Amy-Jo Brown
Chicago,IL
Summary
Accomplished Director of Finance, with many years of hands-on experience in financial management and program leadership, and a proven track record at Renaissance Social Services, enhancing financial accuracy and efficiency through strategic policy development and GAAP compliance. Familiar with regulatory requirements and optimal approaches for keeping systems current and compliant. Forward-thinking leader responsive to changing demands.
Skilled in audit management and fostering team growth, I excel in financial general ledger building, forecasting, and possess strong analytical skills. Successfully managed an organizational budget of over $16 million, demonstrating exceptional organizational abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Finance
Renaissance Social Services
Chicago, IL
04.2013 - 01.2025
- Established internal controls by preparing policies and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across the organization.
- Created, developed, and managed the finance department including 4 new staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth. Also, mentoring them in accounting practices and principles.
- Implemented and facilitated a Housing Department, which consists of four housing staff.
- Recommended and implemented new financial and accounting software packages. replacing various non-integrated offerings.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and developments affecting organizational finances.
- Monitored compliance with accounting regulations and procedures. Managed relationships with grant funding authorities, tax authorities, bankers, and auditors.
- Oversaw the annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial sustainability, managing an annual organizational budget in excess of $16 million.
- Completed month-end and year-end closings, kept records audit-ready and monitored timely recording of accounting transactions.
- Performed analysis of actual financial results compared to budget, generating variance insights for teams.
- Created and enforced company-wide controls regarding revenue and expenses in concerted effort to protect organization's assets. Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration to align financial management with operational and strategic objectives.
- Created and implemented financial reports; trained the Grant Manager on how to update reports on a frequent basis to present information to leadership teams.
- Coordinated with HR and Grants Management on payroll management and benefit fund allocations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; also, presenting them to the leadership team, board members, and stakeholders.
- Coordinated with external auditors for the annual audit process and grant funders for the interim and annual audit processes; prepared external audit materials and external financial reporting, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Directed the preparation of tax returns ensuring accuracy and timely filing deadlines are met.
- Negotiated contracts and agreements with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to reduce costs and improve terms.
- Reviewed contracts related to finance activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Supervised accounts payable and receivable operations, improving cash flow management and reducing outstanding debts.
Auditor/Tax Accountant
Upchurch & Associates
Chicago, IL
12.2010 - 04.2013
- Conducted financial audits to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS).
- Maintained confidentiality of company information obtained in audit assignments.
- Collaborated with external partners to complete audits.
- Monitored changes in applicable laws and regulations that affect the organization's operations.
- Provided guidance on improving internal controls over business processes.
- Reviewed and evaluated internal control systems, financial records, and accounting systems to ensure accuracy of information.
- Ensured timely completion of all assigned tasks within set deadlines.
- Maintained accurate accounts for cash, fixed assets and other transactions.
- Worked closely with management to discuss external audit results and action plans.
- Presented audit results to management teams, delivering information in non-technical terms for easy understanding.
- Worked with the business to create an accounting position internally in order to maintain accurate records and reduce costs.
- Completed tax returns for various small businesses; maximized tax refunds by striving to obtain taxable income, deductible expenses, and allowance details.
Senior Accountant
Runyon Kersteen Ouellette
South Portland, Maine
06.2002 - 08.2010
- Performed as the lead auditor on municipal, school district, and non-profit client engagements.
- Supervision of staff during the completion of client engagements.
- Preparation of audit programs, and other specific and special reports.
- Completed updates to general ledger by adding latest entries and reviewing transactions entered by staff.
- Completed extensive financial statement audits; handling monthly and year-end journal entries and preparation of client financial statements in accordance with GAAP and GAAS.
- Made effective suggestions to improve internal controls for clients that were implemented, and duly appreciated.
- Presented audit results to management teams, delivering information in non-technical terms for easy understanding.
- Preparation of Individual, Corporate, S-Corp, Partnership, Trust and Estate Income Tax Returns.
- Maximized tax refunds by striving to obtain taxable income, deductible expenses and allowance details.
Education
Master of Science - Business
Husson University
Bangor, Maine05-2002
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Husson University
Bangor, Maine05-2002
Skills
- Revenue recognition
- Cost control
- Audit management
- GAAP compliance
- Federal, state, and local grant compliance
- Internal controls implementation and management
- Budget design and planning
- General ledger accounting
- Financial planning
- Financial policy development
- Financial systems implementation
- Financial statement preparation
- Organizational skills
- Financial forecasting
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; detail-oriented, and organized
- Experience with Microsoft Applications
- Experience with Fund Ez
- Experience with Quickbooks
- Experience with Prosystems FX Suite
- Experience with Paycom, Paylocity and Heartland Payroll Systems
Affiliations
- Hiking Enthusiast
- Published poet
- Lover of books
- Volunteer positions with recovery-based organizations
Certification
- Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP Certification)
- Notary Public
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Finance
Renaissance Social Services
04.2013 - 01.2025
Auditor/Tax Accountant
Upchurch & Associates
12.2010 - 04.2013
Senior Accountant
Runyon Kersteen Ouellette
06.2002 - 08.2010
Master of Science - Business
Husson University
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Husson University
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