CECILIA WATSON
DURHAM,NC
Summary
Detail-oriented Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in preparing individual income tax returns, including complex scenarios involving K-1 reporting and multi-state income. Expertise in fiduciary and gift tax returns, alongside partnership and corporate filings. Demonstrated ability to manage tax engagements and client communications while ensuring accuracy and compliance in high-pressure environments. Familiar with CCH Axcess and various tax preparation applications.
Overview
1
1
Certification
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Associate
CHERRY BEKAERT (formerly Herbein + Company)
01.2022 - 08.2026
- Supported 90+ individual tax engagements as main contact throughout tax preparation process.
- Prepared individual federal and state income tax returns, including complex K-1 reporting, rental activities, property sales, and other state-source income.
- Prepared individual multistate tax filings for income reported across multiple jurisdictions.
- Prepared fiduciary trust and gift tax returns.
- Reviewed individual tax returns for accuracy, completeness, supporting documentation, and compliance with federal and state tax regulations.
- Analyzed tax documents and financial records to identify reporting issues and support complete, accurate filings.
- Coordinated tax return workflow from initial client outreach and document collection through preparation, review, completion, and filing.
- Communicated directly with clients to gather tax information, answer questions, resolve issues, and support timely completion of engagements.
- Coordinated assignments with preparers and reviewers to keep returns moving efficiently through tax preparation process.
- Collaborated with managers and team members to meet deadlines during peak tax seasons while maintaining quality and accuracy.
Accountant
FELSENTHAL FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
Memphis, TN
01.2009 - Current
- Administered client 401(k) plans, ensuring accurate allocations, reconciliations, and compliance testing to meet regulatory standards.
- Prepared Forms 5500, 945, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, and 1099-NEC.
- Maintained accurate bookkeeping records and prepared detailed financial statements for timely reporting.
Tax Preparer
LENAHAN, SMITH & BARGIACHI, P.C.
Memphis, TN
01.2018 - 10.2021
- Prepared individual, fiduciary, gift, partnership, and corporate income tax returns.
- Reviewed financial records and income statements to ensure accuracy of tax reporting and compliance.
- Provided guidance to clients on tax-related inquiries and processed information requests efficiently.
- Managed client engagements and filing deadlines to maintain compliance in a high-volume public accounting environment.
MarketCenter Administrator
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
Southaven, MS
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Managed accounting and financial reporting functions to ensure accurate financial records, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, commission processing, and year-end reporting.
- Oversaw office budget and managed financial reporting processes.
- Managed administrative operations to support real estate agents and clients.
Accountant
LARSON ACCOUNTING
Liberty, MO
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Delivered accounting services for clients, ensuring accurate financial reporting through QuickBooks.
- Administered payroll for employees biweekly, including timely completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reporting.
- Prepared individual and corporate income tax returns using Drake Software.
Staff Accountant
IOWA FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL CARE
Des Moines, IA
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Prepared financial statements, supported audit schedules, maintained fixed asset reporting, and assisted with tax filings.
Staff Accountant / 401(k) Specialist
REYNOLDS AND REYNOLDS
Dayton, OH
01.1989 - 01.1995
- Executed general ledger accounting, reconciliations, financial reporting, budgeting, and employee benefit plan administration in progressive accounting roles.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting and Finance
Wright State University
Dayton, Ohio01-1991
Skills
- Tax Preparation: Individual Fiduciary (Trust) Gift Tax Returns Prior Partnership and Corporate Tax Return Preparation
- Tax Review: Individual Income Tax Return Review (Simple to Moderate Complexity)
- State Tax Compliance: Individual multistate filings involving K-1 reporting, rental activities, property sales, and other state-source income
- Tax Software: CCH Axcess Tax UltraTax CS Drake
- Tax Workflow & Document Management: SurePrep PDFlyer XCM GoFileRoom TaxCaddy SafeSend
- Tax Software Proficiency
- Core Competencies: Client Communication Tax Engagement Management Workflow Coordination Tax Compliance Documentation Review Deadline Management Paperless Tax Workflows Organization Team Collaboration Attention to Detail
Certification
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Licensed in Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania
Timeline
Senior Associate
CHERRY BEKAERT (formerly Herbein + Company)
01.2022 - 08.2026
Tax Preparer
LENAHAN, SMITH & BARGIACHI, P.C.
01.2018 - 10.2021
Accountant
FELSENTHAL FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
01.2009 - Current
MarketCenter Administrator
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
01.2007 - 01.2008
Accountant
LARSON ACCOUNTING
01.2003 - 01.2006
Staff Accountant
IOWA FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL CARE
01.1995 - 01.1997
Staff Accountant / 401(k) Specialist
REYNOLDS AND REYNOLDS
01.1989 - 01.1995
Bachelor of Science - Accounting and Finance
Wright State University