Chelsea Watts
Pueblo West,CO
Summary
Dynamic Manager with extensive experience at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, excelling in data analytics and regulatory compliance. Proven track record in implementing technology solutions and establishing performance metrics, driving continuous improvement and team leadership. Adept at cross-functional collaboration to enhance operational efficiency and accountability.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Audit Manager
Colorado department of labor and employment
, CO
10.2023 - Current
- Created the Field and Risk Assessment Programs for the Colorado Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program to enforce the program's statute, rules, and regulations.
- Developed audit protocols to maintain consistency and accuracy in audit procedures across the department.
- Managed 17 internal audit and field audit staff.
- Established performance metrics to monitor the effectiveness of the audit program and drive accountability.
- Implemented technology solutions to streamline audit processes and improve data management.
- Utilized data analytics to identify trends and patterns in audit results, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline audit processes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Adhered to audit principles, standards, and practices to keep company in good standing.
Field Audit Manager
Colorado department of labor and employment
, CO
11.2021 - 10.2023
- Managed the Field Audit Division within the Unemployment Insurance Division.
- Managed a team of 26 auditors to ensure the timely completion of projects.
- Managed the Audit Settlement Program that offsets audit penalties and interest in favor of educating Colorado employers to properly classify their workforce.
- Utilized data analytics to identify trends and patterns in audit results, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline audit processes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Established performance metrics to monitor the effectiveness of the audit program and drive accountability.
- Provided expert guidance on compliance matters to ensure alignment with local and federal regulations.
- Developed audit protocols to maintain consistency and accuracy in audit procedures across the department.
- Ensured that the Audits Division maintains compliance with US Department of Labor requirements pertaining to auditor work production requirements and overall audit policies and procedures.
- Implemented strategies to enhance auditor engagement and professional development opportunities.
- Ensured that all audit activities were conducted in accordance with professional standards.
Auditor
Colorado department of labor and employment
, CO
03.2013 - 11.2021
- Reviewed Colorado employer payroll records for proper payroll posting for all employees, and reviewed the proper classification of independent contractors.
- Reviewed financial statements, federal unemployment records, general ledgers, and federal income tax records for proper classification of Colorado employer workers.
- Identified any worker classification issues; prepare input to audit software; review and analyze data, records, and information; inspect or monitor Employer payroll operations; prepare working papers; identify possible findings and recommendations; and participate in report preparation and presentations.
- Conducted comprehensive audits of employer payroll records to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Evaluated financial statements to assess accuracy and identify discrepancies in reporting.
- Prepared detailed audit reports summarizing findings, recommendations, and compliance status for management review.
- Monitored ongoing compliance with labor laws and regulations to minimize risks for the department.
Accounting technician II
Colorado school for the deaf and the blind
, CO
01.2011 - 03.2013
- Responsible for creating, maintaining, and monitoring department budgets, as well as processing vendor payments in the Colorado Financial Reporting System (COFRS).
- As the Medicaid Coordinator, I ran the Random Moment Time Study, created Medicaid forms, monitored and audited Medicaid forms for accuracy, and completed quarterly and yearly cost reports.
- Processed and maintained records for accounts payable and receivable in compliance with school policies.
- Assisted in the preparation of monthly financial reports to track budgetary compliance and expenditures.
- Handled vendor communications regarding payment status and discrepancies to maintain positive relationships.
- Developed and maintained financial spreadsheets to support budgeting and forecasting efforts.
- Prepared and submitted quarterly reports for state funding, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Coordinated with various departments to gather necessary financial data for compliance and reporting purposes.
- Reviewed timesheets for accuracy and completeness prior to processing payroll.
- Communicated effectively with all levels of personnel both internally and externally.
Office Manager
Desert Sky homes
04.2005 - 03.2013
- Coordinated daily office operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
- Managed schedules for executive staff, organizing meetings and travel arrangements.
- Supervised a team of administrative staff, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Managed multiple projects with competing deadlines simultaneously.
- Developed and maintained project plans, timelines, and budgets.
Education
Masters degree - accounting
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ07.2010
BACHELORS DEGREE - BIOLOGY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY-PUEBLO
Pueblo, CO05.2001
Skills
- Data analytics and audit compliance
- Regulatory compliance
- Technology implementation
- Performance metrics
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Process improvement
- Team leadership
- Staff management
Timeline
Audit Manager
Colorado department of labor and employment
10.2023 - Current
Field Audit Manager
Colorado department of labor and employment
11.2021 - 10.2023
Auditor
Colorado department of labor and employment
03.2013 - 11.2021
Accounting technician II
Colorado school for the deaf and the blind
01.2011 - 03.2013
Office Manager
Desert Sky homes
04.2005 - 03.2013
Masters degree - accounting
University of Phoenix
BACHELORS DEGREE - BIOLOGY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY-PUEBLO