Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Computer and Software Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

FESTINA MANLY-SPAIN

Germantown,MD

Summary

Well-rounded CPA with over 12 years of progressive experience in tax, audit, financial statement analysis and project management. Passionate about influencing processes by combining technology and accounting best practices to drive operational efficiencies. Well-versed in month-end close, internal controls and process improvements.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Career Break

Self-employed
08.2022 - Current
  • Launched and operated a CPA firm providing accounting, tax, and financial advisory services to small businesses.
  • Developed and implemented financial strategies for clients, helping them improve cash flow and maintain tax compliance.
  • Actively mentored small business owners, focusing on financial literacy, tax planning, and business growth strategies.
  • Utilized QuickBooks Online (QBO) and NetSuite to streamline accounting processes for clients and introduced AI-based tools to optimize efficiency.
  • Pursued and earned certifications to enhance professional skills and stay updated with industry trends, including QBO Certification Google AI Certificate, Google Project Management Certificate.
  • Enhanced proficiency in various software and tools to collaborate effectively with clients and team members.

Fund Assistant Controller

EIG Partners
08.2021 - 07.2022
  • Owned the general ledger and close process for energy-focused managed investment funds, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of financial statements under both US GAAP and IFRS. Monitored compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls to mitigate financial risk.
  • Managed receivables (capital call) for funds with combined $900 million in AUM and accounts payable with over $2 million in monthly expenses. Maintained relationships with investors and service providers to ensure timely payment and resolution of issues.
  • Implemented process improvements to streamline the close process, reducing the timeline from 20 days to 15 days. This included instituting pre-close reviews of supporting schedules and subsidiary entities to identify and address issues early in the process.
  • Developed and maintained the annual budget for the investment funds, tracking actual performance against projections and providing regular reporting to key stakeholders. Analyzed variances and made recommendations to improve financial performance.
  • Led a finance operations improvement group to identify gaps in current processes, document standard operating procedures, and implement automated solutions to optimize key processes and comply with SOX standards. Worked cross-functionally with stakeholders to achieve process efficiencies and improve controls.

Audit Manager

KPMG LLP
01.2015 - 08.2021
  • Managed various phases of the audit of public and non-public companies with revenues ranging from $50M to $8B.
  • Successfully identified and addressed complex accounting issues related to revenue recognition: performance obligation, stand alone price estimation, and disclosures.
  • Conducted assessments of management's assertions over the design, implementation and effectiveness of controls to ensure compliance with ICFR standards. Conducted interviews of control owners, led field site visits and reviewed sample testing, resulting in recommendations for process improvements.
  • Led audit kick-off calls with key stakeholders to present objectives and timeline of the audits, resulting in increased understanding and alignment among all parties.
  • Recognized as Top 100 Female Leader in the US Audit Practice for outstanding leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Managed engagement economics by developing budgets, analyzing monthly budget to actuals, and optimizing resource allocation, resulting in improved profitability and cost-effectiveness.
  • Led a team of up 10 seniors/staff, building trust and fostering open communication through regular check-ins, timely feedback, and clear expectations.

Senior Tax Consultant

Deloitte
10.2012 - 12.2014
  • Consulted multinational corporations on the complexities of global tax reporting associated with deploying assignees abroad, including compensation structuring and global mobility policies.
  • Completed in-depth research into tax issues affecting FATCA and FBAR reporting to offer expert advice and accurately prepare submissions.
  • Represented clients before the IRS to resolve tax return disputes and audits.
  • Oversaw team of 4 tax preparers handling over 600 submissions per year.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Accounting and International Business

University of Maryland - College Park - College Park
College Park, MD
05.2012

Skills

  • Month-End Close and Reporting
  • Internal Controls and Process Improvements
  • Technical Accounting: ASC 606, ASC 820
  • Financial Statement Audit and Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Staff Development and Coaching

Certification

  • CPA - Certified Public Accountant
  • QBO Pro Advisor Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate - In progress
  • Google AI Essentials Certificate - In progress

Computer and Software Skills

  • General Ledger: QBO, Netsuite, SAP
  • Accounting Software: Bill.com, Dext, Hubdoc, Expensify, Gusto, Justworks
  • Project Management: Click-Up, Asana, Smartsheets
  • Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Office (Advance Excel), Google Workspace

Affiliations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants
  • National Association of Black Accountants


Timeline

Career Break

Self-employed
08.2022 - Current

Fund Assistant Controller

EIG Partners
08.2021 - 07.2022

Audit Manager

KPMG LLP
01.2015 - 08.2021

Senior Tax Consultant

Deloitte
10.2012 - 12.2014

Bachelor of Science - Accounting and International Business

University of Maryland - College Park - College Park

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FESTINA MANLY-SPAIN