Heather S. Shelford, CPA
Washington,USA
Summary
Results-driven Director of Finance and Administration, known for productivity and efficiency. Specializes in financial reporting, budget management, and operational analysis to support organizational goals. Committed to fostering team collaboration and driving financial performance improvements. Excels in leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, ensuring seamless operations across departments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Finance and Administration
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
Washington, USA
11.2009 - Current
- Ensured accuracy of financial statements by maintaining comprehensive knowledge of financial records and transactions.
- Advised on financial decisions using association financial records to forecast revenue and expenses.
- Managed accounts receivable and accounts payable, optimizing cash flow monitoring and projections.
- Coordinated budget development and prepared final budget reports for review.
- Prepared quarterly financial reports for Board of Directors and Finance Committee as staff liaison.
- Oversaw payroll processing and served as liaison for employee benefit plans.
- Monitored grant and contract activity, preparing required financial reports for compliance.
- Selected and implemented Association Management Software as System Administrator, enabling ACH payments.
Accounting Manager
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS)
Washington, USA
06.2009 - 11.2009
- Managed accounts receivable, accounts payable, and procurement, preparing comprehensive financial reports.
- Documented departmental policies and procedures, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Oversaw financial functions to ensure accurate reporting of results.
- Streamlined processes through effective policy development and documentation.
Staff Auditor
Calibre CPA Group, PLLC
Washington, USA
03.2008 - 06.2009
- Participated in planning and executing audit engagements to ensure compliance with standards.
- Documented accounting systems and internal controls, preparing comprehensive audit work papers.
- Assisted in preparing financial statements and management letters to support client reporting.
- Supervised and reviewed staff contributions on assigned sections, evaluating performance effectively.
- Fulfilled work experience requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance audit efficiency and accuracy.
Accounting Director
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
Washington, USA
02.2004 - 03.2008
- Promoted to Accounting Director in July 2007 after serving as Accounting Manager since March 2006.
- Maintained financial records for AACN and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Supervised Accounting Assistant overseeing accounts receivable and conference registration.
- Acted as staff liaison to Finance Committee, facilitating communication and reporting.
- Executed monthly general ledger entries, payroll, employee leave records, and timesheets.
- Managed employee benefit plans and monitored grants and contracts.
- Coordinated budget development process and finalized budget reports.
- Processed accounts payable while managing banking, investment accounts, and tax compliance.
Accounting Coordinator
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
Washington, USA
07.2004 - 03.2006
- Managed monthly general ledger entries to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Adapted to additional responsibilities due to part-time remote work of Accounting Director.
- Maintained oversight of financial processes to uphold compliance standards.
Accounting Assistant
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
Washington, USA
02.2004 - 07.2004
- Processed accounts payable and receivable to support accurate financial reporting.
- Assisted in budget preparation to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Senior Account Manager
Investor Responsibility Research Center
Washington, USA
08.2000 - 01.2004
- Ensured quality customer service while alleviating Director of daily operational issues.
- Executed proxy processes, overseeing holdings receipt to vote placement and reporting.
- Maintained strong relationships with clients, staff, and custodian banks for effective collaboration.
- Trained and supervised both full-time and temporary employees to enhance team performance.
- Developed comprehensive understanding of software and systems to guarantee service delivery.
- Participated in client visits and conducted interviews for potential employees.
Education
Accounting Diploma -
Strayer University
Washington, DC09.2005
Master's Degree - Spanish Literature
State University of New York at Binghamton
Binghamton, NY01.1997
Bachelor's Degree - Spanish, Business minor
Messiah University
Grantham, PA06.1995
Skills
- Team leadership and management
- Process improvement
- Internal controls
- Financial analysis
- Budgeting and cash flow
- Grant administration
- Payroll management
- Accounts receivable and payable
- Accounting software proficiency
- Artificial intelligence skills
- Spanish proficiency
Affiliations
- Greater Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants (GWSCPA)
- American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
Certification
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), 2009
Language
Spanish
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Finance and Administration
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
11.2009 - Current
Accounting Manager
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS)
06.2009 - 11.2009
Staff Auditor
Calibre CPA Group, PLLC
03.2008 - 06.2009
Accounting Coordinator
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
07.2004 - 03.2006
Accounting Director
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
02.2004 - 03.2008
Accounting Assistant
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
02.2004 - 07.2004
Senior Account Manager
Investor Responsibility Research Center
08.2000 - 01.2004
Accounting Diploma -
Strayer University
Master's Degree - Spanish Literature
State University of New York at Binghamton
Bachelor's Degree - Spanish, Business minor
Messiah University
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