Tara Smith
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented leader with a proven track record in enhancing team efficiency and productivity, particularly in accounts payable management. Over a decade of experience managing financial obligations across diverse organizations, excelling in invoice processing, account reconciliation, and ensuring timely vendor payments. Adept at integrating technology to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction while leveraging critical thinking and negotiation skills to resolve complex issues. Demonstrated expertise in utilizing accounting software and maintaining robust vendor relationships, contributing to smoother financial operations and organizational success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Account Payables Accountant 4
Eminent Leap LLC / State of Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
10.2025 - Current
- Enter standard, PO, and non-PO vouchers in PeopleSoft.
- Validate vendor information, chartfields, and accounting distributions.
- Attach required supporting documentation (invoices, receipts, approvals).
- Apply correct payment terms and schedules.
- Perform three-way match (PO, receipt, invoice) when applicable.
- Resolve match exceptions and discrepancies.
- Verify budget availability and correct funding sources.
- Ensure compliance with state procurement and AP policies.
- Submit vouchers into workflow for supervisory or fiscal approval.
- Monitor voucher status and follow up on pending approvals.
- Communicate with departments to resolve missing or incorrect information.
- Confirm vendor status and W-9 compliance.
- Request vendor updates through the Vendor Maintenance team (if applicable).
- Review payment batches for accuracy before final processing.
- Run voucher and payment queries (e.g., open vouchers, pending approvals).
- Assist with month-end AP accruals and reconciliation.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation.
Events Concessions Supervisor (Part Time)
Sodexo
Indianapolis, IN
01.2024 - Current
- Ensure that guests receive an exceptional level of service by supervising concession staff while supporting the concession operations at all points of sale.
- Assign tasks and delegate responsibilities to Concession Leads and will monitor concession staff as they provide a variety of pre-made fresh-to-order snacks, beverages and entrée items
- Provide hands on supervision of assigned locations within the stadium levels, decks and concourses to observe service within assigned locations
- Ensure the highest levels of quality, cleanliness, sanitation and safety standards are maintained
- Essential Responsibilities:
Account Payables Specialist
MacAllister Machinery Co Inc
Indianapolis, IN
02.2025 - 10.2025
- Performs procedures and controls to facilitate accurate, timely and consistent processing of vendor invoices and/or employee expense reimbursement requests; ensures that adequate documentation and support is maintained in the financial records for all transactions and balances.
- Prepares fund disbursements in accordance with corporate guidelines, policies and procedures. Ensures the secure processing of payments and maintenance of adequate asset safeguard measures.
- Performs procedures and controls to facilitate accurate, timely and consistent processing, recording and payment of key affiliate supplier invoices.
- Interfaces with and maintains knowledge of affiliated supplier systems to efficiently access/transmit information; coordinates with company financial system requirements.
- Reviews and reconciles key equipment supplier account transactions and statements timely; maintains adequate documentation and support in the financial records for all transactions and balances.
- Maintains established service level commitments for transaction processing, review and reconciliation.
- Assists with the maintenance of an organized, efficient invoice processing, payment and record retention system.
- Assists in maintaining accurate vendor account balances; perform research on vendor account activity and reconcile vendor accounts.
- Attends to external and internal inquiries/requests promptly; resolves inquiries by providing transaction and account documentation and explanation. Coordinates and collaborates with other individuals/departments to timely communicate and resolve account issues.
- Fosters a strong customer service orientation both within and outside the department.
- Provides professional, courteous and timely service to customers and vendors regarding account transactions and balances; promotes a positive image of the Company in all interactions.
- Communicates timely with appropriate levels of management to address potential vendor/supplier issues and accounts/areas that may require heightened attention.
- Compiles data and prepares reports and analysis, as requested.
- Participates in implementing process and operational improvement initiatives.
- Performs other accounting services duties, tasks and projects as assigned by management.
Account Payable Coordinator
Easterseals Crossroads
Indianapolis, IN
01.2024 - 10.2024
- Assisted with fixed asset tracking and documentation
- Coordinated check printing, signing, scanning of all documentation, and mailing of checks
- Performed upload of checks to online banking platform
- Entered and/or verified correct input of ACH/Wire information into banking system
- Tracked and monitored all credit card purchases and obtained appropriate receipt documentation
- Reviewed employee mileage and expense reimbursement requests
- Resolved financial discrepancies with vendors and internally
- Provided various reporting on a weekly and/or monthly basis
Accounts Payable Specialist
Ascension
Indianapolis, IN
08.2013 - 12.2023
- Perform reconciliations and manage Accounts Payable exceptions within the Shared Service Center
- Resolve invoice entry exceptions such as EDI pre-edit errors, recycled vouchers, and voucher denials
- Research and resolve rejected invoices from processing
- Assist vendors to ensure proper and timely payment of invoices
- Navigate Service Now Customer Service System to assist vendors and Health Ministry Associates with invoice and purchase order issues
- Utilize People Soft Financial, Perceptive Concept Invoicing Software, GHX online invoicing, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and other software as needed
401K
Rose Financial Solutions
Indianapolis, IN
04.2012 - 05.2013
- Processed and maintained 401k plan administration, including contributions, loans, hardship distribution, termination, and retirement distribution
- Monitored and ensured federal compliance of each plan
- Provided customer service and support to individual clients and companies
- Conducted regular audits to ensure accuracy and completeness of 401k records
- Collaborated with financial advisors to optimize plan performance and benefits
- Resolved client inquiries and issues in a timely and professional manner
Assistant Benefits Administrator
Indianapolis Public Schools
Indianapolis, IN
04.2007 - 05.2009
- Assisted Employee Benefits Supervisor in all benefits related functions
- Managed a team of 4 employees
- Conducted new employee orientation and retirement programs as needed
- Administered FMLA, LOA, and COBRA benefit program notifications
- Counseled and advised employees and retirees on benefit programs
- Implemented data transferring program to streamline benefit enrollment process
- Administered and monitored FMLA, COBRA, and 403B retirement annuities
Account Relations Coordinator
American Fidelity Assurance
Indianapolis, IN
03.2004 - 04.2007
- Educated school staff on Section 125 benefits and other supplemental insurance products
- Assisted bookkeepers and treasurers with billing problems and educated them on available options
- Supported sales staff with Illinois Health and Life insurance licensing
- Led educational meetings to explain product benefits and features
- Set up database sharing program and office network for efficient customer account management
- Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills in resolving billing, coverage, and benefit payment issues
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English and Communications
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN05-2001
High school diploma -
Warren Central High School
Indianapolis, IN05-1995
Skills
- Microsoft Dynamics GP
- Supervising experience
- PCI
- QuickBooks Payroll
- ERP systems
- Expense management
- Cost accounting implementation
- Customer service
- Time management
- Bookkeeping
- Accounting systems
- Accounts receivable
- NetSuite
- Organizational skills
- Paychex
- Invoice matching
- Analytical thinking
- PeopleSoft
- Windows
- Data collection
- Corporate accounting
- Accounts payable
- Excel data analysis
- Office experience
- Microsoft Office
- Computer literacy
- Financial analysis
- Medical terminology
- Data entry
- Invoice dispute resolution
- Accounting software
- ServiceNow
- QuickBooks
- Heavy lifting
- Payroll direct deposit management
- Invoice reconciliation
- Leadership
- Financial services
- Computer skills
- Microsoft Teams
- PayPal payment processing
- Process improvement
- Analysis skills
- Financial software
- Microsoft Access
- Vendor relationship management
- Handling wage garnishments
- Presentation Skills
- Microsoft Word
- Typing
- Relationship management
- Financial concepts
- Account reconciliation report
- Cooking
- Oracle
- Invoice payment processing
- Accrual accounting
- Public Speaking Skills
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- 10 key typing
- Regulatory compliance
- Accounting and finance experience
- Google Suite
- Team management
- Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Accounting
- English
- Productivity software
- Microsoft Excel
- Attention to detail
- General ledger accounting
- EDI
- Pivot tables
- First aid
- ADP
- Research
- Shipping & receiving
- Guest services
- SAP
- GAAP
- Communication skills
- Microsoft Outlook
- Account reconciliation
- Data analysis skills
- Administrative experience
- Procurement management
- Record keeping
- Credit card reconciliation
- Bank reconciliation
- Journal entries
- Strong communication skills
- Electronic payments
- Accounting software expertise
- Payment scheduling
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Purchase order management
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Invoice processing
- ERP systems proficiency
- Audit support
- Tax compliance
- Expense reporting
- Wire transfers
- Accounts payable management
- W-9 compliance
- Year-end closing
- 1099-mISC reporting
- Entry verification
- Problem resolution
Accomplishments
- Located and recuperated 2.5 million dollars in over payments to a vendor.
- Help develop and implement a new invoice tracking and work flow system.
- Six Sigma Lean Certified
Timeline
Contract Account Payables Accountant 4
Eminent Leap LLC / State of Indiana
10.2025 - Current
Account Payables Specialist
MacAllister Machinery Co Inc
02.2025 - 10.2025
Events Concessions Supervisor (Part Time)
Sodexo
01.2024 - Current
Account Payable Coordinator
Easterseals Crossroads
01.2024 - 10.2024
Accounts Payable Specialist
Ascension
08.2013 - 12.2023
401K
Rose Financial Solutions
04.2012 - 05.2013
Assistant Benefits Administrator
Indianapolis Public Schools
04.2007 - 05.2009
Account Relations Coordinator
American Fidelity Assurance
03.2004 - 04.2007
Bachelor of Arts - English and Communications
Indiana University
High school diploma -
Warren Central High School