Charla Accardo Wade
Baton Rouge,LA
Summary
Accounting and finance leader with experience directing reporting, budgeting, treasury, payroll, and tax compliance for complex organizations. CPA and master’s degree support a strong background in small business operations, internal controls, client communication, and process improvements that support sound financial decisions. Strong background allows confidence in addressing issues with tact and professionalism.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
SOLE PROPRIETOR
CHARLA WADE, CPA (IA), LLC
03.2009 - Current
- Prepared individual and business tax returns.
- Assisted CPA with accounting oversight, ensuring compliance and accuracy for clients.
- Communicated with clients regarding tax questions and account details.
- Facilitated communication between clients and the Internal Revenue Service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues.
- Assisted with cash management and improved business operations through detailed write-ups.
CFO
DAVID WADE MARINE, INC
Baton Rouge, LA
02.1992 - Current
- Managed accounting and finance functions for boat service and sales in a family business.
- Prepare financial statements and management reports for executive review.
- Manage banking relationships, credit lines, and treasury activities.
- Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll processing.
- Review contracts, leases, and insurance coverage for business risk.
- Identified cost-saving opportunities by reviewing existing operating procedures.
- Facilitated financial planning processes for marine operations. for marine operations across David Wade Marine Inc..
- Coordinated requisition and procurement processes to optimize purchasing decisions.
TAX ACCOUNTANT
DANIEL P. JACKSON, APAC
10.2005 - 03.2009
- Reviewed client records and backup documents to ensure accuracy of tax reporting, minimizing risk of discrepancies.
- Prepared tax returns for APAC accounting clients, ensuring compliance with firm standards and regulatory requirements.
- Completed final returns, facilitating timely filing with appropriate taxing authorities to meet deadlines.
CPA
THE GAUTREAU GROUP
BATON ROUGE, LA
02.2004 - 10.2005
- Prepared individual, corporate, partnership tax returns, and benefit plan filings, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and accuracy in reporting.
- Prepared individual and business tax returns for Gautreau Group client accounts.
- Reviewed financial statements for accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
- Managed bookkeeping records using QuickBooks for client ledgers and reconciliations.
MANAGER OF ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT
BREAZEALE, SACHSE & WILSON, LLP
05.2000 - 12.2003
- Led financial operations and staff for a large law firm, reporting directly to CFO.
- Managed financial operations and staff for large law firm, reporting directly to the CFO.
- Produced financial statements and productivity reports for executive management to inform strategic decision-making.
- Developed annual budget process.
- Implemented internal controls to enhance operational efficiency.
- Created and implemented a reconciliation program.
- Provided ad hoc analysis for the executive committee.
- Supported annual partnership tax return preparation with outside CPA firm.
- Oversaw cash flow management for self-funded health insurance plan to ensure financial stability.
MANAGER OF FINANCIAL REPORTING OF NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
LOUISIANA HEALTH PLAN
12.1998 - 05.2000
- Prepared quarterly financial reports for board of directors, providing critical insights for local professionals' decision-making.
- Managed accounting functions for state-funded nonprofit health insurance program, ensuring accurate financial oversight for uninsurable individuals.
- Managed cafeteria benefit plan for employees, contributing to increased job satisfaction and retention.
FINANCIAL ANALYST
BANK ONE, N.A.
04.1996 - 12.1998
- Analyzed financial standing of Commercial Lending Department to identify trends and inform strategic decisions.
- Compiled and presented monthly reports to management, providing insights for performance evaluation.
- Created monthly forecasts and annual budgets to support earnings reporting process.
- Reason for leaving: company merger moving office to Ohio
INTERNAL AUDITOR
BANK ONE, N.A.
10.1994 - 04.1996
- As In-Charge auditor led audit teams, drafted reports on findings, and communicated with management
- Conducted audits of internal department operations and procedures to ensure compliance and efficiency
- Collaborated with external CPA firm during annual audits to facilitate thorough review and reporting
- Clarified role transition due to company merger resulting in office relocation to Ohio
Education
MASTER OF SCIENCE - ACCOUNTING
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
08-2006
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - ACCOUNTING
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
12-1993
Skills
- Computer Software Knowledge
- Accounting Skills
- Lacerte Tax
- ProSeries Tax
- Turbo Tax
- Fixed Assets
- Asset Keeper
- Apple Product Systems
- QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Non Profit Accounting
- Financial Institution Accounting
- Tax Accounting
- Cash Management
- Management Reporting
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
Personal Information
Title: CPA(IA), MA
Timeline
SOLE PROPRIETOR
CHARLA WADE, CPA (IA), LLC
03.2009 - Current
TAX ACCOUNTANT
DANIEL P. JACKSON, APAC
10.2005 - 03.2009
CPA
THE GAUTREAU GROUP
02.2004 - 10.2005
MANAGER OF ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT
BREAZEALE, SACHSE & WILSON, LLP
05.2000 - 12.2003
MANAGER OF FINANCIAL REPORTING OF NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
LOUISIANA HEALTH PLAN
12.1998 - 05.2000
FINANCIAL ANALYST
BANK ONE, N.A.
04.1996 - 12.1998
INTERNAL AUDITOR
BANK ONE, N.A.
10.1994 - 04.1996
CFO
DAVID WADE MARINE, INC
02.1992 - Current
MASTER OF SCIENCE - ACCOUNTING
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - ACCOUNTING
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY