Autumn Knight
Galveston,Texas
Summary
Knowledgeable Payroll Officer adept at overseeing payroll, documentation and reporting functions. Managed payroll activities for several clients in fast-paced environment and consistently completed payroll runs without delays. High-level technical skills and attention to detail leading to optimum outcomes. I'm eager to put 40+ years of experience to use inspiring client loyalty, encouraging others, and building long-term positive relationships to help increase revenue, promote savings and establishing a successful environment for the team. Dedicated to keeping payroll operations compliant with regulations. Proficient in processing garnishments, calculating leave and applying deductions. Excellent problem-solving, report writing and recordkeeping abilities.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Payroll Manager
Palm Payroll LLC
11.2018 - Current
- Payroll processing for client base coast to coast and international
- Client processing of 3rd party billing, garnishments, quarterly tax filing, recons, GL/JE trouble shooting all payroll accounting
- Client assist/contact for platform implementations.
- Addressed employee inquiries regarding pay issues promptly, fostering positive relationships between management and staff members.
- Offered payroll-related subject matter expertise to management and employees to resolve payroll discrepancies.
- Managed team of payroll specialists, providing training and guidance to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.
- Reduced errors in payroll data entry by implementing automated systems and providing thorough training to staff members.
- Investigated payroll variances and employee claims to resolve discrepancies and balance financial records.
Corporate Staff Accountant
Regent Management Services
01.2014 - 01.2019
- In-house payroll processing for 14 facilities
- 3rd party billing
- Garnishments
- Implementation from PennSoft to Ascentis.
- Identified discrepancies in financial records, resolving issues promptly to maintain integrity of financial data.
- Prepared and filed sales tax returns, adhering to strict deadlines and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
Marketing Specialist
Sysco USA 1 - Houston
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Identified appropriate marketing channels and target customers for campaigns.
- Planned marketing initiatives and leveraged referral networks to promote business development.
- Created persuasive sales presentations that effectively showcased product benefits, driving revenue growth.
- Created customized marketing materials to increase product awareness.
- Increased brand awareness by developing and implementing targeted marketing campaigns.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, reducing costs while maintaining quality of services and products.
- Enhanced brand exposure by organizing high-profile corporate events, attracting significant media attention.
- Delivered exceptional customer service throughout the entire event planning process, fostering long-term client relationships built on trust.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Miscellaneous duties: 3rd party benefits for employees, IT Back up/Coverage coordinator. Software trainer.
Executive Administrative Assistant
Sysco USA 1 - Houston
01.2003 - 01.2007
- Payroll cost reports
- Accounting Assistant for AP, AR, GL and Contract Compliance.
- Managed inventory levels for office supplies, reducing waste while guaranteeing availability when needed.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Handled scheduling for executive's calendar and prepared meeting agenda and materials.
- Gathered documents, data, and formulated analytics to prepare issues for discussion and reports for review.
- Increased productivity with the implementation of digital tools for document management and collaboration.
- Managed mail and both incoming and outgoing correspondence, mail, email and faxes.
Payroll Associate
Sysco USA 1 - Houston
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Payroll processing and timekeeping for 700+ employee weekly payroll
- Union liaison
- Short term disability
- Communicated effectively with employees at all levels regarding their pay-related inquiries or issues.
- Prepared comprehensive payroll reports for management review, allowing informed decision-making regarding budgetary adjustments.
- Streamlined payroll processing by implementing efficient data management and accurate calculations.
- Collaborated with HR department to ensure seamless onboarding and offboarding processes for payroll purposes.
- Developed strong working relationships with colleagues across departments, fostering a positive work environment.
- Resolved payroll discrepancies promptly, addressing employee concerns efficiently and professionally.
- Reduced errors in payroll records by diligently reviewing and verifying employee information.
- Contributed to the development of new payroll policies by providing insights from practical experience.
- Managed garnishments, deductions, and benefit withholdings accurately to maintain compliance with regulations.
- Assisted with audit preparations, maintaining clear documentation of all payroll transactions.
Education
High School Diploma -
West Bloomfield High School
West Bloomfield MI06.1980
Skills
- Advanced Software Skills: Database creation - Microsoft Access SharePoint and Salesforcecom
- Adobe Products
- Payroll software and reporting - ADP Enterprise-Hrizon/ReportSmith, PenSoft, Ascentis, Kronos, Paylocity, Paycor, UKG Ready and NovaTime products
- Miscellaneous Software: LTC Accounting/Finance, American Health, Nova Products
- Fundamental knowledge GAAP
Accomplishments
- Developed new database for customer profit rebates increasing AR by 18%.
- Gained client retention from temporary to long term with a 100% success rate.
- Increased vendor contacts and set up promotions adding to sales growth of 20%+.
- Increased balance ratio of 70 accounts from less than 5% to 100%+ within 9 months.
- Created workflow process for processing payroll with clients worldwide and coast to coast.
- Encouraging a team environment through working remotely. Processing several varied business' payroll on a weekly and bi-weekly basis.
Additional Value
- Founding member of the Sysco Workplace Enrichment Committee. Peer award winner 2005. (2003 - 2010)
- VPP Safety Team member - reportable injuries down over 50%+ in first year. (2008 - 2013)
Charity Volunteer Service
- Founding Member - Wreaths Across America. (2008 - 2018)
- Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce - Marketing and volunteer coordinator. Ambassador of the year & Pinnacle award recipient. (2011 - 2013)
Timeline
Payroll Manager
Palm Payroll LLC
11.2018 - Current
Corporate Staff Accountant
Regent Management Services
01.2014 - 01.2019
Marketing Specialist
Sysco USA 1 - Houston
01.2007 - 01.2014
Executive Administrative Assistant
Sysco USA 1 - Houston
01.2003 - 01.2007
Payroll Associate
Sysco USA 1 - Houston
01.2002 - 01.2003
High School Diploma -
West Bloomfield High School