JAMES WATKINS
Akron
Summary
A highly motivated professional, well-versed in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. Experienced in financial modeling and strategic planning; guiding small businesses in low-income census tracts to secure over $2 million in funding, through financial statement education and analysis. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with teams to resolve complex financial issues.
Experienced accounting professional prepared for this role, known for strong analytical skills and precision in financial management. Proven ability to drive results through team collaboration and adaptability to changing needs. Expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance, with focus on accuracy and efficiency. Reliable, dependable, and committed to achieving organizational goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Accountant
CHN Housing Partners
09.2023 - Current
- Prepare journal entries, complete general ledger operations, manage sub-ledger accounts, bank reconciliation, accounts receivable, verify accounts payable, and complete tasks for the month-end close.
- Create training material for daily accounting functions, and monthly bank reconciliation process to increase productivity and strengthen onboarding effectiveness.
Director of Business Development
Wellness Grove
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Developed process mapping, created organizational structure to implement new departments, increase efficiency, and set the organization up for strategic goals.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement business development initiatives, reduced bottlenecks in workflow processes to optimize operational efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making and enhance competitive positioning.
- Identified new business opportunities through comprehensive market research and stakeholder engagement.
- Facilitated training programs for team members to enhance sales techniques and product knowledge.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to create targeted campaigns that align with business development strategies.
- Led change and transformation across business areas to deliver benefits and align company resources.
Community Development Specialist
Development Finance Authority
02.2021 - 09.2023
- Prepared dynamic financial modeling templates and provided technical assistance to small businesses to produce accurate financial statements, business models, and business plans.
- Analyze business financial statements, business productivity, and various small business metrics to determine trends for community development needs and financing capability.
- Create pivot tables and Excel data sheets to present community impact, educational material for board meetings, and external business partners to highlight program performance.
Account Manager
Mariner Finance
08.2020 - 02.2021
- Processed and applied payments, balanced daily cash drawer, managed bank deposits, collected and filed required administrative documents for loans and consumer accounts.
- Influenced office productivity through training, team management, closing loans, and assisting in implementing new workflow processes.
E-commerce Specialist
Signet Jewelers
04.2017 - 08.2020
- Created refund process and training materials for a customer service department to manage wide-scale systems errors and talk customers through resolution.
- Led small teams to research website errors, and communication processes for resolving system issues.
- Assisted in training and implementing new processes.
Education
Doctor of Business - Organizational Leadership
South College
Nashville, Tennessee, US12-2026
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, US01.2023
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, US01.2022
Skills
- Data analysis
- Financial reporting
- Account reconciliation processes
- MS office suite
- Financial acumen
- Organizational development
- Sales training and leadership
- Revenue growth
- Pipeline development
- Business modeling
- Project management
- IT project management
- Business process mapping
Accomplishments
- Developed Collections department process workflow, web app wireframing, user experience functionality, and department manual in order to collect balances that have been outstanding for over 4 years.
- Increased lending performance by 400% without reducing customer satisfaction rates.
Certification
- Intuit Tax Certification
- Intuit Bookkeeping Certification
Timeline
Director of Business Development
Wellness Grove
01.2025 - 12.2025
Accountant
CHN Housing Partners
09.2023 - Current
Community Development Specialist
Development Finance Authority
02.2021 - 09.2023
Account Manager
Mariner Finance
08.2020 - 02.2021
E-commerce Specialist
Signet Jewelers
04.2017 - 08.2020
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
Western Governors University
Doctor of Business - Organizational Leadership
South College
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
- Accounting for Decision-Makers
- Cost and Managerial Accounting
- Data-Driven Decision Making