Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Professional And Technical Skills
Activities
Timeline
Generic

DeAnna P. Parkman

Sr. Paralegal And Financial Operations Specialist
Blue Island,IL

Summary

Accomplished Finance and Accounting Professional with over 25 years of experience, demonstrating a proven track record of leadership and expertise in financial reporting, accounting, and managing complex commercial client transactions. Known for delivering accurate financial insights, driving operational efficiency, and leveraging advanced Microsoft Office skills to optimize financial processes. Highly skilled in leading teams, navigating financial complexities, and contributing to strategic decision-making in dynamic business environments.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications

Work History

Paralegal and Financial Operations Specialist

Law Office of Christopher L. Tidwell
08.2023 - Current
  • Develop and nurture relationships with over 50 Corporate Trust clients, including commercial 1031 exchanges achieving a 95% client satisfaction rate based on client surveys and feedback, leading to a 20% increase in client retention and contributing to $500,000 in revenue growth annually.
  • Review and accept 30+ new client relationships annually, ensuring full compliance with account acceptance policies, resulting in a 15% reduction in compliance issues and $250,000 in minimized risk exposure from improved vetting processes.
  • Coordinate with title companies to ensure the accurate and timely processing of wire transfers for closed real estate transactions, facilitating smooth financial settlements and adherence to transaction timelines.
  • Manage accounting and financial tasks, including overseeing financial documentation for closed transactions, ensuring accurate recording of journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations in compliance with GAAP.
  • Implement operational changes that improved efficiency by 25%, reducing financial processing time by 40% through automation and process improvements, while training 12 staff members, resulting in a 30% faster resolution time for client-related issues, improving customer experience.

Senior Accountant - Financial Reporting & Control

AT&T
01.2015 - 07.2023
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with Corporate Trust clients, ensuring financial needs and expectations were met through regular communication and tailored accounting solutions.
  • Collaborated with business development officers and new business development teams, supporting the onboarding of new clients by reviewing and accepting new client relationships based on internal policies and procedures.
  • Managed month-end and quarter-end closing processes, including posting book close entries, accruals, and true-up adjustments, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with GAAP within tight deadlines.
  • Advised clients on financial matters, providing strategic guidance on accounting, finance, and regulatory compliance, as well as identifying key business risks to enhance financial reporting accuracy and internal controls.
  • Led quarterly and annual financial closes, ensuring timely preparation of financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, and accurate reporting in line with company policies and GAAP.
  • Provided analysis of financial performance and trends through advanced use of Microsoft Excel, SQL, and Access, assisting management in making informed decisions on business risks, financial forecasting, and operational improvements.
  • Performed comprehensive audit procedures, obtaining sufficient and appropriate evidence to assess potential financial misstatements and supporting compliance with SOX audits and regulations.
  • Identified and mitigated key operational risks, working with internal and external stakeholders to streamline processes and improve the accuracy and reliability of financial data.
  • Led financial reporting projects and process improvements, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient operations, including implementing system enhancements that reduced errors by 20%.
  • Mentored and trained junior team members, providing coaching on financial reporting, risk assessment, and accounting policies to support staff in meeting business objectives and deadlines.

Manager- Client Billing Operations

AT&T
11.1997 - 01.2015
  • Manage a team of managers & CWA bargained employees to Audit/Validate cost billed by internal AT&T & Non-Affiliate to ensure costs are billed according to contract and/or FCC tariff within assigned responsibility, contact negotiation and policy filings
  • Led and managed a team responsible for posting payments and processing wire transfers for both intra- and inter-affiliate accounts as well as external clients, ensuring timely and accurate transactions in accordance with company procedures and financial policies
  • Contest invalid charges, cost explanations, address open balances and negotiating billing/ordering issues
  • Clarify month to month accrual variances and provide monthly expense accruals
  • Prepare financial analysis weekly and monthly utilizing SQL, ACCESS, and Excel
  • Complete analysis utilizing Microsoft Excel and Access for SOX audit, FUSF audit and compliance reporting
  • Prepare annual filings for Federal Universal Service Fund exemption certificates for affiliate and non-affiliate vendors
  • Resolve complex issues related to key compliance areas, training completions and review of corporate policies
  • Developed and managed comprehensive billing and payment processing procedures, including the execution of wire transfers, ACH payments, and other financial transactions, ensuring timely and accurate processing in accordance with company policies and financial regulations.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

DePaul University
Chicago, IL

Certification

Paralegal Studies – DePaul University

Professional And Technical Skills

  • Managed general ledger reconciliations
  • Wires and Payment Processing
  • Month-End Close & Financial Reporting & Account reconciliations
  • Project & Client Management
  • Market Analysis
  • Staff Leadership
  • Commercial Real Estate
  • Utilized advanced Microsoft Power BI and Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, and Access
  • Contract Management
  • SOX Audits

Activities

  • Active participant in United Way Charities.

Timeline

Paralegal and Financial Operations Specialist

Law Office of Christopher L. Tidwell
08.2023 - Current

Senior Accountant - Financial Reporting & Control

AT&T
01.2015 - 07.2023

Manager- Client Billing Operations

AT&T
11.1997 - 01.2015

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

DePaul University

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DeAnna P. ParkmanSr. Paralegal And Financial Operations Specialist