Hilina Begna
Accounting Professional
Acworth,GA
Summary
Motivated Accountant with a strong foundation in accounting principles and GAAP compliance. Skilled in managing financial reporting, account reconciliations, and budget forecasting in the hotel and higher education sectors. Diligent in maintaining accurate records and training junior staff, contributing to operational efficiency. Proficient in Emory University's Policy and Procedures.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Accountant
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
11.2023 - Current
- Prepared, Investigated and resolved recharge billing issues on a monthly basis to maximize revenue and increase accuracy.
- Managed financial reporting and compliance for assigned departments.
- Reviewed and approved expenses in Emory Express and Expense Reports in Compass.
- Prepared budget for assigned departments.
- Managed and prepared journal entries and reconciliations to support monthly general ledger closing activities.
- Posted financial data in Excel spreadsheets.
- Mentored junior accounting staff on accounting software and best practices.
Accountant
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
10.2016 - 05.2023
- Performs monthly general ledger account reconciliations in preparation for month end closes
- Methodically reviews documents and accounts for discrepancies and communicates to resolve variances
- Processes journal entries via PeopleSoft; including journal uploads through Excel
- Entered vendor invoices for payment in PeopleSoft after verifying Board of Regents and State of Georgia Accounting Policies and Procedures were followed
- Researched and resolved vendor issues related to payment in communication with departments
- Processed payment of dining services invoices in PeopleSoft using Excel's upload feature using advanced data entry and 10 Key with accuracy and speed
- Executed daily and Banner pay cycle processes, end of day processes of accounts payable
- Received and distributed paper and electronic invoices among co-workers via Changear as per assigned departments
Student Services Admin Lead
International Education Center
Minneapolis, MN
03.2011 - 11.2015
- Performed student intake process providing an excellent customer service and facilitating placement exams
- Maintained confidentiality and facilitated ad hoc reporting of students’ data per state requirements
- Supervised and trained front desk staff and interns on accurate data entry
- Facilitated cash handling and electronic transfer of transactions
- Maintained inventory of supplies to prevent shortages.
Administrative Assistant
Sheraton Addis, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
05.2006 - 08.2010
- Monitored execution of regular pay increases based on the Associate Performance Management Process
- Administered Electronic Time Management, Attendance Records System and staffing logistics
- Assisted the Director of Engineering in preparing yearly budget, expense vouchers and travel bookings
- Monitored actual costs of the departments in accordance with the budget
- Prepared monthly energy consumption analysis report for Finance Department
- Organized and maintained filing and document management systems by coordinating, archiving and purging files.
- Tracked and submitted employee timesheets to accounting department for payroll processing.
Secretary
Sheraton Addis, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
12.2002 - 04.2006
- Recognized and received “Employee of the Month” award for reducing aging receivables with self-initiative
- Planned and executed meetings, lunches and special events with a total capacity of 1500 for clients
- Created Banquet event orders, agendas, meeting notes, proposals, & contracts and other documents to enhance collaborative process.
- Followed up with difference departments for the seamless execution of agreed upon details of functions.
- Administered accurate billing of goods and services and foresaw timely transfer of bills to Accounts Receivable.
- Assisted with answering phones, filing paperwork, entering data in an electronic hotel management system.
Purchasing Assistant
Sheraton Addis, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
12.2000 - 11.2002
- Obtained written quotations from suppliers, processed purchases at a low and competitive rate per company procurement procedures
- Initiated purchase orders with the required approval from department heads
- Ensured items are purchased and delivered in accordance with set standards at a competitive rate.
- Completed timely transfer of invoices to accounts payable
- Coordinated with suppliers to resolve performance related issues.
- Sourced new vendors for purchasing needs.
- Analyzed competitive prices, products and market-related information.
Education
Certificate of Participation - Introduction To Asset Management, PeopleSoft
Georgia First
02-2022
Certificate of Completion - Intermediate Government Accounting
University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute of Go
09-2019
B.S - Accounting
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
10-2013
B.S - Business Education/Purchasing & Supplies Management
Addis Ababa University
08-2008
Skills
- Account reconciliation
- Accounts payable
- Government Accounting
- General ledger accounting
- PeopleSoft Financials (Compass)
- Emory Business Intelligence (EBI)
- Emory Express & Axiom
- Grant Accounting
Timeline
Senior Accountant
Emory University
11.2023 - Current
Accountant
Kennesaw State University
10.2016 - 05.2023
Student Services Admin Lead
International Education Center
03.2011 - 11.2015
Administrative Assistant
Sheraton Addis, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Addis Ababa
05.2006 - 08.2010
Secretary
Sheraton Addis, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Addis Ababa
12.2002 - 04.2006
Purchasing Assistant
Sheraton Addis, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Addis Ababa
12.2000 - 11.2002
B.S - Business Education/Purchasing & Supplies Management
Addis Ababa University
B.S - Accounting
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Certificate of Completion - Intermediate Government Accounting
University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute of Go
Certificate of Participation - Introduction To Asset Management, PeopleSoft
Georgia First