Hector E. Mendez
South Hempstead ,NY
Summary
Dynamic Financial Controller with a proven track record of leading full-cycle accounting operations in the construction industry, including recent success at Sato Construction Co., Inc. Skilled in GAAP-compliant financial reporting, Work-in-Progress (WIP) schedules, and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition. Known for enhancing team performance, strengthening internal controls, and streamlining systems such as Sage 300 CRE and AIA billing. Demonstrates a strategic focus on process improvement, risk mitigation, and compliance across multi-entity operations. Trusted to collaborate with project managers, auditors, and executive leadership to drive accuracy, financial transparency, and long-term growth.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Sales Associate
Macy's
10.2024 - 03.2025
- Excelled in a seasonal position during the holiday rush and was subsequently promoted to a permanent, full-time role, reflecting outstanding sales performance and exceptional customer service.
- Demonstrated leadership and teamwork by mentoring new Sales Associates and setting an example in delivering outstanding customer service, thereby contributing to a cohesive and high-performing sales team.
- Cultivated a customer-centric shopping experience by warmly greeting guests, identifying their needs, and providing personalized merchandise recommendations, resulting in a Net Promoter score of 100 and repeat business.
- Leveraged in-depth product knowledge and rapport-building to drive add-on sales and enroll customers in Macy's Star Rewards loyalty program, consistently exceeding daily sales targets and credit account enrollment goals.
- Organized and replenished merchandise on the sales floor, kept fitting rooms neat and customer-ready, and executed markdowns, while sustaining a visually appealing environment in line with brand standards.
Financial Controller
Sato Construction Co., Inc.
04.2022 - 04.2023
- Oversaw all accounting functions for a $45M restoration and waterproofing contractor, managing full-cycle accounting (AP, AR, GL, JC, PR) across multiple business entities and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
- Supervised a five-team accounting department, providing leadership, training, and mentorship to enhance team capabilities, improve accuracy, and maintain a high-performing culture.
- Assessed internal controls and identified process inefficiencies, recommending and implementing improvements that mitigated financial risk, increased efficiency, and overall improved operations.
- Maintained the general ledger and chart of accounts and led a rigorous month-end close process using Sage 300 CRE (Timberline), which included reconciling bank accounts and sub-ledgers to produce timely GAAP-compliant financial statements.
- Prepared detailed Work-in-Process (WIP) schedule utilizing the percentage-of-completion method under ASC 606 for revenue recognition, adjusting over/under-billings, and analyzing cost-to-budget variances with senior management and project managers to preserve profitability.
- Ensured full compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements by preparing and filing all quarterly payroll tax returns (940/941, NYS-45, MCTMT) and Sales Tax (ST-100), as well as generating year-end W-2s, 1099s, and 1095-C forms accurately and on time.
- Partnered with external auditors and the CPA firm during annual financial reviews, providing detailed documentation on projects and financials, as well as collaborating with commercial bankers to expedite equipment financing and establish lines of credit for business growth.
- Coordinated annual insurance audits (Workers' Compensation and General Liability) and enforced risk management policies by verifying subcontractor insurance certificates and negotiating insurance coverages, to ensure all projects met compliance and coverage requirements.
Financial Controller
Winco Corporation
09.2020 - 04.2022
- Directed the financial accounting operations of a women-owned contractor specializing in concrete construction with $32M in annual revenue, overseeing all accounting activities and financial reporting functions.
- Supervised a team of four accounting staff, delegating tasks, refining workflows, and mentored the team to strengthen their skills and maintain accurate records with efficient transaction processing.
- Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for key accounting processes within Sage 300 CRE (Timberline), optimizing the recording of transactions across various accounting modules for consistency and audit of financial data.
- Led the month-end close cycle, including general ledger account maintenance, reconciliation of bank accounts, accounts payable/receivables, and trial balance review, to ensure accurate GAAP-compliant financial statements.
- Improved project accounting by preparing Work-in-Process (WIP) schedules and applying percentage-of-completion methodology to recognize revenue appropriately, and making any necessary adjustments to under/over-billings to reflect the project status.
- Collaborated with Project Managers to prepare AIA requisitions ("pencil copy" and final billings), ensuring timely and accurate client invoices that improved cash flow and client satisfaction throughout project billing cycles.
- Oversaw tax compliance activities by filing quarterly payroll taxes (940, 941, NYS-45, MCTMT) and sales tax returns (ST-100), issuing year-end W-2s, 1099s, 1095-C, and handling quarterly estimated tax payments, including coordinating Employee Retention Credit filings to capture eligible tax credits.
- Liaised with external CPA firm during semi-annual and annual audits, compiling thorough records of open and closed projects and verifying the accuracy of financial statements, which facilitated smooth corporate tax filings and ensured shareholders' financial information was correct.
Senior Staff Accountant
KAR Properties
08.2019 - 09.2020
- Managed the financial accounting for a $128M luxury condominium development, maintaining strict budget controls and ensuring all project transactions complied with GAAP.
- Collaborated with CFO and Controller to implement Sage 300 CRE (Timberline) and integrate TimberScan for AP automation, streamlining workflows and improving financial data accuracy.
- Handled the end-to-end accounts payable process for multiple entities, processing high volumes of invoices with precise cost coding and ensuring on-time vendor payments via ACH, Wire Transfer, or Check.
- Maintained the general ledger chart of accounts and performed monthly bank reconciliations across entities, ensuring accurate financial records and timely month-end closing.
- Coordinated with project managers and general contractors to prepare AIA-compliant progress billings and compiled required documentation (invoices, lien waivers, payroll, etc), ensuring timely client billing and proper revenue recognition under the percentage-of-completion method.
- Monitored construction expenditures versus the project budget, analyzing development costs to identify variances. Presented findings to senior management to facilitate proactive cost control and course corrections.
- Prepared and submitted comprehensive lender draw packages (including invoices, receipts, clear title, and payment proof) to support financing needs, facilitating timely fund releases for ongoing construction phases.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to refine accounting procedures and strengthen internal controls, increasing departmental efficiency and readiness for financial audits.
Payroll Manager
Zwicker Electric Co., Inc.
05.2015 - 08.2019
- Directed end-to-end payroll operations for a $25M electrical contracting firm, overseeing weekly payroll for 500+ union (Local 3) and non-union employees and ensuring all wages, withholdings, and union benefits were calculated accurately.
- Spearheaded the adoption of a cloud-based remote payroll system (hh2 Remote Payroll integrated with Sage 300 CRE Timberline), which accelerated payroll processing cycles and reduced manual data-entry errors.
- Maintained detailed payroll system configurations, including multi-state tax withholdings, prevailing Local 3 union fringe benefits, garnishments, and deductions, to ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreement and labor laws.
- Managed comprehensive payroll records for all employees, handling new hires, terminations, layoffs, furloughs, updating personal data, and tax forms (W-4, I-9, NYS LS54, direct deposit authorizations) as required by regulatory requirements.
- Generated weekly labor cost and productivity reports segmented by project, providing project managers and executives with actionable insights into labor expenditures, overtime trends, and resource allocation.
- Conducted regular audits of time entries and payroll outputs to verify compliance with federal/state wage laws and collective bargaining agreements. Liaised with external CPA and union auditors during periodic reviews, supplying documentation and implementing recommended improvements.
- Reconciled weekly payroll posting entries to the general ledgers. Resolved discrepancies promptly to ensure accurate financial reporting and month-end close.
- Distributed payroll as stated in the collective bargaining agreement, weekly on Fridays via check or direct deposit. Submitted required certified payroll reports per GC and Local Union 3 Fringe reportings.
- Recorded payroll at year-end and prepared W2s and ACA 1095-C, with 100% on-time compliance with IRS deadlines.
Junior Accountant
EJF & Associates, CPA
01.2015 - 05.2015
- Assisted senior tax manager in preparing and filing a high volume of federal and state tax returns for individuals (Form 1040 with Schedules) and small businesses (Forms 1120/1120S, K-1s and Schedules), ensuring accuracy and adherence to the latest tax regulations.
- Analyzed taxpayers' financial data, income statements, balance sheets, and expenses to calculate taxable income and identify eligible deductions and credits, forecasting tax liabilities, and contributed to effective tax planning for clients.
- Recorded and reconciled transactions in clients' accounting software, updating general ledgers, expenses, and revenue, and adjusted journal entries supported by an accurate trial balance and financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
- Maintained organized work papers and supporting documentation for each tax engagement, facilitating reviews and quick retrieval of information for audits and inquiries.
- Communicated with clients to gather necessary financial information and clarify discrepancies, providing excellent customer service and ensuring all required data was obtained ahead of tax filing deadlines.
- Assisted in drafting financial reports and depreciation schedules, together with any tax schedules, to ensure completeness and compliance with each return.
- Stayed informed of federal and state tax law changes during the season and applied this knowledge to client filings, minimizing errors and compliance risk.
- Utilized professional tax software (taxPro) and accounting tools to input data and generate tax forms, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the tax preparation process under tight deadlines.
Accounting Software Consultant
RJM Consulting, LLC
08.2012 - 05.2015
- Contributed to multiple client engagements by implementing Sage 300 CRE (Timberline) software for construction accounting, assisting with system configuration for various modules, including General Ledger, Job Cost, Cash Management, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Project Management.
- Collaborated with senior consultants and the client's finance team, including the CFO and Controller, to gather accounting requirements and tailor the ERP setup to meet the needs of each construction project, encompassing job cost tracking and Work-in-Process (WIP) reporting.
- Assisted in migrating and validating historical accounting data into the new system, ensuring data integrity and continuity of financial reporting post-implementation.
- Provided on-site and remote support during system go-live, trained client accounting staff on new software functionalities and best practices, which improved user adoption and minimized downtime.
- Leverage Sage 300 CRE (Timberline) features to help clients automate manual accounting processes (e.g., electronic approval workflows, automated report generation), increasing efficiency and reducing errors in day-to-day accounting operations.
- Developed clear documentation and standard operating procedures (SOP) for system use and maintenance, enabling client teams to sustain proper accounting practices under GAAP and internal controls after project completion.
- Stayed up-to-date on Sage 300 CRE (Timberline) updates and construction accounting best practices, advising clients on new features or process adjustments to optimize their financial management systems.
- Liaison with clients' IT and Finance Teams to ensure that accounting system implementations were delivered on schedule and integrated smoothly with other business systems ( such as Project Management or Procurement Platform).
Client Relationship Manager
Euromoney Learning
04.2006 - 08.2012
- Drove revenue growth across the Latin American and Caribbean regions by identifying and securing new corporate clients for financial training programs, consistently achieving or exceeding quarterly sales targets through a consultative sales approach.
- Managed a portfolio of over 50 client organizations in the banking, financial, and renewable energy sectors, building strong relationships and advising executive-level stakeholders on talent development and training solutions.
- Developed and negotiated customized learning programs to be held at an event sponsored by Euromoney Learning, the client's site, or e-learning.
- Maintained a dialogue and constant follow-up with clients regarding upcoming events, or obtained feedback sessions on recent course sessions attended. Ensuring high client satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
- Researched market trends and competitors, collaborating with internal teams (content development and marketing), leading to an expanded portfolio and new emerging markets.
- Tracked leads, opportunities, and account activities using Salesforce software to maintain an organized pipeline and forecast revenue, enabling data-driven decision-making and efficient follow-ups.
- Exceeded annual sales goals multiple years and earned recognition for top client retention rates, contributing significantly to the division's overall revenue growth and market presence.
Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager
Hudson United Bank
04.2001 - 03.2006
- Managed all aspects of retail bank branch with full P&L accountability, driving significant growth in deposits, loans, and fee income through strategic sales initiatives and exceptional customer service.
- Led and mentored a team of banking professionals, setting performance goals, providing training, and fostering a customer-centric culture that resulted in improved sales performance and high Net Promoter scores in client satisfaction.
- Implemented local marketing and community outreach programs to attract new personal and small business clients, expanding the branch's customer base and exceeding quarterly new account and lending targets.
- Ensured strict compliance with banking regulations, security protocols, and internal policies, achieving successful audit results with no significant findings across tenure.
- Coordinated with regional executives and cross-functional departments (loan underwriting, compliance, marketing) to tailor product offerings and improve service delivery, aligning branch operations with overall corporate strategy.
President, Mortgage Broker
One Stop Investment, Inc.
08.1987 - 03.2001
- Founded and led a mortgage brokerage firm, overseeing all operations, finance, and business development efforts. Grew the company from a startup to a profitable enterprise, establishing a strong presence in the local real estate market.
- Managed the firm's financial planning and budgeting with full P&L responsibility, maintained a healthy cash flow and profitability. Oversaw accounting functions and coordinated with the external accountant to ensure accurate bookkeeping and financial reporting.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised a high-performing team of mortgage loan officers, underwriters, and support staff, fostering a culture of integrity, compliance, and customer service.
- Developed strategic partnerships with real estate agents, attorneys, and lending institutions, broadening the firm's referral network and expanding loan product offerings to increase market reach.
- Ensured full compliance with all state and federal mortgage regulations (RESPA, TILA, FHA/VA/FNMA guidelines), establishing internal controls and quality checks that resulted in zero compliance violations during tenure.
Education
BBA - Accounting And Finance
Baruch College
New York, NY05-2008
Associate of Applied Science - Business Accountancy
Bergen Community College
Paramus, NJ05-2004
Skills
- Construction Financial Management & Reporting
- Work-in-Process (WIP) Schedules
- AIA Billing (G702/G703) Form Payment Application
- Team Development and Leadership
- ERP System Implementation
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Internal Controls & Compliance
- Organizational Excellence
- Integrity & Ethical Decision Maker
- Sage 300 CRE (Timberline)
- Procore
- QuickBooks
- TimberScan
- MS Excel & Word
- hh2 Remote Payroll & Exak Time
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Retail Sales Associate
Macy's
10.2024 - 03.2025
Financial Controller
Sato Construction Co., Inc.
04.2022 - 04.2023
Financial Controller
Winco Corporation
09.2020 - 04.2022
Senior Staff Accountant
KAR Properties
08.2019 - 09.2020
Payroll Manager
Zwicker Electric Co., Inc.
05.2015 - 08.2019
Junior Accountant
EJF & Associates, CPA
01.2015 - 05.2015
Accounting Software Consultant
RJM Consulting, LLC
08.2012 - 05.2015
Client Relationship Manager
Euromoney Learning
04.2006 - 08.2012
Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager
Hudson United Bank
04.2001 - 03.2006
President, Mortgage Broker
One Stop Investment, Inc.
08.1987 - 03.2001
BBA - Accounting And Finance
Baruch College
Associate of Applied Science - Business Accountancy
Bergen Community College
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