Christa Harden
Winter Haven
Summary
Dynamic finance leader with over 25 years of progressive experience in accounting and operations, dedicated to driving strategic initiatives that optimize financial processes and elevate team performance. Proven track record in leading high-performing teams while enhancing operational efficiency and productivity through innovative strategies. Recognized for exceptional leadership and communication skills that foster collaboration and align team efforts with organizational objectives. Committed to leveraging extensive expertise to contribute to the success of a forward-thinking organization.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Manager of Corporate Accounting – Payables
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
01.2021 - Current
- Overseeing all financial accounting and analysis in Accounts Payable and Corporate Travel; ensuring our financials are accurately reported.
- Responsible for over 40 general ledger accounts.
- Prepare and present financial results to Senior Leadership monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc.
- Accountable for planning, leading, participating in and implementing strategic plans, projects, and global tiered initiatives. (Sales tax engine, Event Management, Credit Card App, A/P Automation)
- Responsible for providing leadership, directing, mentoring, and coaching the management teams in Accounts Payable and Corporate Travel and the related business functions.
Manager, Accounts Payable
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Managed, trained, and lead associates on best practices, improvement initiatives, and strategy.
- Reviewed and maintained updated department KPI’s to ensure team was working efficiently and meeting deadlines while looking for ways to make process improvements.
- Acted as the subject matter expert and consultant for various business areas within Publix, working on strategic projects to enhance our relationships and service.
- Maintained an in-depth knowledge of various regulations including the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for payables.
- Core team member for dynamic discounting, equipment receiving, and electronic data interchange (EDI) projects.
Supervisor, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
01.2005 - 01.2014
- Trained, developed, and lead associates including performance evaluations.
- Managed the day-to-day work and human resources of eleven plus associates in the areas of construction accounting, leased stores, check recovery, and collections.
- Converted the internal check collection process to an external agency gaining efficiencies and increased the collection rate.
- Reviewed journal entries and monthly/quarterly schedules for accuracy.
Accounting Clerk 3, Store Bank Audit and Accounts Receivable
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Invoiced and applied cash to customer accounts.
- Audited vendor rebate data to ensure accuracy.
- Prepared journal entries and monthly/quarterly analysis.
- Completed bank reconciliations.
- Balanced and analyzed lottery and money orders sales and payments.
Accounting Clerk 2, EFT Accounting
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Balanced Point of Sale transactions to the funding from the Financial Institutions.
- Provided customer resolution to payment inquiries including ATM transactions.
Education
BS - Accounting
Western Governors’ University
01.2024
Skills
- Advanced Microsoft Office
- Advanced SAP
- Financial reporting
- Strategic planning
- Team leadership & mentoring
- Process improvement
- Compliance (SOX, GAAP)
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Documentation and reporting
- Talent development
Websites
Timeline
Sr. Manager of Corporate Accounting – Payables
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
01.2021 - Current
Manager, Accounts Payable
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2021
Supervisor, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
01.2005 - 01.2014
Accounting Clerk 3, Store Bank Audit and Accounts Receivable
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2005
Accounting Clerk 2, EFT Accounting
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2002
BS - Accounting
Western Governors’ University