CHERISH WOODS
Pearl,MS
Summary
Utility regulatory team lead with a background in rate case review, formula rate filings, fuel audits, and utility accounting analysis. Leads audit assignments, trains new staff, and works with internal teams and utility representatives to review data, track filings, and identify discrepancies, compliance issues, and disallowed expenses.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
UTILITY REGULATORY TEAM LEAD (ELECTRIC DIVISION)
MS PUBLIC UTILITIES STAFF
Jackson, MS
2022 - Current
- Provide leadership and direction to team members, ensuring filings are finished on time and to high standards.
- Assign filings based on individual skill sets and support the development of new skills.
- Schedule one-on-one check-ins with team members for questions, concerns, and guidance, while allowing feedback delivery and motivation through positive reinforcement.
- Train new employees on relevant processes and procedures.
- Assist Director with planning for future filings and deadlines and preparing for Docket.
- Provide support to Director by reviewing data requests, memos, and proposed orders, while tracking progress of filings.
- Work with staff, employees, and company representatives to gather essential information for thorough reviews.
- Apply independent judgment in quantitative and qualitative analysis of utility rate structures.
- Review complex utility accounting records across prior and current years to define audit scope and compare current operations with historical performance.
- Review and analyze filings by utilities.
- Perform yearly fuel audits of utility companies.
MORTGAGE LOAN PROCESSER
FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORP
Madison, Mississippi
2020 - 2022
- Processed Fairway mortgage loan files from application through closing.
- Prepared comprehensive loan packages for underwriting, ensuring accuracy and completeness for timely approvals.
- Communicated with borrowers, loan officers, real estate agents, underwriters and attorneys to help further the loan approval process.
- Tracked loan conditions and maintained updated Encompass records to facilitate seamless processing.
- Analyzed residential real estate loan request data to identify potential risks and ensure compliance.
- Ensured that all information needed on residential loans was ordered and obtained.
- Kept abreast of legislation, regulations, and changes for mortgage loans.
ACCOUNTANT/AUDITOR II
MS PUBLIC UTILITIES STAFF
Jackson, MS
2014 - 2020
- Exercised independent judgment in the performance of quantitative and qualitative analysis of utility rate structures.
- Performed rate design and cost accounting studies to ensure proper regulatory treatment of utility companies.
- Examined complex accounting records of utilities across multiple years to assess audit scope and compare current operations with historical performance.
- Periodically examined and appraised the accounting policies and procedures of utility companies based on an assessment of the accuracy of financial records, the soundness of financial reports, and the efficiency of accounting operations.
- Conducted yearly fuel audits of utility companies to verify compliance with regulatory standards and ensure accurate reporting.
- Processed invoices for payment to consultants and interact on an ongoing basis with consultants and utilities throughout the payment process.
MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR/ACCOUNTING
COMMUNITY BANK MORTGAGE
Flowood, Mississippi
2011 - 2014
- Facilitated the application process by gathering documentation and verifying accuracy of information for residential mortgage loans.
- Prepared loan term disclosures and communicated commitment details to borrowers.
- Monitored progress throughout the entire loan process while keeping clients informed at all times.
- Coordinated residential mortgage loan closings by communicating with all involved parties.
- Interacted regularly with local realtors and builders to facilitate smooth loan processing and foster relationships.
- Monitored legislation, regulations, and changes impacting residential mortgage loans.
- Processed and booked closed residential mortgage loans to the bank.
- Reconciled bank statements to ensure accuracy of accounts.
MORTGAGE CONSULTANT
BANTERRA BANK
Paducah, Kentucky
2009 - 2011
- Facilitated the application process by gathering documentation and verifying accuracy of information for residential mortgage loans.
- Prepared loan term disclosures and communicated commitment details to borrowers.
- Monitored progress throughout the entire loan process while keeping clients informed at all times.
- Coordinated and completed mortgage loan closings by communicating with all involved parties.
- Interacted regularly with local realtors and builders to facilitate smooth loan processing and foster relationships.
- Keep abreast of legislation, regulations, and changes for mortgage loans.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
HOME-LAND TITLE & ABSTRACT
Flowood, Mississippi
2007 - 2008
- Provided administrative support to the executive team.
- Managed incoming calls, addressing inquiries on title services and file status to enhance client communication.
- Coordinated real estate loan closings by communicating with all involved parties.
- Provided assistance with the planning of training and staff meetings.
- Assisted attorney with foreclosure processes, including setting up foreclosure sales, interacting with all involved parties, and managing documentation.
- Prepared and organized legal documents, such as Substitution of Trustee and Substituted Trustees Deed.
BRANCH MANAGER
MADISON COUNTY BANK
Madison, Mississippi
2006 - 2007
- Managed daily office operations, office supply inventory, and ordered materials to meet branch needs.
- Coordinated branch opening, closing, and teller workflow procedures.
- Monitored cash handling, vault procedures, and branch security controls.
- Supervised branch staff and provided guidance and support.
- Performed all customer service representative responsibilities.
- Participated in community events to promote brand awareness.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/COMMERCIAL LOAN OFFICER ASSISTANT
HERITAGE BANKING GROUP
Flowood, Mississippi
2004 - 2006
- Provided administrative support to the executive team, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and secretarial skills.
- Facilitated the preparation and closure of commercial and personal loans.
- Maintained ongoing communication with commercial customers and provided excellent customer service.
- Managed daily office operations, office supply inventory, and ordered materials to meet branch needs.
- Participated in community events to promote brand awareness.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS01-1993
Skills
- Regulatory analysis and compliance
- Work planning and task assignment
- Team training and employee engagement
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Cash handling
Timeline
UTILITY REGULATORY TEAM LEAD (ELECTRIC DIVISION)
MS PUBLIC UTILITIES STAFF
2022 - Current
MORTGAGE LOAN PROCESSER
FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORP
2020 - 2022
ACCOUNTANT/AUDITOR II
MS PUBLIC UTILITIES STAFF
2014 - 2020
MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR/ACCOUNTING
COMMUNITY BANK MORTGAGE
2011 - 2014
MORTGAGE CONSULTANT
BANTERRA BANK
2009 - 2011
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
HOME-LAND TITLE & ABSTRACT
2007 - 2008
BRANCH MANAGER
MADISON COUNTY BANK
2006 - 2007
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/COMMERCIAL LOAN OFFICER ASSISTANT
HERITAGE BANKING GROUP
2004 - 2006
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Belhaven University