Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Leadership
Timeline
Generic

Carmen Hartley May, CPA

Summary

Strategic nonprofit finance leader with more than 10 years of progressive experience directing financial reporting, audit management, federal grant compliance, tax reporting, and technical accounting for complex nonprofit and professional services organizations. CPA with extensive expertise in GAAP, FASB, Single Audit, Uniform Guidance, Form 990 reporting, and financial compliance. Recognized for strengthening financial processes, partnering across departments, managing external audit relationships, and translating complex financial data into actionable business insights. Passionate about supporting mission-driven organizations through sound financial stewardship, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership.

Overview

1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Advisor, External Reporting & Analytics

SAVE THE CHILDREN FEDERATION, INC.
Lexington
06.2020 - 07.2026

Promoted within the finance organization in recognition of technical accounting expertise and leadership capabilities. Served as a senior finance leader overseeing external financial reporting, audit coordination, federal grant compliance, tax reporting, and technical accounting for one of the world's largest nonprofit organizations.

  • Lead organization-wide external financial reporting processes while partnering with finance leadership, program teams, and external auditors to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting.
  • Manage annual financial statement audits and Single Audit activities, serving as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external auditors while coordinating Prepared by Client (PBC) deliverables.
  • Oversee preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), ensuring compliance with Uniform Guidance and evolving federal requirements.
  • Direct annual Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) submissions to USAID, improving cost allocation methodologies and supporting organizational cost recovery strategies.
  • Provide technical accounting leadership by researching emerging FASB guidance and IRS regulations, evaluating complex transactions, and implementing new accounting standards.
  • Manage Form 990 preparation through coordination with external tax advisors, including deconsolidation of related entities and comprehensive book-to-tax analyses.
  • Supervise responses to external programmatic award audits, advising leadership on compliance findings, corrective actions, and risk mitigation.
  • Prepare and review complex consolidating and eliminating journal entries for affiliated entities while ensuring financial statement accuracy.
  • Analyzed financial results and key balance sheet accounts, evaluating cost allocations and recommending adjustments to enhance reporting accuracy and strengthen internal controls.
  • Developed and implemented standardized financial procedures that enhanced operational efficiency and audit readiness while ensuring consistency across reporting processes.
  • Provide ongoing financial guidance to organizational leadership regarding accounting treatment, regulatory compliance, and reporting best practices.

Supervisor, Tax Services

DEAN DORTON ALLEN FORD, PLLC
Lexington
07.2019 - 04.2020

Provided leadership within the tax practice while overseeing complex client engagements, mentoring staff, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality tax compliance services.

  • Supervised staff workflow and coached team members to meet deadlines and maintain quality in a fast-paced professional services environment.
  • Led preparation and review of complex tax returns, including Forms 990, 706, 709, 1041, 1065, 1120, and 1120S.
  • Researched complex federal and state tax issues and developed recommendations for clients across nonprofit, business, trust, estate, and individual sectors.
  • Utilized advanced Excel analytics and IDEA software, enhancing reporting accuracy and supporting data analysis for complex tax issues.
  • Designed and delivered continuing professional education (CPE) training for newly hired tax professionals.
  • Built collaborative relationships with taxing authorities, facilitating efficient resolution of compliance issues.

Specialist, Tax Services

DEAN DORTON ALLEN FORD, PLLC
Lexington
07.2017 - 06.2019

Provided specialized tax compliance and advisory services for high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, partnerships, and closely held businesses while delivering accurate financial analysis and exceptional client service in a fast-paced public accounting environment.

  • Prepared complex returns for high-net-worth individuals while maintaining exceptional quality and client service.
  • Specialized in trust, estate, gift, partnership, and S corporation taxation to ensure compliance and maximize client benefits.
  • Developed financial reconciliations and analytical workpapers to enhance accuracy of tax reporting.
  • Collaborated with firm leadership to prioritize engagements and meet demanding client deadlines.

Specialist, Accounting & Business Compliance Servi

DEAN DORTON ALLEN FORD, PLLC
Lexington
04.2015 - 06.2017

Performed financial statement audits, Single Audit compliance testing, and consulting engagements for nonprofit, governmental, educational, and commercial organizations.

  • Conducted Single Audit compliance testing for federally funded organizations.
  • Supervised audit staff on employee benefit plan, internal audit, and compliance engagements, ensuring adherence to standards and effective team performance.
  • Participated in audits of nonprofit healthcare organizations, governmental entities, and higher education institutions, contributing to compliance and financial integrity.
  • Evaluated grant restrictions, contribution classifications, pension reporting, and compliance with governmental accounting standards.
  • Managed multiple concurrent engagements, delivering high-quality results and exceptional client service throughout each project.

Billing Analyst

BINGHAM GREENEBAUM DOLL LLP
Lexington
03.2013 - 04.2015

Developed a strong foundation in financial operations through management of billing processes, cash receipts, trust accounting, and financial reporting support for a large law firm.

  • Coordinated financial activities for attorney billing and real estate transactions to streamline processes and enhance accuracy.
  • Managed daily cash receipts and recorded deposit journal entries to ensure accurate financial tracking.
  • Resolved complex client billing issues through detailed financial research.
  • Supported quarterly financial reporting by developing analytical schedules and performing reconciliations to maintain financial integrity.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Accounting

University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

BBA - Finance and Management

University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

Skills

  • Nonprofit Financial Management
  • Financial Reporting
  • Audit Management
  • Federal Grant Compliance
  • Single Audit (Uniform Guidance)
  • Form 990
  • GAAP & FASB
  • Internal Controls
  • Financial Analysis
  • Budget & Cost Allocation Support
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Process Improvement
  • Technical Accounting
  • Tax Compliance
  • SOP Development
  • Team Leadership
  • Staff Development
  • Executive Collaboration
  • Risk Management

Certification

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Commonwealth of Kentucky
  • Kentucky Society of CPAs - Award of Excellence, Financial Accounting & Reporting

Professional Leadership

  • Board Member — Central Christian Child Development Center (2022–Present). Provide governance and financial oversight in support of organizational mission and long-term sustainability.
  • Mentor — Dean Dorton Adopt-a-School Program (2015–2016).

Timeline

Senior Advisor, External Reporting & Analytics

SAVE THE CHILDREN FEDERATION, INC.
06.2020 - 07.2026

Supervisor, Tax Services

DEAN DORTON ALLEN FORD, PLLC
07.2019 - 04.2020

Specialist, Tax Services

DEAN DORTON ALLEN FORD, PLLC
07.2017 - 06.2019

Specialist, Accounting & Business Compliance Servi

DEAN DORTON ALLEN FORD, PLLC
04.2015 - 06.2017

Billing Analyst

BINGHAM GREENEBAUM DOLL LLP
03.2013 - 04.2015

Bachelor of Science - Accounting

University of Kentucky

BBA - Finance and Management

University of Kentucky
Carmen Hartley May, CPA