Christen Cantrell
Grant,AL
Summary
As an organized, creative, efficient, and dedicated individual, I possess the flexibility to handle changing situations while remaining focused on achieving goals. With professional communication skills, I am a self-starter who excels in decision-making and maintains strong interpersonal relations. My attention to detail is impeccable. Additionally, I offer strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of accounting principles, enabling me to effectively support financial operations. I am adept at learning and implementing regulatory standards and financial management tools. In an Accounting Manager role, I am eager to utilize and further develop my analytical and organizational skills.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Bookkeeper
MasonScapes, LLC
Accounting Manager, Cash & AP
HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology
01.2021 - 12.2024
- Managed team to ensure timely completion of month-end closing processes for Cash and AP.
- Improved departmental performance with effective leadership and team management.
- Managed the Processing of over 1000 vendor invoices promptly in accordance with company policy for 6 entities.
- Managed bank deposits for 6 different entities.
- Analyzed financial reports to recommend strategic business decisions.
- Enhanced accuracy in financial forecasting with detailed analysis and modeling weekly.
- Managed 11 banking reconciliations.
- Managed relationships with 1000 external vendors, ensuring timely payments and accurate recording of expenses.
- Managed relationships with over 20 different departments/labs.
- Developed and implemented various procedures to improve accounts payable process.
- Streamlined month-end closing procedures for accounts payable and cash resulting in reduced processing time without compromising accuracy or completeness of the reports generated.
- Collaborated with other departments to achieve accurate and prompt financial reporting.
- Coordinated efforts between the accounting team and other departments to ensure accuracy in interdepartmental transactions recording and proper cost allocation.
- Maintained financial databases for data entry, tracking and reporting.
- Led a team in achieving department goals while fostering a positive work environment.
- Analyzed and reported on financial data to support business decisions.
- Optimized cash flow management through careful analysis of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and working capital requirements.
- Facilitated staff development through regular training sessions on software upgrades, or company-specific policies changes.
- Evaluated and negotiated Rates to procure favorable CD and interest terms.
- Reviewed historical records, current operational data and forecasting information to identify and capitalize on system enhancement opportunities.
- Complied with established internal controls and policies.
- Implemented and regularly reviewed financial controls to generate accurate and reliable financial data.
- Performed banking, business administration and financial tasks to guarantee five-star service for clients.
- Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.
- Established and checked coding procedures, monitored reports and updated internal files.
- Prepared cash flow projections weekly.
- Checked vendor payments and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
- Facilitated culture of continuous improvement, encouraging team members to suggest and implement process enhancements.
- Contributed to successful external audits, preparing necessary documentation and facilitating auditor inquiries.
- Streamlined monthly closing process, significantly reducing time required for financial reporting preparation from one week to 2 days.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with financial institutions, securing favorable terms.
- Achieved compliance with all regulatory standards, conducting thorough internal audits and making necessary adjustments.
- Oversaw expense processing, ensuring accuracy and timely distribution of employee payments on a bi weekly schedule.
- Assisted executive management in making informed business decisions with accurate ad-hoc financial analysis as needed.
Accounts Payable Supervisor
HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology
10.2015 - 12.2019
- Managed the Processing of over 1000 vendor invoices promptly in accordance with company policy for 6 entities.
- Managed bank deposits for 6 different entities.
- Troubleshot and resolved escalated issues pertaining to vendor disputes, payment discrepancies or delays in a timely manner, maintaining positive relationships with suppliers.
- Maintained accurate records of all financial transactions within the accounts payable department for 6 entities.
- Managed 16 departments and Procurement P-Cards monthly.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in improved communication and negotiation on payment terms.
- Researched all invoices that were past due.
- Reduced payment errors by closely monitoring and reconciling vendor statements.
- Oversaw monthly accounting close process for timely and accurate reporting of financial information.
- Managed month-end closing process, ensuring timely completion of accruals and account reconciliations.
- Interacted with corporate vendors, upper management and peers.
- Optimized cash flow management by proactively scheduling payments based on discounts available or due dates.
- Identified areas for improvement in existing processes, leading to increased productivity and reduced costs within the accounts payable department.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration between finance, purchasing, operations departments to resolve issues impacting cash flow or vendor relations.
- Developed and delivered training sessions to new team members on department procedures, ensuring a seamless transition into their roles.
- Streamlined accounts payable processes for increased accuracy and timeliness of payments.
- Coordinated with auditors during annual audits, providing necessary information to ensure a timely completion of the audit process.
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired new accounts payable employees.
- Trained and supported new hires to educate on process flow and interdepartmental procedures.
- Assisted in budget preparation by providing accurate historical data related to expenses/payments made through Accounts Payable department.
- Reached out to vendors and customers to verify information and follow up on client issues.
- Processed invoices and journal entries with efficiency and accuracy, resulting in decreased discrepancies.
- Kept high average of performance evaluations.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
- Interceded between employees during arguments and diffused tense situations.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores through application of superior conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Delegated tasks to administrative support staff to organize and improve office efficiency.
- Organized spaces, materials and catering support for internal and client-focused meetings.
- Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits, and recordkeeping.
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
- Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
Accountant
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
06.2015 - 09.2015
- Managed the Processing of over 1000 vendor invoices promptly in accordance with company policy for 6 entities.
- Managed bank deposits for 6 different entities. Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, and assets.
- Documented cash, credit, fixed assets, pre-paid expenses, and accrued expenses.
- Streamlined month-end closing processes, resulting in reduced time spent on financial reporting tasks.
- Collaborated with external auditors during the annual audit process to provide necessary documentation and address any concerns or findings promptly.
- Maintained accurate records of fixed assets, including acquisition costs, depreciation schedules, and current values.
- Detected and corrected mistakes early on and implemented systems to avoid recurring issues.
- Facilitated smoother audit processes by maintaining organized and comprehensive financial documentation.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with external auditors, ensuring smooth and efficient audit process.
- Provided journal entries.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
- Managed the creation of new Travel Policy.
- Trained employees on new Travel Policy and how to calculate per diem as opposed to actual receipts for expenses.
Accounts Payable Accountant
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
04.2010 - 05.2015
- Made Accounts Payable completely paperless.
- Setup digital filling system for vendors and reports to support paperless system.
- Managed hundreds of incoming emails daily from vendors or internal employees.
- Minimized late payment fees by consistently monitoring due dates and prioritizing payments accordingly.
- Balanced accounts associated with accounts payable process.
- Processed accounts payable through Deltek CostPoint platform.
- Streamlined month-end closing processes, allowing for faster reporting to management on financial results.
- Enhanced vendor relationships through timely and accurate payment processing, fostering a positive rapport between the company and vendors.
- Assisted up to 100 employees with filling out expense reports.
- Increased accuracy in financial transactions by maintaining a well-organized filing system for all accounts payable documentation.
- Ensured accurate expense allocation with diligent review of invoices for proper general ledger coding.
- Reduced discrepancies in financial records by conducting thorough account reconciliations and rectifying any inconsistencies.
- Trained new employees on accounts payable processes, contributing to a seamless integration into the team.
- Served as a key contact person for external vendors, addressing inquiries on payment statuses promptly and professionally.
- Developed strong working knowledge of various accounting software programs, optimizing their use for efficient accounts payable processing.
- Facilitated audits by ensuring availability of appropriate documentation, leading to smoother audit processes and minimal findings.
- Maintained internal controls compliance within the accounts payable department by adhering to established policies and procedures at all times.
- Collaborated with other departments to resolve any billing disputes or issues, resulting in improved interdepartmental communication.
- Participated in cross-functional projects, applying accounting expertise to support other departments with financial-related tasks.
- Created, balanced and maintained prepaid, fixed assets.
- Maintained up-to-date vendor files and payment records, ensuring audit compliance.
- Streamlined vendor onboarding, ensuring all new vendors met company standards and compliance requirements.
- Enhanced interdepartmental collaboration by serving as key liaison for accounts payable inquiries.
- Optimized cash flow management by scheduling payments based on priority and cash availability.
- Facilitated smooth audit processes by maintaining detailed records of all accounts payable transactions.
- Mitigated risk of fraud by establishing stringent controls and checks on payment processing.
- Coordinated with procurement and receiving departments to verify accuracy of invoice charges and goods received.
- Enhanced accuracy in financial reporting by meticulously reconciling accounts payable ledgers.
- Analyzed and resolved invoice discrepancies, safeguarding company finances against overcharges.
- Improved vendor relationships with regular, transparent communication and timely payments.
- Reached out to vendors and customers to verify information and follow up on client issues.
- Processed invoices and journal entries with efficiency and accuracy, resulting in decreased discrepancies.
- Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
Accounts Payable/Receivable/Payroll
Digium, Inc.
08.2006 - 03.2010
- Managed 3 companies accounts payable and receivables.
- Managed 2 companies payroll through ADP.
- Moved payroll from Quickbooks to ADP.
- Assisted in the move of accounting software from Quickbooks to Great Plains (Microsoft Dynamics GP).
- Served as the primary point of contact for customers within the preferred accounts segment, fostering trust-based relationships that contributed to company success.
- Streamlined communication processes between departments, improving efficiency in handling customer inquiries and concerns.
- Identified new business prospects through diligent research and networking efforts, expanding the potential client base within assigned territory.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving account issues promptly and professionally.
- Supported practice financial goals by accurately processing payments, managing accounts receivable, and reconciling daily transactions.
- Improved cash flow management by closely monitoring accounts receivable, ensuring prompt collection of outstanding balances.
- Maintained complete and accurate billing and accounts receivable records.
- Reduced accounts receivable days outstanding by implementing aggressive collection strategies and closely monitoring payment status.
- Optimized cash flow by monitoring aged accounts receivable reports and prioritizing collections efforts accordingly.
- Improved cash flow by optimizing accounts receivable and payable processes, ensuring timely invoicing and payments.
- Managed accounts receivable operations and collection of all related feeds, deposits, and funds.
- Performed accounts receivable duties by researching chargebacks, discrepancies, and reconciliations.
- Streamlined accounts receivable processes by automating invoice generation for recurring customers and tracking payments diligently.
- Improved cash flow by efficiently managing outstanding accounts receivable balances.
- Improved cash flow management by expediting the resolution of aged accounts receivable balances.
- Completed ad-hoc tasks assigned by supervisors or managers related to Accounts Receivable functions.
- Assisted in annual audits, compiling relevant data and records related to accounts receivable activities.
Accounting Manager/Sales Person
Collins Auto Parts, Inc.
06.1999 - 08.2006
Bank Teller
AmSouth Bank
12.1998 - 06.1999
Sales Associate
Wal-Mart
10.1997 - 12.1998
Office Manager/Sales Person
Collins Auto Parts, Inc.
01.1993 - 08.1997
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Faulkner University
Huntsville, AL05.2004
Associates Degree - Accounting
Calhoun Community College
Huntsville, AL12.2002
Skills
- Deltek CostPoint
- Microsoft Office Applications
- AP and Cash management
- Interpersonal relations
- Staff management, training and development
- Internal controls
- Cash flow management
- Meticulous attention to detail
- End of month and Year-end closing including 1099 processing
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Prioritizing and planning
Attributes
- Organized, creative, efficient and dedicated
- Flexible; able to handle changing situations while remaining on track with goals
- Professional communication skills, self starter, excellent decision making ability, strong interpersonal relations, and detail oriented
Timeline
Accounting Manager, Cash & AP
HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology
01.2021 - 12.2024
Accounts Payable Supervisor
HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology
10.2015 - 12.2019
Accountant
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
06.2015 - 09.2015
Accounts Payable Accountant
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
04.2010 - 05.2015
Accounts Payable/Receivable/Payroll
Digium, Inc.
08.2006 - 03.2010
Accounting Manager/Sales Person
Collins Auto Parts, Inc.
06.1999 - 08.2006
Bank Teller
AmSouth Bank
12.1998 - 06.1999
Sales Associate
Wal-Mart
10.1997 - 12.1998
Office Manager/Sales Person
Collins Auto Parts, Inc.
01.1993 - 08.1997
Associates Degree - Accounting
Calhoun Community College
Bookkeeper
MasonScapes, LLC
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Faulkner University
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