsets and assigned tasks accordingly for optimal efficiency.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure timely completion of projects within budget constraints.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, industry standards.
- Organized special events such as conferences or training sessions for employees.
- Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
- Recruited and hired qualified candidates to fill open positions.
- Enhanced team member performance through use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching and training.
- Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.
- Conducted quality, timely performance feedback and performance appraisals.
- Maintained adequate staffing to meet objectives within budget.
- Minimized staff turnover through appropriate selection, orientation and training.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
- Organized team activities to build camaraderie and foster pleasant workplace culture.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Work closely with community and families to fulfill their needs
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and identify areas of improvement.
- Established processes to ensure efficient workflow throughout the organization.
- Monitored budgets and expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
- Conduct annual evaluations based on staff performance
- Determine enrollment eligibility of children.
- Adhere to State and Federal Head Start laws and regulations.
- Created monthly reports for senior management summarizing operational performance metrics.
Education
MBA - Business Administration and Management
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS05.2023
Master’s Certificate - Foundations of Business - Business Administration
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS01.2017
BBA - Business Administration And Law
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee05.2012
Skills
- Research and analysis
- Proposal Writing
- Adaptive Learning
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Partnership Development
- Partnership Building
- Marketing
- Budget Forecasting
- Budget Development
- Training Method Development
- Procedure Manual Writing
- Attention to Detail
- Strategic Planning
- Analytical Skills
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Relationship Building
- Written Communication
- Adaptability
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem-solving abilities
- Active Listening
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Time Management
- Task Prioritization
- Decision-Making
- Business Needs Analysis
- Regulatory knowledge
- Proposal Development
- Funding Research
- Compliance Monitoring
- Grant Research
- Market Research
- Budget monitoring
- Grant Writing
- Event Planning and Execution
- Financial Reporting
- Professional Demeanor
- Time management abilities
- Self Motivation
- Goal Setting
- Interpersonal Communication
- Data Analysis
- Community Networking
- Continuous Improvement
- Excellent Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Documentation And Reporting
Timeline
Enterprise Development Specialist
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
10.2023 - Current
Grant Administrator
Volunteers of America
07.2023 - 10.2023
Grant Administrator
Buncombe County
11.2022 - 07.2023
Grant Compliance Officer
Cherokee Indian Hospital
08.2020 - 11.2022
Analyst II
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and Resort
08.2019 - 08.2020
Senior Internal Auditor
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
11.2018 - 07.2019
Lead Grant Analyst
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
11.2016 - 11.2018
Grant Analyst
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
11.2015 - 11.2016
Family Community Partnership Manager
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
06.2012 - 11.2015
MBA - Business Administration and Management
University of Kansas
Master’s Certificate - Foundations of Business - Business Administration
University of Kansas
BBA - Business Administration And Law
Western Carolina University
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