Ellen Anderson
Evanston,IL
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Team Leader experienced in directing activities of workgroups. Develop strategies, provide training, set goals and obtain team feedback. Big picture focus with excellence in communicating goals and vision to succeed. Problem solver, networker and consensus builder. Reliable business professional with experience in project management, process improvement and financial analysis. Proven track record of successfully streamlining business operations and reducing costs. Adept at analyzing data to identify trends and developing strategies to improve efficiency. Detail-oriented Accountant adept at managing budgets, payroll, invoicing and general accounting functions. Instrumental in keeping business operations fully compliant with state and federal requirements and working within budgetary guidelines.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Accountant 3 – Contractor Pay System(CPS)Team Lead
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT)
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Program Administrator Lead for Contractor Payment System (CPS), responsible for accurately paying contractors $48 million weekly on average
- Provide training, customer support, and process expertise for multiple systems including, CPS, DocExpress, AASHTOWare, APPIA, OpFin, TSO/Mainframe, I-3, ERMS, Workday, Microsoft, and FMIS software systems
- Develop and implement process improvement activities related to CPS-including workflow, time management, document retention, distribution of workload, timeliness, accuracy, etc
- GAAP package contributor – generating and analyzing reports for accurate reporting of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable - Construction Obligation and Retainage
- Prepare variety of statistical reports covering fund balances, expenditures, and obligations
- Manual Construction Project profile management in Workday of thousands of projects not properly created in system implementation
- Subject matter expert and process tester for changes, replacement, and improvements to software systems - Mainframe Sundowning, SCPS (CPS replacement), AWP, APPIA, and Workday
- Customer service for Accounts Payable Contracts and Supplier Invoices in Workday - the majority related to construction, consultant, engineering, ROW, and other activities - including grants
- Prepare statistical reports and validate balances of obligations, expenditures, change orders, and balances
- Monthly letting split calculations for Cash Flow by fund for upper management
- Utilize published contract manuals, Iowa and Federal laws, financial policies, PPMs, and IMs to ensure accuracy is maintained and proper procedures are followed
- Develop desk manuals and PPMs for CPS activities and Workday AP activities, including new procedures, instructions, policies, and system utilization/ functionality/operations
- Collaborate with internal departments and bureaus in training new employees, process improvement initiatives, build relationships, and improve accuracy of functions upstream and downstream
- Communicate (written and verbal) with contractors, insurers, and LPAs across the State of Iowa in all 99 counties
- Coordinate CPS processes with Federal Aid Team for cross-functional improvement and efficiency
- Leveraged finance knowledge to strengthen controls and improve transparency
- Improve data collection and financial analysis to optimize practice
- Left position due to family reasons that have now resolved
Accountant 3 – Federal Aid (FA) Team Lead
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT)
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Program Administrator Lead for the Federal Aid Team managing approximately 1200 FHWA funded projects
- Evaluate payment, reimbursement, and closeout activities to identify improvement opportunities in workflow, timeliness, and team member assignments
- Monitor Inactive project statistics and report monthly goals to upper management and other stakeholders. Ensure department-wide maintains less than 2% Inactive as required by FHWA.
- Prepare statistical reports as needed
- Prepare reports and respond to audit requests
- Approve accounting adjustments prepared by team members
- Coach, mentor and assign activities for FA Team professionals and Interns. Develop instructions, procedures, and training tools for FA activities for staff and intern training and onboarding
- Process Improvement Co-Lead on Federal Aid Tracking Task Force. Manage and/or participate in a number of additional department-wide process improvement activities and task forces
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements of Iowa Code, IDOT Instructional Memorandums, IDOT PPM’s, federal regulations, and program restrictions
- Prepare Letting splits calculations by fund for Cash Flow for upper management on a monthly basis
- Provide customer service and serve as resource for various bureaus, departments, and divisions in navigating Workday Finance System, answering Finance and Accounting questions, and providing guidance for accounts payable, cost share, federal aid, Contractor Payment System, and contract/project management - preparing and presenting reports, as needed to support advise
- Serve as Contractor Pay System (CPS) backup
- Cultivate positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention
- Cross-train existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Was moved to CPS Team Lead due to system expertise to ensure successful implementation of new software replacement systems
Accountant 2 – Contractor Pay System Program Administrator
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT)
11.2020 - 12.2021
- Facilitate progress payments, mobilization, retainage, and interest payments to contractors on construction projects bid through IDOT processed through CPS, $48 million weekly in payments, on average
- Process cost share, negative final reconciliation/billing, and calculate interest on retainage for closed projects - 16 projects, on average
- Ensure financial controls are followed, procedures are well documented, processes are performed timely, and files between systems are balanced
- Knowledge of Iowa Code, PPMs, and IMs to ensure consistence application of program rules and regulations
- Review and approve Supplier Invoices (100/day), Accounts Payable Contracts (10 per day), and Contract Amendments (25 per day) for accuracy and proper financial procedure - applying final accounting approval
- Provided customer service to Appia, FieldManager, DocExpress, Workday, and CPS users related to CPS input. Users included contractors, county/city engineers, insurers, auditors, and project managers
- Provided training and customer service to Business Units to ensure Supplier Invoices and Accounts Payable are submitted per procedures and ensure financial controls are maximized
- Provided customer service to vendors, suppliers, and contractors regarding payments, balances, contracts, and projects
- Managed 573 Claims process
- Developed instructions, desk manuals, and training manuals for CPS activities
- Conducted thorough internal audits to identify discrepancies, recommend corrective actions, and ensure adherence to established policies and procedures
- Collaborated with external auditors during the annual audit process to provide necessary documentation and address any concerns or findings promptly
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on professional accounting standards to manage financial recordkeeping
- Detected and corrected mistakes early on and implemented systems to avoid recurring issues.
- Leveraged finance knowledge to strengthen controls and improve transparency
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures related to CPS, Accounts Payable and Workday functionality
- Changed position for advancement, increase knowledge, and to utilize skillset in a different capacity
Department of Public Safety Business Manager
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (ISU)
08.2019 - 11.2020
- Cost Center Manager and Finance Accountant for Department of Public Safety, Dispatch, Parking Operations, Office of Risk Management, StoryComm Emergency Radio System, and Ames Intermodal Facility
- Develop and maintain budgets, conduct financial analysis and long-term planning, reconcile accounts, and approve financial transactions in newly implemented Workday software with little training
- Prepare and present Infrastructure and Operating budgets to StoryComm Board of Directors
- Prepare and present Finance and Budget reports to Chief of Police, Division Managers, and Department Leads
- Manage employee compensation changes database and analyze how changes affect department budgets
- Coordinate supplier contracts with Procurement Specialists; manage payments on contracts and contract renewals
- Manage Accounts Receivable for a variety of activities – radio subscriber fees, rent, Memorandums of Understanding, security services, and fee-for-service activities
- Assist team members with conference registrations, travel reimbursements, and credit card transactions per university requirements; verify accuracy, approve business purpose, and ensure applicable policies and procedures were followed
- Grant management – pre-award budget preparation, budget justification, Goldsheet completion, and proposal submissions; post-award expense management; reviews/audits; assist with preparation and submission of progress reports; collaborate with PI regarding all aspects of grant activities; ensure applicable policies and procedures were followed according to grant and university guidelines; coordinate grant closeout activities
- Implemented LEAN 5S system to manage office supply inventory, reducing costs, waste, and staff frustration
- Department Wellness Committee Chair
- Left University for advancement opportunity
Improved Service Delivery; Human Resources Coordinator
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (ISU)
07.2019 - 08.2019
- Assign costing allocations for new hires
- Complete student hiring transactions assigning appropriate coding
- Assist in implementation of new HR Workday system procedures
- Temporary position during Workday implementation
Department of Economics; Administrative Specialist III
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (ISU)
06.2017 - 06.2019
- Budget management, strategic financial planning, financial analysis, department commitment administration, long-term planning for dually- administered higher education department (LAS and CALS)
- Monitored and balanced 200+ Department accounts, 98 Foundation accounts and approximately 50 grant accounts
- Processed Accounts Receivable for department fee-for-service activities
- Approved requisitions, employee and non-employee reimbursements, and p-card expenditures
- Grant management – Budget preparation, budget justification and Goldsheet submission (pre-award); expense management, budget amendments, cost share tracking, progress report submissions, and PI collaboration/support (post-award)
- Grant Coordinator for all Department of Economics grants through a variety of state and federal entities – Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, National Science Foundation, United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, National Institute of Food & Agriculture, universities, and corporations; reported on federal and state required software, such as Grants.gov
- Merit staff supervision, evaluation, coaching, mentoring; student employee supervision, hiring, training, assignments
- FMLA, DAR, Worker’s Compensation coordination, leave management for all Econ faculty and staff, LAWOP coordination, FPDA coordination, phased retirement coordination
- Faculty, P&S and Merit staff recruiting – position description, primary function assessment, job posting, recruitment planning, search committee support and guidance, manage offer letters and startup package, ISSO H1B and permanent residency coordination; assist in employee on-boarding and off-boarding
- Compensation management – Employee Pay Adjustments (faculty), Letters Of Intent, appointment terminations and renewals, salary adjustments (staff), administrative and interim appointments, special assignment pay, summer salary management
- Long-term planning and budget projections for equipment and furniture purchases and remodel
- Visiting and International scholar coordination – risk management, VISA requirements, university and department rules/procedures
- Building supervisor – access, keys, safety, maintenance, hours, building notices/closings, manage occupant complaints
- Surveys and ballots - Space Survey; External Review; Governance documents; Academic Files; Differential Tuition planning; committee assignments; Historical Data retention, CSWEP, Universal Academic, Labor Market
- Participated in Workday implementation - preparation and go-live
- Fostered positive client relationships by promptly addressing questions or concerns
- Greeted visitors with professionalism and enthusiasm to provide support and direct guests to appropriate policies/regulations
- Position was eliminated by university in staff restructuring within Workday system implementation
Office Assistant
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND OUTREACH (ISU-EO)
08.2014 - 06.2017
- Accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fiscal management, budget analysis, and resource management
- Grant accounting and contract management - Food and Nutrition Programs
- Extension Council support – budget and spending recommendations, long-term and short-term programmatic and budget planning, monthly financial review, meeting agendas, minutes, and document retention coordination, programmatic review and reporting, statistics analysis
- Program and event Coordination, program delivery and needs assessment coordination, strategize program direction, report program outcomes, assess impact
- Supervise volunteers, part-time staff, and temporary workers
- Customer Service – external and internal; collaboration with other county offices, coordinate efforts, share knowledge and resources, answer questions, provide guidance
- Communications - Newsletters, press releases, advertising, promotion, marketing, social media, county website updates, calendar updates and event attendance reconciliations
- Monitored and tracked budgets and expenses.
- Master Gardener program coordinator, volunteer network management, utilization strategy for volunteers in community and Extension activities, related grant management, training, and multiple internal and community presentations
- Facilitate networks and coalitions to build relationships with community organizations (The Bridge, county schools, Salud, healthcare organizations, clubs and community organizations) to reach underserved audiences, analyze programmatic needs, and raise awareness of ISU and Extension resources; establish community partnerships
- Develop, write, and update Desk Manual documents for training.
Director of Rehabilitation Services
BUENA VISTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (BVRMC)
09.2007 - 08.2013
- Financial operations, including budgeting and account analysis, long-term planning, and staffing projections
- Identify and develop new service lines to meet rehab needs of community and remain a leader in a highly competitive environment
- Establish and implement department goals, objectives, policies and procedures in accordance with state and federal regulations, as well as organizational goals, including financial
- Generate and analyze performance data; engage staff in performance measures and goal setting
- Recruit, hire, train, mentor, coach, and evaluate clinical and support staff of 20+
- Facilitate monthly staff meetings to share best practices, promote team collaboration, communicate necessary information; coordinate daily team huddles; promote continual learning and knowledge sharing
- Conduct monthly medical record reviews; design staff education based on record review analysis
- Health Literacy Team Leader with Iowa Health System (now Unity Point) Health Literacy Collaborative; hospital-wide orientation and training for all new employees and on-going professional development
- Ensure smooth, efficient, and accurate office flow for patient and provider satisfaction
- Implement organization-wide central scheduling system - establishing tables and parameters, protocols, training manual, and guidance for users
- Customer Service and Employee Satisfaction analysis and strategic planning utilizing Press Ganey survey tools; communication, goal setting, and evaluation utilizing Studer principles
- Mentored and developed a high-performing team of therapists, fostering professional growth and clinical excellence.
- Optimized scheduling practices, reducing patient wait times and improving overall satisfaction levels.
- Implemented an effective marketing strategy to promote the department''s services to referring physicians and community partners.
- Created a culture of ongoing learning by providing regular continuing education opportunities for staff members.
- Quality, Safety and Performance Improvement projects oversight related to supplies, documentation, patient safety, and employee injury prevention (clinical)
- Process improvement, LEAN implementation and project oversight, including 5S, A3, Kanban, Kaisen, Value Stream Mapping, and other LEAN methodologies (procedural)
- Position was downsized by new administration
Clinic Administrator
TRIMARK FAMILY HEALTH CENTER (now Unity Point)
07.2004 - 08.2007
- Budgeting; period end financial reconciliation; financial statement review; performance data analysis
- Coordinate capital purchases – strategic planning, funding sources, product research
- Oversee building and equipment repairs and maintenance, security, remodels, etc, ensuring a clean, safe environment for both patients and staff members alike
- Recruit, hire, train, mentor, coach, and evaluate staff of 20+
- Physician recruitment and coordination of related activities
- Ensure billing and documentation activities are followed according to policies
- Consult and collaborate with medical, business, and community groups to discuss service problems, respond to community needs, enhance public relations, and promote community health programs; attended regular meetings with hospital administrators to discuss clinic operations and policies
- Ensure compliance with CLIA, OSHA, and Safety and Risk Management guidelines
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with timely communication and proactive problem-solving strategies; patient satisfaction analysis and staff education utilizing Press Ganey tools
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care
- Enforced adherence with HIPAA regulations and other relevant laws and regulations to maintain compliance
- Attended regular meetings with hospital administrators to discuss clinic operations and policies
- Assisted in the development of financial forecasts based on historical trends and current market conditions, supporting strategic planning initiatives within the organization
- Conducted thorough internal audits to identify discrepancies, recommend corrective actions, and ensure adherence to established policies and procedures
- Cooperated with corporate accounting to create operating budgets and initiate financial planning
- Left employment when recruited to hospital
Accountant
WINKLER TAX AND ACCOUNTING
06.1995 - 06.2004
- General accounting, account and bank reconciliations, payroll, sales tax, and employment tax returns, retirement account reconciliations, customer service.
- Found tax solutions to complicated tax issues or errors from incorrect tax filings.
- Prepared and processed journal entries to record in general ledger and maintain consistent documentation.
- Prepared and filed employment and sales tax returns to summarize transactions of calendar year and comply with laws and regulations.
Education
Master’s Degree in Business Administration -
UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS
Sioux Falls, SDBachelor’s Degree in Accounting -
BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY
Storm Lake, IASkills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office software and a wide array of software systems
- Ability to grasp new ideas quickly and integrate them into desired results
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure and in stressful situations
- Proficient and conscientious in written and verbal communication
- Experience in financial management, practice management, employee management, and human resources
- Experience with diversity in workplace and customer base
- Experience with grant/project management and coordination - pre-to post-award
- Life-long learner Eager to assist team in meeting personal and professional goals
- Energized by change and opportunity
- Account reconciliation specialist
Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer - Food At First; Former Board of Directors member, Pleasantview Nursing Home and Countryside Living (Assisted Living facility); Former Iowa Lakes Community College Advisory Board; Former Sunday School Teacher and Girl Scout Leader; Certified Master Gardener coordinator and volunteer; Volunteer at One Heart Equine Therapy stables
Timeline
Accountant 3 – Contractor Pay System(CPS)Team Lead
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT)
01.2023 - 11.2023
Accountant 3 – Federal Aid (FA) Team Lead
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT)
01.2022 - 12.2022
Accountant 2 – Contractor Pay System Program Administrator
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT)
11.2020 - 12.2021
Department of Public Safety Business Manager
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (ISU)
08.2019 - 11.2020
Improved Service Delivery; Human Resources Coordinator
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (ISU)
07.2019 - 08.2019
Department of Economics; Administrative Specialist III
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (ISU)
06.2017 - 06.2019
Office Assistant
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND OUTREACH (ISU-EO)
08.2014 - 06.2017
Director of Rehabilitation Services
BUENA VISTA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (BVRMC)
09.2007 - 08.2013
Clinic Administrator
TRIMARK FAMILY HEALTH CENTER (now Unity Point)
07.2004 - 08.2007
Accountant
WINKLER TAX AND ACCOUNTING
06.1995 - 06.2004
Master’s Degree in Business Administration -
UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting -
BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY
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