Dawn Wasner
Parlin,NJ
Summary
Detail‑driven Accounting Manager with a strong track record of managing full‑cycle AP operations, performing in‑depth cost analysis, and supporting accurate financial reporting. Offering over 19 years of experience in financial reporting and analysis. Extensive knowledge of SOX and GAAP procedures. Skilled in training associates and building training programs. Personable and energetic with an aptitude for client relationship management. Known for collaborating effectively across departments, maintaining strong vendor relationships, and delivering reliable financial insights that support operational and strategic decision‑making.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Accounts Payable Manager & Cost Analyst
Central Garden and Pet
Neptune City, NJ
06.2024 - Current
- Managed and mentored the Accounts Payable team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all invoices and payments.
- Oversaw full AP cycle, including 3‑way matching, GL coding, discrepancy resolution, and vendor communication.
- Coordinated weekly check runs and wire transfers, ensuring payment discounts were captured when advantageous.
- Maintained audit‑ready documentation, vendor files, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Supported internal teams and vendors by resolving AP‑related inquiries and improving communication workflows.
- Tracked freight costs by raw material and purchase order; prepared and reconciled freight invoices.
- Conducted cost analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for operational improvement.
- Collaborated with purchasing on raw material vendor accounts and cost‑related issues.
- Led AP month‑end close procedures, including accruals, reconciliations, and un‑invoiced receipt audits.
- · Recommended and implemented process improvements that enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.
Staff Accountant
Ekman Recycling
Wall, NJ
09.2019 - Current
- Managed accounts payable team, and training of all accounts payable associates
- Gained accounting efficiency and improved documentation coordination through development of optimal journal entry schedules
- Adhered to audit standards and requirements by monitoring and improving accounting procedures
- Managed large amounts of financial data using balance sheets, profit and loss reports and online databases
- Reconciled company bank statements and bookkeeping ledgers
- Published financial statements according to preset deadlines
- Reviewed and reconciled discrepancies in accounts and financial documentation.
- Monitored accounts receivable, accounts payable and other account balances to track transactions, avoid discrepancies and maintain accuracy.
- Prepared and processed journal entries to record in general ledger and maintain consistent documentation.
- Participated in internal and external audit processes to establish accurate financial records and comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and regulatory requirements.
- Executed financial reporting, managing prepaid accounts, schedules, reconciliations, event settlements, and month-end accruals.
Accounts Payable Manager
Ekman Recycling
Wall, NJ
05.2006 - 09.2019
- Developed invoicing systems and internal controls to boost billing efficiencies
- Outlined staff productivity, costs and invoicing workload using detailed score card reporting system
- Completed month-end and year-end closings, kept records audit-ready and monitored timely recording of accounting transactions
- Worked cross-functionally with various teams and departments to improve operations
- Used exemplary communication and interaction skills to build strong working relationships with partners, employees and clients
- Reviewed all invoices for accuracy, subsequently resolving various issues.
Assistant Store Manager
Eckerd Pharmacy
01.2005 - 06.2006
- Coached and developed store associates through formal and informal interactions
- Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients
- Created effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives
- Interviewed and vetted job applicants to make effective hiring decisions and fill vacancies with strong team members
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day
- Oversaw aspects of maintenance, inventory and daily activity management
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Kean University
NJ05.2024
Associate of Science - Business
Ocean County College
Toms River, NJSkills
- Accrual Accounting
- Cash basis Accounting
- Accounting Records Analysis
- Financial Auditing
- GAAP and SOX procedures
- Investigation Scope Determinations
- Financial Statements Review
- Journal Entry Preparation
- Account Reconciliation
- Manufacturing Accounting
- Microsoft office Suite, Sage 500, Quickbooks, and Cietrade Systems, Business Central
- Inventory Assessments
Timeline
Accounts Payable Manager & Cost Analyst
Central Garden and Pet
06.2024 - Current
Staff Accountant
Ekman Recycling
09.2019 - Current
Accounts Payable Manager
Ekman Recycling
05.2006 - 09.2019
Assistant Store Manager
Eckerd Pharmacy
01.2005 - 06.2006
Associate of Science - Business
Ocean County College
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Kean University