Ariel Hooker
Dallas–Fort Worth
Summary
Results-driven and detail-oriented accounting professional with seven years of progressive experience at Katapult, transitioning from customer service to advanced accounting roles. Proven track record in streamlining financial operations, enhancing reporting accuracy, and managing comprehensive accounting processes, including reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, funding, and audit support. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, consistently delivering timely and insightful financial data to inform strategic business decisions. Proficient in industry-standard tools such as NetSuite, Wells Fargo, Tableau, Airbase, Navan, and Excel.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Accountant
Katapult
03.2025 - Current
- Promoted twice within seven years based on performance, initiative, and technical accounting expertise.
- Spearheaded improvements in accounts payable and funding workflows, shortening monthly close timelines and improving accuracy.
- Collaborated with leadership to enhance reconciliation templates and financial controls, supporting high audit readiness.
- Financial Operations: Manage full-cycle accounting, including AP, AR, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close processes.
- Funding & Cash Flow Management: Consolidate and analyze daily funding reports, handle ACH setups, and ensure adequate liquidity for operational expenditures.
- Accounts Payable Leadership: Oversee vendor invoice processing, payment approvals, and ACH payments through Wells Fargo; regularly review aging schedules to ensure timely disbursements.
- Reconciliations & Reporting: Conduct monthly reconciliations for cash, credit cards, prepaids, accruals, and fixed assets; prepare supporting documentation for journal entries and financials.
- Process Improvement: Maintain and refine accounting trackers, enhance reporting efficiencies, and coordinate payment forecasting with department heads.
- Cross-Functional Support: Act as primary liaison for vendors, merchants, and internal departments on funding and billing inquiries.
- Audit & Compliance: Support internal and external audit requests by preparing detailed reconciliations and documentation.
- System Proficiency: Utilize NetSuite for accounting entries, Tableau for data analysis, Airbase and Navan for expense and funding management, and JIRA for issue tracking.
Junior Accountant
Katapult
05.2022 - 03.2025
- Promoted twice within seven years based on performance, initiative, and technical accounting expertise.
- Spearheaded improvements in accounts payable and funding workflows, shortening monthly close timelines and improving accuracy.
- Collaborated with leadership to enhance reconciliation templates and financial controls, supporting high audit readiness.
- Financial Operations: Manage full-cycle accounting, including AP, AR, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close processes.
- Funding & Cash Flow Management: Consolidate and analyze daily funding reports, handle ACH setups, and ensure adequate liquidity for operational expenditures.
- Accounts Payable Leadership: Oversee vendor invoice processing, payment approvals, and ACH payments through Wells Fargo; regularly review aging schedules to ensure timely disbursements.
- Reconciliations & Reporting: Conduct monthly reconciliations for cash, credit cards, prepaids, accruals, and fixed assets; prepare supporting documentation for journal entries and financials.
- Process Improvement: Maintain and refine accounting trackers, enhance reporting efficiencies, and coordinate payment forecasting with department heads.
- Cross-Functional Support: Act as primary liaison for vendors, merchants, and internal departments on funding and billing inquiries.
- Audit & Compliance: Support internal and external audit requests by preparing detailed reconciliations and documentation.
- System Proficiency: Utilize NetSuite for accounting entries, Tableau for data analysis, Airbase and Navan for expense and funding management, and JIRA for issue tracking.
Customer Service Representative
Katapult
05.2018 - 03.2022
- Delivered front-line customer support, specialized in billing and account inquiries.
- Liaised between customers and internal departments to resolve payment discrepancies efficiently.
- Developed strong communication and problem-solving skills that contributed to later success in accounting operations.
Education
Bachelor Business Administration - Finance
Texas A&M University
Commerce, TX05.2021
Skills
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Account Reconciliations (Cash, Credit Card, AP, Fixed Assets)
- Month-End Close & Journal Entries
- Forecasting & Cash Management
- Process Optimization & Internal Controls
- Vendor & Merchant Management
- Audit Preparation & SOX Compliance
- Tools: NetSuite, Wells Fargo, Airbase, Navan, Tableau, Excel (vlookup, pivot tables, macros)
- Year-end close
- Data inputting
- Account reconciliation processes
- Audit support
Timeline
Accountant
Katapult
03.2025 - Current
Junior Accountant
Katapult
05.2022 - 03.2025
Customer Service Representative
Katapult
05.2018 - 03.2022
Bachelor Business Administration - Finance
Texas A&M University