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Cecilia Vongphakdy
Saginaw,TX
Summary
Results-driven accounting and finance professional with 10+ years of experience supporting financial operations, reconciliations, accrual management, reporting, compliance, and cross-functional business initiatives. Proven ability to analyze financial data, manage complex accounting processes, support contract-related financial activities, and improve operational efficiency in fast-paced environments. Skilled in ERP systems, advanced Excel reporting, variance analysis, and process optimization with strong attention to detail and regulatory compliance.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Staff Accountant
American Academy of Pediatrics
Itasca, IL
03.2018 - Current
- Manages financial operations related to sales and use tax compliance across multiple states and jurisdictions, ensuring accurate and timely filings through Vertex.
- Leads all aspects of sales tax administration including filings, tax notices, exemption management, and coordination with outsourced compliance vendors.
- Utilizes Acumatica ERP to process accounting transactions, perform reconciliations, support month-end close, and generate accurate financial reports.
- Prepares and analyze monthly journal entries including accruals, deferrals, allocations, internal sales analysis, and reclassifications.
- Performs account reconciliations and variance analysis, proactively identifying and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Supports financial reporting and operational analytics through detailed account analysis and data reconciliation.
- Collaborates cross-functionally with accounting, finance, AR/AP, and operational departments to resolve customer transaction adjustments and financial variances across multiple cost centers.
- Participates in UAT testing and system enhancement initiatives for Acumatica, partnering with internal teams to improve accounting workflows and operational efficiency.
- Assists with investment and endowment reporting including calculation and recording of realized and unrealized gains/losses.
- Supports audit and year-end tax preparation processes through preparation of workpapers and documentation.
- Contributes to process improvement initiatives, automation efforts, and internal control documentation to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.
- Executes daily cash reconciliations, bank wires, and financial control procedures in accordance with organizational policies.
Accounting Assistant – Accounts Payable & Receivable
Top-Line Furniture Warehouse Corp
Itasca, IL
04.2016 - 03.2018
- Utilized NetSuite ERP to manage AP/AR transactions, customer accounts, reconciliations, and financial reporting activities.
- Reviewed e-commerce and wholesale contracts to validate pricing terms, discounts, allowances, and chargebacks while ensuring financial accuracy and compliance.
- Managed high-volume customer accounts including Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock, and Target, supporting account reconciliations, deductions analysis, and payment resolution.
- Prepared month-end journal entries including accruals, deferred revenue/expenses, intercompany activity, and cash transactions.
- Conducted reconciliations for bank accounts, accrued expenses, defective allowances, advertising accruals, and intercompany accounts.
- Collaborated with internal departments, vendors, and account executives to resolve invoice discrepancies, contract-related issues, and outstanding balances.
- Redesigned A/R aging reporting processes to improve collection efficiency and reporting visibility.
- Assisted with audit support and business process improvement initiatives.
- Performed daily cash reconciliation and monitored wire/ACH activity to ensure financial accuracy and proper documentation.
- Utilized advanced Excel functions including PivotTables, VLOOKUPs, and formulas for reporting and analysis.
Senior Student Finance Analyst
Career Education Corporation
Schaumburg, IL
03.2010 - 04.2016
- Analyzed student financial aid accounts to ensure compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and funding requirements.
- Performed financial calculations and reconciliations related to Title IV funding, tuition refunds, grants, and student account balances.
- Maintained and balanced general ledger activity associated with tuition, grants, and federal funding programs.
- Served as a subject matter expert supporting cross-functional teams with account analysis, funding compliance, and financial adjustments.
- Prepared and submitted accurate monthly regulatory reporting including NSLDS and SSCR reporting requirements.
- Assisted with audits and implemented process updates to maintain compliance with evolving federal regulations.
- Improved reporting templates and calculation processes to enhance operational accuracy and efficiency.
Education
Master's Degree - Business Administration – Accounting Specialization
American Intercontinental University Online
Schaumburg, Illinois04-2012
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois12-2006
Skills
- Accruals & Deferrals
- Month-End Close
- Reconciliations & Variance Analysis
- Contract & Pricing Review
- Customer Adjustments & Chargebacks
- Financial Operations
- ERP Systems (Acumatica, NetSuite, Vertex)
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Audit Support & Compliance
- Process Improvement & Automation Support
- Sales & Use Tax Compliance
- Data Analysis & Problem Resolution
Languages
Tagalog
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Staff Accountant
American Academy of Pediatrics
03.2018 - Current
Accounting Assistant – Accounts Payable & Receivable
Top-Line Furniture Warehouse Corp
04.2016 - 03.2018
Senior Student Finance Analyst
Career Education Corporation
03.2010 - 04.2016
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
University of Illinois at Chicago
Master's Degree - Business Administration – Accounting Specialization
American Intercontinental University Online