Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Hi, I’m

ASHANTA BRANIGAN

Durham,US
ASHANTA BRANIGAN

Summary

Finance/accounting professional with strong background in streamlining processes and optimizing efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration and consistently meets organizational goals. Adaptable and reliable with skills in project management, data analysis, and problem-solving. Known for clear communication, strategic thinking, and results-driven approach.

Overview

7
years of professional experience

Work History

Self

Licensed Financial Specialist
10.2024 - Current

Job overview

  • Initiated conversations with clients to uncover financial needs, cross-sell products and services and make referrals to business partners to meet sales goals.
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored financial advice and investment recommendations.
  • Leveraged strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms for clients when dealing with banks or other financial institutions.
  • Managed diverse portfolios for clients, resulting in optimized returns on investments.
  • Built trust among clientele through consistent communication, transparency, and the delivery of accurate information regarding account performance and progress toward goals.
  • Enhanced revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong client relationships.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous learning by attending relevant seminars and workshops, remaining current on best practices within the field of finance.

Forward Justice

Operations Manager
03.2023 - 04.2024

Job overview


  • Lead, motivate, and support a growing team in a time-sensitive, demanding, fast-paced environment, including logistical support, project management, and problem-solving
  • Assess, develop, and maintain quality IT capabilities and equipment, including relationships and contracts with IT management firms
  • Implement technology plan and management for purchasing, discontinuing, and replacing hardware and software
  • Work across departments to provide adequate operations support, and identify gaps and needs in organization operations and infrastructure to address and resolve with best practices
  • Provide administrative support to the executive leadership team, board of directors, and other staff, including scheduling, travel, arrangements, etc
  • Manage pre-planning of event logistics, serve as the primary event contact for internal collaborators and outside vendors and contractors, and maintain event records and budgets
  • Coordinate cross-functional projects, aligning team efforts with organizational goals and maximizing resource utilization
  • Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
  • Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
  • Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments and external partners through clear communication channels.
  • Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
  • Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
  • Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.

Forward Justice

Finance & Operations Associate
05.2021 - 03.2023

Job overview

  • Supported finance director with accurate financial records and data entry, ensuring precise audits
  • Managed online payment platforms and vendor contracts, streamlining payment processes
  • Assisted in audits and resolved discrepancies, maintaining up-to-date financial records
  • Provided crucial support to co-directors and finance team, managing vendor contracts and online payment platforms to streamline financial operations
  • Streamlined financial operations through meticulous vendor contract management and optimization of online payment platforms, enhancing overall efficiency
  • Trained and mentored new accounting team members, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
  • Reduced reporting errors by implementing internal controls and standardizing financial procedures.

Baker Residential of the Carolinas

Accounts Payable Coordinator
09.2020 - 05.2021

Job overview

  • Resolved vendor inquiries, reconciled statements, and corrected discrepancies to enhance financial transparency
  • Managed end-to-end AP process, maintaining accurate records, compiling documentation, and generating comprehensive financial reports
  • Managed and maintained AP process/records, processing $1M+ payments and reconciling statements, enhancing financial transparency and operational efficiency
  • Managed vendor relationships, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries and resolving disputes.
  • Coordinated with other departments as needed for approval or clarification on invoiced items, promoting effective cross-functional collaboration throughout the organization.
  • Maintained a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive financial data, ensuring the utmost discretion and professionalism in all dealings with internal and external stakeholders.

Harris Beverages

Accounts Receivable/ Payroll Specialist
05.2018 - 09.2020

Job overview

  • Verified and posted receipts, resolving discrepancies in $50M portfolio, and ensuring accurate revenue tracking
  • Implemented effective accounts receivable guidelines, enhancing efficiency and accuracy
  • Recorded and reported customer payments, including checks, EFT, and EDI transactions, maintaining up-to-date records
  • Investigated and resolved account discrepancies by collaborating with sales, promotions, and customers
  • Collected and verified employee timesheets, commissions, bonuses, and garnishments, ensuring payroll accuracy
  • Supported monthly/yearly closings and audits
  • Worked cross-functionally with sales and promotions teams to validate account information
  • Assisted employees with inquiries regarding their paychecks, deductions, and other related issues, providing clear and concise communication.

Harris Beverages

Accounts Payable/Receivables Specialist
02.2018 - 08.2018

Job overview

  • Tracked expenditures, reconciled accounts, and updated job knowledge through educational opportunities
  • Created AR procedures and templates, supporting audits with detailed documentation
  • Reconciled supplier accounts and inventory, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance
  • Streamlined financial processes by reconciling accounts, tracking expenditures, and implementing efficient AR procedures, enhancing operational accuracy
  • Developed internal templates and AR manual, revolutionizing workflow efficiency and standardizing best practices across the organization
  • Ensured compliance with internal controls by regularly reviewing accounting policies and procedures for improvement opportunities.

Education

Non-Profit Management Certificate, Duke Black Leadership Course Certificate

EDUC, Berkeley College
IO, New York, NY

Bachelors of Business Administration from Accounting
2016

University Overview

Graduated Cum laude, President List recipient multiple times, member of National Society of Leadership and Success.

Skills

  • S K IL L S

  • Microsoft Office Suite Word

  • PowerPoint Excel

  • Outlook Teams

  • OneNote Forms

  • Advanced MD Eclipse

  • Micros Aloha POS

  • QuickBooks Fintech

  • VIP Vendor portals

  • WMS/Builder MT Sage

  • Canva Adobe

Affiliations

  • International Financial Management Association

Timeline

Licensed Financial Specialist

Self
10.2024 - Current

Operations Manager

Forward Justice
03.2023 - 04.2024

Finance & Operations Associate

Forward Justice
05.2021 - 03.2023

Accounts Payable Coordinator

Baker Residential of the Carolinas
09.2020 - 05.2021

Accounts Receivable/ Payroll Specialist

Harris Beverages
05.2018 - 09.2020

Accounts Payable/Receivables Specialist

Harris Beverages
02.2018 - 08.2018

Non-Profit Management Certificate, Duke Black Leadership Course Certificate

EDUC, Berkeley College

Bachelors of Business Administration from Accounting

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ASHANTA BRANIGAN