CELIA LUNA
Chicago
Summary
Experienced and results-driven accountant with a strong work ethic and technical proficiency. Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and meeting deadlines while effectively managing disbursement functions for diverse employers. With over 20 years of experience in the accounting field, consistently upholds ethical standards and leverages data-driven decision-making to optimize work output in both management and accounting industries. Backed by solid credentials and expertise in generally accepted management and accounting practices. Skilled professional with extensive experience working with various organizations, showcasing a proven track record of leadership by successfully leading teams to achieve financial goals. Adept at collaborating with executive leaders to develop strategic business, financial, and growth strategies.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Controller
VANDERCOOK COLLEGE OF MUSIC
03.2024 - Current
- Supervise, train and provide oversight of the college's Business Office which includes a Registrar, Business Office Manager and Director of Financial Aid
- Lead and optimize HR operations, including personnel policies, recruiting and retention, training and development, compensation and benefits, performance management, and compliance processes
- Collaborate with President and Senior Leadership on incoming revenue streams, including contributions, financial aid (Title IV), and tuition
- Maintain and review annual insurance policies; meet with insurance brokers and provide annual comparisons to President
- Monitor compliance with financial control policies and procedures and develop and implement additional policies as needed
- Manage the streamlining accounting processes and procedures to reduce time and resources for a more efficient and effective work environment
- Manage the preparation of internal financial statements and presentations to the Finance Committee and Board members
- Manage strategic relationships with external Finance and Accounting service providers, including banks, auditors, vendors, trustees, lenders, students and appropriate agencies
- Support the President in the implementation of financial and non-financial organizational strategies
- Manage the college's financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, cash and investment management, financial reporting, audits, single audits, taxes, payroll and financial analysis
Associate Director of Finance
LATINO POLICY FORUM
07.2019 - 03.2024
- Responsible for the management and execution of the organization's accounting and financial reporting functions and the timely preparation of month-end financial statements in accordance with GAAP
- Presented financial reporting to the Finance Committee on a bi-monthly basis and provided insight into the organization's financial health and performance
- Managed and executed all accounting activities including monthly close, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing and additional processes to ensure proper accounting
- Worked in concert with Associate Director of Operations on IT related issues, payroll, and yearly benefit package changes that are financially sustainable and competitive
- Created, changed, or implemented and enforce accounting policies and procedures as required to maintain the financial health of the organization
- Maintained banking relationships and ensured proper bank record keeping, board and staff member signatures and resolutions needed for bank accounts
- Developed, managed, and executed the annual budget, analyzed budget spending, reviewed and approved department budgets, and provided quarterly variances to management and executive team
- Managed, prepared, and executed the year-end financial reports and audits schedules for yearly audits
- Managed all grant payments and provided supporting budget for grant requests
- Provided oversight of all fiscal agent/sponsors; maintain separate accounting records and reporting and oversee fiscal agent/sponsor staff
Accounting Manager
CAMP ON THE LAKE (Ramah)
05.2014 - 06.2019
- Processed bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll for year-round employees and summer staff using Paylocity
- Managed direct deposits, tax withholdings, benefit deductions, garnishments, and PTO
- Worked with external auditors in providing required documentation information to adequately evaluate financial information based on GAAP and provide organization a yearly compilation
- Managed and executed payment plans, processed ACH payments & credit card transactions/refunds and followed up on past due tuition balances
- Managed and executed annual budgets and monthly variance analysis
- Investigated and critiqued variances to budget or to prior year and offer practical improvement methodologies to management
- Managed bank balances, including investments to maximize interest income and minimize bank charges
- Executed all month-end closing activities including general ledger and account reconciliations
- Processed invoice for payments for multiple entities and resolved all discrepancies with vendors
- Managed yearly staff health insurance, FSA and HRA enrollment & 403(b) audits through payroll reconciliation
- Prepared monthly financial reporting and worksheets for board/finance committee meetings
Senior Accountant
ANSON INDUSTRIES
11.2003 - 04.2014
- Prepared complex bank reconciliation for all 12 out of state locations and prepared schedules relating to cash flow
- Prepared daily, monthly and year end adjusting journal entries for all entities and assisted in yearly audits and compliance issues
- Prepared and maintained quarterly fixed asset depreciation schedule and assisted with sales and use tax reporting on multiple state invoices
- Maintained and tracked all costs related to construction projects
- Reviewed operational and construction budgets and analyzed variances against budget and prior months' costs
- Prepared quarterly cost accounting reports and initiated monthly closings
- Oversaw and trained department staff as well as assisted in special projects when needed
- Performed daily and weekly ACH tax and payroll funding and monitored daily investments
- Assisted in the preparation of financial statements for Finance committee and Board meetings
Education
CNAP Certification -
01.2023
Master of Business Administration - Accounting
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
Chicago, IL01.2011
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
Chicago, IL01.2004
Skills
- Corporate & Non-Profit Accounting
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Financial Analysis/Modeling
- Critical Thinker
- Great communication and analytical skills
- Understanding of GAAP
- Financial Decision-Making and Reporting Skills
- Strategic planner
Technology Summary
- QuickBooks
- Fund EZ
- MS Office
- Outlook
- Paylocity
- ADP Total Source
- CAMS Enterprise
- GreatPlains
Certification
CNAP - Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Controller
VANDERCOOK COLLEGE OF MUSIC
03.2024 - Current
Associate Director of Finance
LATINO POLICY FORUM
07.2019 - 03.2024
Accounting Manager
CAMP ON THE LAKE (Ramah)
05.2014 - 06.2019
Senior Accountant
ANSON INDUSTRIES
11.2003 - 04.2014
Master of Business Administration - Accounting
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
CNAP Certification -
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