James Sem Mwesige
Phoenix,USA
Summary
Dynamic finance professional with a robust background in financial reporting and analysis, demonstrating a proven ability to support month-end close processes while maintaining precise financial records. Recognized for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and adaptability to shifting priorities, showcasing expertise in general ledger management and financial reconciliations. Proficient in utilizing advanced accounting software to streamline processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial operations. Committed to meeting deadlines and enhancing team performance during critical month-end closing activities.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Accountant
Transdev North America
- Perform month-end close activities including preparation of revenue and expense accruals, account analysis, and financial reporting support in accordance with GAAP
- Manage Accounts Payable (AP) processes including vendor invoice review, coding, purchase order reconciliation, and resolution of billing discrepancies.
- Oversee Accounts Receivable (AR) billing processes including client invoice preparation, revenue documentation review, and monitoring of AR aging reports.
- Perform general ledger account reconciliations and analyze variances to ensure financial statement accuracy.
- Maintain vendor contracts, insurance documentation, and procurement records ensuring financial compliance and audit readiness.
- Present financial analytics related to payroll, invoicing, and operational spending during monthly reporting cycles.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to junior accounting staff, overseeing training on GAAP compliance, AP/AR workflows, account reconciliations, and month-end close procedures while ensuring adherence to internal controls and financial reporting standards
- Review and validate financial transactions and reconciliations prepared by junior staff to ensure accuracy, proper GAAP application, and adherence to internal controls and company accounting policies.
- Partner with operations managers and department leaders to analyze financial data, resolve discrepancies, and improve accounting workflows supporting accurate monthly financial reporting.
Accounting Specialist
Ron Turley Associates Inc
2023.04 - Current
- Spearheaded initiatives that helped scale Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) from $7M to $14.5M in two years, with a projected trajectory toward $30M by 2027.
- Streamlined collection processes and standardized receivables follow-ups, significantly improving cash flow and reducing DSO.
- Ensured smooth integration and workflows between HubSpot (CRM) and Maxio (Revenue Recognition), enhancing data accuracy and cross-functional collaboration.
- Created standardized SOPs for invoicing, collections, and reconciliations, increasing consistency and operational efficiency.
- Processed vendor invoices and customer billing, tracked receivables, and resolved payment discrepancies.
- Managed payroll processing, including deductions, taxes, and benefits, while maintaining compliance with all federal and state requirements.
- Provided audit support through detailed reconciliations and accurate documentation, improving audit readiness.
- Analyzed financial data to uncover trends and provide strategic recommendations for revenue optimization.
- Collaborated with HR, finance, and operations to maintain accurate records and deliver cross-departmental support.
Accounting & Administration Specialist (Part-time/Contractual)
Faith Behavioral Health Group LLC
2018.10 - 2024.02
- Processed payroll for employees, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and deductions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all payroll regulations.
- Prepared and submitted payroll tax returns and filings to government agencies, while staying current with changes in payroll tax laws.
- Identified and reconciled a $20,000 over payment discrepancy between the payroll system and year-end IRS tax filings, successfully securing a refund and improving tax reconciliation accuracy.
- Issued accurate invoices to insurance providers, verifying billing details for services rendered.
- Developed standardized SOPs for onboarding and employee training, including the successful transition of handwritten documentation to a streamlined digital format.
- Supported new hire onboarding and HR compliance efforts by maintaining confidential employee records.
- Delivered basic technical support, resolving user access issues and software troubleshooting needs.
- Drafted and distributed internal communications such as company announcements, policy changes, and newsletters.
- Designed and implemented efficient digital and physical filing systems for improved record organization and accessibility.
Office Manager
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona - Non profit
2022.07 - 2023.04
- Created timely and accurate financial statements used to assess program budgets and inform executive decisions.
- Acted as financial liaison to the board of directors, providing clear guidance on accounting procedures and protocols.
- Developed and implemented a standardized process for staff expense reporting and general ledger allocation, improving consistency, accountability, and audit readiness.
- Coordinated quarterly audit preparation by organizing and maintaining detailed monthly financial records.
- Tracked and assigned accounts payable and receivable entries using proper general ledger coding.
- Monitored inventory levels and implemented a check-and-balance system to reduce waste and control costs.
- Reconciled staff credit card transactions and addressed discrepancies related to expense allocations and budget adherence.
- Maintained and organized staff files by developing standardized templates for documentation and compliance.
- Reported weekly cash flow activity and payroll data directly to the Executive Director for timely operational decisions.
- Recorded and maintained fiscal year board meeting minutes in accordance with nonprofit governance standards.
Office / Fleet Administrator (Promotion)
Quality Transport Services / Phoenix Ei Transportation
2020.12 - 2022.07
- Played a key role in facilitating the successful merger between Phoenix Ei and Quality Transport Services, aligning administrative, operational, and HR functions.
- Assisted in the implementation of GeoTab to track driver activity and performance in real time, enhancing operational oversight and accountability.
- Developed a standardized driver behavior tracking system, including a performance-based scoring model used for coaching, compliance, and performance reviews.
- Led the transition from manual vehicle tracking processes to an enterprise-level fleet maintenance software, streamlining maintenance scheduling, reporting, and compliance documentation.
- Supervised day-to-day administrative operations, including scheduling, inventory control, and employee onboarding.
- Hired, trained, and evaluated administrative staff, ensuring high standards of performance and alignment with company policies.
- Collaborated with accounting and management teams to process payroll, monitor departmental spending, and support budget adherence.
- Planned and organized internal events, meetings, and training sessions to improve employee engagement and operational efficiency.
- Maintained digital and physical records, coordinated special projects, and monitored progress toward company goals.
Billing/Claim Specialist (Part-time/Contractual)
Select Home Care, LLC
2020.07 - 2021.03
- Submitted accurate medical claims through various insurance portals including AHCCCS, Care1st, Banner, BlueCross, and PHCN.
- Ensured HIPAA compliance while handling sensitive patient documentation and electronic health records.
- Verified prior authorization documentation to support claim approvals and minimize denials.
- Processed UB-04 form submissions for institutional billing, ensuring all required data elements were complete and accurate.
- Coordinated with providers and insurance representatives to follow up on claim status and resolve denials.
Billing/Accounts Specialist
Phoenix Ei Transportation
2019.05 - 2020.11
- Created and issued accurate customer invoices based on contracted services, ensuring compliance with billing terms and accelerating receivables.
- Collected over $1 million in revenue within the first year by proactively managing accounts receivable, resolving payment delays, and building strong client relationships.
- Monitored aging reports and initiated collection efforts to reduce outstanding balances and improve cash flow.
- Investigated and resolved billing discrepancies by coordinating with dispatch and operations, ensuring invoice accuracy and client satisfaction.
- Maintained up-to-date billing records and assisted with month-end closing by reconciling billing accounts to the general ledger.
- Ensured all invoicing processes aligned with internal controls and client-specific billing requirements.
Customer Service Representative
Maximus Federal
2018.10 - 2019.04
- Assisted consumers in enrolling in Marketplace healthcare coverage, providing clear and accurate information about plan options and eligibility.
- Troubleshot technical issues and account discrepancies, resolving inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- Maintained a high level of customer service and confidentiality while navigating sensitive health-related topics.
- Met daily performance and quality assurance metrics within a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration and Management
Penn Foster
2026-11
Associates - Accounting and Finance
Penn Foster
2025-07
Associates - IT security and Power Systems
Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, Arizona2019-01
Skills
- Bank reconciliation
- Monthly account / bank reconciliation
- Monthly journal entries
- Payroll processing
- Audit support
- Account reconciliation
- Monthly / quarterly / year end reports
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Payroll administration
- General ledger accounting
- Bookkeeping
- General ledger
- Financial reporting
- Accounts receivable management
- Accounts payable / invoice coding
- General ledger management
- Fixed asset management
- Cost accounting
- Finance
- Administrative support
- Data management
- Financial management
- Budget preparation
- Generally accepted accounting principles
- Payroll process
- Cash flow management
- Revenue recognition
- Report writing
- Expense tracking
- Variance analysis
- Contract management
- Controls monitoring
- Automated systems & procedures
- ERP systems
- Profits and losses tracking
- Inventory assessment
Timeline
Accounting Specialist
Ron Turley Associates Inc
2023.04 - Current
Office Manager
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona - Non profit
2022.07 - 2023.04
Office / Fleet Administrator (Promotion)
Quality Transport Services / Phoenix Ei Transportation
2020.12 - 2022.07
Billing/Claim Specialist (Part-time/Contractual)
Select Home Care, LLC
2020.07 - 2021.03
Billing/Accounts Specialist
Phoenix Ei Transportation
2019.05 - 2020.11
Accounting & Administration Specialist (Part-time/Contractual)
Faith Behavioral Health Group LLC
2018.10 - 2024.02
Customer Service Representative
Maximus Federal
2018.10 - 2019.04
Staff Accountant
Transdev North America
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration and Management
Penn Foster
Associates - Accounting and Finance
Penn Foster
Associates - IT security and Power Systems
Estrella Mountain Community College