DENISE JOHNSON
Raymond,ME
Summary
Highly motivated professional with 35 years of entrepreneurial and management experience. Skillfully creates and maintains professional and loyal relationships with co-workers, staff and clients while managing financial administration. Comfortable working independently as manager and leader and as collaborative team member. Applies business acumen and experience and exercises decisive judgment to meet and exceed organizational goals. Dedicated to maximizing bottom-line profits with forward-thinking approaches and clear focus on continuous improvement. Knowledgeable about financial administration, regulatory compliance and recordkeeping.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
The Business Office
Raymond, ME
07.2017 - Current
- Managed the daily accounting operations for clients in collaboration with their CPA's.
- Performed bookkeeping and accounting consulting services.
- General ledger maintenance,internal audit support,and tax document preparation.
- Processed accounts payable and receivable transactions.
- Conducted monthly bank reconciliations.
- Verified accuracy of vendor invoices against purchase orders prior to payment processing.
- Entered deposits, credit card charges and sales entries to facilitate cash management.
- Prepared and processed payrolls.
- Prepared financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and statement of cash flows.
Business Manager
Fiddlehead School
Gray, Me
09.2021 - 04.2024
- Managed multiple areas encompassing Finance, Technology, Transportation, Maintenance procedures along with Facilities oversight and Human Resource activities.
- Managed and supervised all tasks ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
- Maintained financial records, prepared budgets, and monitored expenditures for multiple departments.
- Like many of my past positions, I follow the same procedures needed to complete my day
- I work closely with the Executive Director, Board Chair, and the Finance, Facility, and Technology Committees to maintain the integrity of all the school's operations.
- Negotiated pricing agreements with vendors and suppliers based on organizational needs.
- Provided accurate and timely monthly financial statements to executive leadership team.
- Implemented workplace safety protocols to ensure employee well-being.
- Provided professional customer and vendor support to resolve diverse issues.
- Contributed valuable insights to refine strategies, programs, and initiatives.
- Streamlined tools to optimize tracking and support business analysis.
- Utilized excellent verbal skills to engage customers and assess their needs.
- Mentored and guided new employees, providing valuable insights into various company programs.
- Structured HR consulting services to support clients during organizational developments and changes.
Controller
Portland Public Schools
Portland, ME
01.2020 - 06.2021
- Managed accounts receivable/payable and acted as the main controller for a school district. Produced necessary reports mandated by federal, local, and state governments. Collaborated closely with the district's accounting firm to complete annual audits.
- Performed monthly reconciliations on all liability accounts, P-Cards / Credit Card accounts, and Student Accounts
- Assisted with internal controls and updating of policies and procedures.
- Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in accordance with GAAP standards.
- Provided guidance to departmental managers regarding accounting policies and procedures.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement through automation or streamlining.
- Maintained general ledger and chart of accounts, performed complex accounting functions such as journal entry preparation, account analysis, balance sheet reconciliation and preparation of quarterly financial statements.
- Monitored accounting, payroll and financial reporting activities.
- Prepared invoices for Federal, State, and Local Grants.
Controller
Thayer Corporation
Auburn, ME
06.2018 - 12.2019
- Provided leadership and guidance to accounting staff in accurately recording and processing financial transactions including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll allocations, and general ledger postings.
- Maintained general ledger and chart of accounts, performed complex accounting functions such as journal entry preparation, account analysis, balance sheet reconciliation and preparation of monthly and quarterly financial statements.
- Produced work-in-progress reports and other management reports on time and with precision.
- Completed monthly accounting close process, maintaining general ledger and subsidiary ledgers for accurate and timely
- Developed and implemented effective internal control systems to ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies and procedures.
- Worked closely with external accountants to ensure smooth completion of financial statement audits and tax return preparation.
- Updated billing procedures to improve overall efficiency and reduce accounts receivable.
- Reviewed and processed commission reports generated by Sales Department
Business Office Supervisor
Auburn School Department
Auburn, ME
04.2015 - 06.2017
- Managed payroll, accounts receivable/payable, and served as primary accountant for the school district while ensuring compliance with federal, local, and state reporting requirements.
- Grant invoicing and maintenance.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure accurate financial records, effective internal controls and compliance with applicable laws.
- Assisted in the preparation of annual budgets by analyzing departmental spending trends.
- Coordinated with external auditors during annual audits; provided requested documents in a timely manner.
- Reconciled bank statements on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy of account balances.
- Analyzed financial data to identify areas where improvements could be made in terms of efficiency or profitability.
- Attended and participated in continuing educational programs to optimize job performance.
- Guided employees in handling difficult or complex problems.
- Discussed job performance problems with employees, identifying causes and issues to find solutions.
Education
Business Management -
St. Joseph's College
Diploma -
Westbrook High School
Skills
- Financial Management
- Financial Forecasting
- Audit Coordination
- Budget Preparation and Administration
- Internal Controls
- Account Reconciliation
- Month-end and year-end closings
- Balance sheet management
- Income S
- US GAAP proficiency
- Non-profit accounting
- Payment disbursement
- General Ledger Management
- Statement Reconciliation
- Payroll Processing
- Statement Reporting
- Grant administration
- Budget Administration
- State and Chart Commission Reporting
- Finance
- Financial statement review
- Budget Development
- Audit management
- Debt management
- Staff Management
- General ledger accounting
- Expense analysis
- Problem-Solving
- Accounting Software
- Human Resources
Timeline
Business Manager
Fiddlehead School
09.2021 - 04.2024
Controller
Portland Public Schools
01.2020 - 06.2021
Controller
Thayer Corporation
06.2018 - 12.2019
Owner
The Business Office
07.2017 - Current
Business Office Supervisor
Auburn School Department
04.2015 - 06.2017
Business Management -
St. Joseph's College
Diploma -
Westbrook High School
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