Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

CASSEANNA LUSK

Houston,TX

Summary

Highly motivated and goal-driven Financial Analyst skilled in collecting, monitoring and studying data to analyze financial status and recommend business strategy. Experienced in qualitative and quantitative analysis, contract management and forecasting. Tech-savvy in use of spreadsheets, accounting and financial management software.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Sr.Financial Analyst

Robert Half Finance & Accounting
01.2024 - Current
  • Provided valuable insights by leading monthly variance analysis reviews between actual results and budget/forecast expectations.
  • Enabled informed decision-making by presenting key findings from complex data sets in clear, concise formats for senior leadership team members.
  • Reviewed statistical information to determine financial trends for use in investment planning.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and increase operational efficiency.
  • Facilitated accurate expense tracking through diligent maintenance of general ledger accounts and reconciliations.
  • Streamlined financial reporting processes, resulting in more efficient delivery of critical information to stakeholders.
  • Improved budget forecasting through meticulous monitoring of expenses and revenue streams.
  • Increased financial accuracy by conducting in-depth analyses of financial data and trends.
  • Contributed to long-term growth strategies through regular assessments of company''s product portfolio performance against market benchmarks.
  • Collected data and developed detailed spreadsheets to identify trends and create revenue, profitability, and expense forecasts.

Accountant

Robert Half Finance & Accounting
02.2023 - 01.2024
  • Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
  • Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
  • Documented cash, credit, fixed assets, accrued expenses, and line of credit transactions.
  • Completed daily cash functions like account tracking, payroll and wage allocations, budgeting, donating, and cash, and banking reconciliations.
  • Streamlined month-end closing processes, resulting in reduced time spent on financial reporting tasks.
  • Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
  • Enhanced financial decision-making capabilities by providing timely, accurate information to management through regular performance reports.
  • Maintained compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws by staying informed about changes and filing all required forms accurately and promptly.
  • Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
  • Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.

Senior A/P Analyst

Robert Half Finance & Accounting
11.2022 - 02.2023
  • Identified opportunities for process improvements within the AR department, leading initiatives that increased efficiency without sacrificing quality or compliance standards.
  • Reduced account delinquency rates through proactive customer communication and timely follow-ups on outstanding balances.
  • Prepared detailed aging reports for management review on a regular basis, highlighting potential risks in the AR portfolio.
  • Streamlined the month-end closing process, ensuring timeliness and accuracy of financial statements.
  • Participated in annual audits as needed, providing necessary documentation in a timely manner.
  • Reconciled complex account discrepancies through thorough research and collaboration with internal departments, ultimately resolving issues efficiently.
  • Maintained account accuracy by reviewing and reconciling checks monthly.
  • Reconciled company bank, credit card and line of credit accounts, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to keep accounts audit-ready.
  • Reconciled account information and reported figures in general ledger by comparing to bank account statement each month.
  • Entered figures using 10-key calculator to compute data quickly.
  • Developed monthly, quarterly and annual profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
  • Tracked financial progress by creating quarterly and yearly balance sheets.

Payroll Specialist

Total Care
02.2022 - 11.2022
  • Assisted employees with inquiries regarding their paychecks, deductions, and other related issues, providing clear and concise communication.
  • Verified and submitted timekeeping information for accurate and efficient payroll processing.
  • Reduced payroll errors by conducting thorough audits and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
  • Prepared year-end reports for W-2s and 1099s, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in tax filing.
  • Generated paper checks for employees and printed stubs for associates who received direct deposits to complete payroll distribution.
  • Documented and processed all garnishments for bankruptcies, student loans, and child support orders.
  • Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations through meticulous record-keeping and accurate reporting.
  • Confirmed compliance with all applicable federal, state and local payroll laws and regulations.
  • Conducted regular reconciliations of general ledger accounts related to payroll transactions for accurate financial reporting purposes.
  • Researched payroll errors and processed payments for federal and state taxes, social security, Medicare and various employee deductions, annuity contributions, and retirement plan withholdings.
  • Coordinated annual open enrollment process for employee benefits, ensuring seamless integration into the payroll system.
  • Calculated wages, deductions and bonuses in accordance with company policies.

Accounting Specialist

Total Care
02.2022 - 11.2022
  • Supported month-end closing process by preparing journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analysis reports.
  • Applied proper codes to invoices, files, and receipts to keep records organized and easily searchable.
  • Assisted auditors during annual audits, providing necessary documentation and addressing inquiries promptly.
  • Reconciled account information and reported figures in general ledger by comparing to bank account statement each month.
  • Improved financial accuracy by performing detailed account reconciliations and resolving discrepancies.
  • Reported financial data and updated financial records in ledgers and journals.
  • Leveraged advanced Excel skills to create dynamic financial models for decision-making purposes.
  • Managed cash flow effectively by monitoring daily transactions reconciling bank accounts regularly.
  • Processed payments and documents such as invoices, journal vouchers, employee reimbursements, and statements.
  • Used accounting software to prepare weekly and monthly financial reports.
  • Processed credit card payments and reconciled credit card statements for accuracy in accounting process.
  • Maintained clean and organized files by keeping accounts payable records up-to-date.
  • Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
  • Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
  • Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
  • Completed financial reports, providing insight into performance, operations, and cash flow.

Compensation Associate (temp)

First Command Financial
09.2021 - 02.2022
  • Research and advising on relevant state and federal laws to ensure the organization remains compliant with its compensation policies
  • Prepare and present summary reports of job analysis and compensation analysis information
  • Work with insurance brokers and investment planners to create competitive, cost-effective benefit packages for the organization; facilitate implementation and enrollment for insurance and retirement plans
  • Gathers data from market-based compensation survey; uses spreadsheet and data analysis techniques to assess results and market trends
  • Responsible for designing the organization’s pay structure
  • Planning and communicating best practice for evaluating and compensating employees.
  • Developed strong client relationships through timely and thorough follow-up on inquiries and concerns.
  • Created solutions for customers to satisfy specific needs, quality and budget.

High Balance Specialist

Mercedes-Benz Financial
10.2019 - 08.2021
  • Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
  • Earned recognition as a top performer consistently exceeding targets throughout my tenure as a specialist in the field.
  • Conducted thorough research to identify trends and inform decision-making for business growth initiatives.
  • Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
  • Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
  • Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
  • Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
  • Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.

Default Prevention

TSU Financial Aid
01.2019 - 05.2019
  • Improved default prevention efforts by conducting thorough borrower evaluations and risk assessments.
  • Implemented data-driven strategies to improve default prevention efforts among student loan borrowers.
  • Developed tailored recovery plans for clients facing financial difficulties, aiding in the prevention of defaults and maximizing returns on investment.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive financial crime prevention strategies.
  • Managed a portfolio of merchant accounts, effectively addressing any concerns related to chargebacks or fraud prevention measures implemented by the company.
  • Educated borrowers on available options for default resolution, empowering them to make informed decisions about their financial future.
  • Conducted thorough credit evaluations for potential borrowers, minimizing default risk.
  • Reduced fraud incidents by implementing robust security measures and educating staff on prevention techniques.

Accounts Receivable Specialist (temp)

TTI INC.
07.2018 - 09.2018
  • Supported month-end closing activities by reconciling accounts, preparing reports, and analyzing trends in account performance.
  • Reduced outstanding accounts receivable balances by diligently following up on overdue payments.
  • Ensured the accuracy of customer records in internal systems by updating contact information, payment terms, and other relevant data as needed.
  • Prepared and mailed invoices to customers, processed payments, and documented account updates.
  • Enhanced cash flow by ensuring timely invoicing, payment application, and account reconciliation.
  • Reviewed accounts on monthly basis to assess aging and pursue collection of funds.
  • Reconciled accounts receivable ledger to verify payments and resolve variances.
  • Submitted cash and check deposits and generated cash receipts to record money received.
  • Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
  • Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts and tracked expenses.
  • Generated invoices upon receipt of billing information and tracked collection progress.
  • Developed monthly, quarterly and annual profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
  • Reduced financial discrepancies, effectively reconciling bank accounts and organizing information into accounting software.
  • Reconciled company bank, credit card and line of credit accounts, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to keep accounts audit-ready.
  • Matched purchase orders with invoices and recorded necessary information.

Income Tax Assistant/Counselor

TSU Taxation
01.2016 - 05.2016
  • Conducted research on new tax laws and regulations, staying up-to-date on changes that could impact clients'' filings.
  • Increased client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate income tax assistance.
  • Identified potential areas of risk within clients'' financial accounts during routine audits to mitigate any future issues before they arose.
  • Leveraged advanced software tools to analyze clients'' financial data efficiently and accurately, ensuring that all relevant information was taken into account when preparing income tax returns.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality regarding client information, adhering to professional ethics standards at all times.
  • Developed customized strategies for each client''s unique financial situation, ensuring optimal results in their income tax filings.
  • Educated clients on available deductions and credits, maximizing their potential refunds or minimizing tax liabilities.
  • Reduced client audit risks through thorough review of financial statements and documentation.
  • Communicated with clients regarding tax situations, providing guidance on financial decisions.
  • Offered clients recommendations to reduce tax liabilities.
  • Reviewed clients tax filing papers thoroughly to determine eligibility for additional tax credits or deductions.
  • Prepared tax returns, extensions, tax planning calculations, and write-ups for organizations and entities.

Education

MBA - Accounting

Texas Southern University
Houston, TX
05.2019

BBA - Accounting

Texas Southern University
Houston, TX
05.2017

Skills

  • Budgeting and Planning
  • Financial Modeling
  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • Budget Forecasting
  • Research and Data Analysis
  • MS Office Suite
  • PeopleSoft expert
  • Adobe Software
  • Financial and operational reporting
  • Preparing budgets
  • Quickbooks
  • Knowledge of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software

Timeline

Sr.Financial Analyst

Robert Half Finance & Accounting
01.2024 - Current

Accountant

Robert Half Finance & Accounting
02.2023 - 01.2024

Senior A/P Analyst

Robert Half Finance & Accounting
11.2022 - 02.2023

Payroll Specialist

Total Care
02.2022 - 11.2022

Accounting Specialist

Total Care
02.2022 - 11.2022

Compensation Associate (temp)

First Command Financial
09.2021 - 02.2022

High Balance Specialist

Mercedes-Benz Financial
10.2019 - 08.2021

Default Prevention

TSU Financial Aid
01.2019 - 05.2019

Accounts Receivable Specialist (temp)

TTI INC.
07.2018 - 09.2018

Income Tax Assistant/Counselor

TSU Taxation
01.2016 - 05.2016

MBA - Accounting

Texas Southern University

BBA - Accounting

Texas Southern University
CASSEANNA LUSK