Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Janette Press

Summary

Knowledgeable Certified Management Accountant proficient in laws and procedures governing business operations, tax filings and regulatory compliance. Handles detail-oriented work in methodical and organized fashion. Leverages field expertise, creative problem solving, adaptability, resourcefulness, and diligence to make positive impact on business operations.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Client Onboarding Accountant

GrowthForce, LLC
Houston, TX
01.2021 - Current
  • Develop and implement effective accounting systems for clients and prepare accounting records and procedures for seamless handoff to the recurring services team.
  • Set up and improve client accounting systems and processes to meet business needs and maximize operational success.
  • Assist client staff members in transitioning to the new system through extensive training and one-on-one support.
  • Complete month-end and year-end closing processes with the client finance & account departments and external auditors.
  • Reconcile balance sheets and streamline best practices for balance sheet processes.
  • Offer advice and direction to help clients better understand financial goals.
  • Reconcile accounts and created documents for monthly closure procedures.
  • Create and review budgets and communicate discrepancies to senior management.
  • Review business operations and obligations to help client organizations function at an acceptable level.
  • Leveraged finance knowledge to strengthen controls and improve transparency.
  • Reviewed documents and accounts for discrepancies and resolved variances.
  • Evaluated and improved financial records to make important business decisions.
  • Liaised with clients regarding financial plans and objectives.
  • Assisted in upgrade and conversion of in-house financial systems.
  • Handled month-end and year-end end finances by managing and reporting fixed assets and other data.
  • Prepared monthly journal entries and reconciliations.
  • Oversaw accounting team in servicing diverse clients.

Senior QuickBooks Consultant

GrowthForce LLC
Houston, TX
01.2019 - Current
  • Consult with clients using QuickBooks from various industries (construction, manufacturing, non-profit, professional services, and e-commerce) and business lifecycles from launch, growth, through maturity.
  • Utilize design-thinking methodologies to achieve stakeholder buy-in with desired results. Identify business issues through careful collaboration with stakeholders as well as front-line staff members
  • Analyze problematic areas and design solutions for improved accounting processes, implementation of the appropriate tech stack, and optimization of QuickBooks for informed decision support.
  • Develop documentation and provide training in the appropriate use of technologies and improved GAAP accounting procedures for client staff members.
  • Assess and remedy internal control risk based upon the COSO Framework Principles

Principal & Owner

Cirrus Accounting, LLC
Reading, PA
06.2015 - 01.2019
  • Sole-practitioner accounting, tax preparation, and bookkeeping practice serving small businesses, construction companies, non-profits, and individuals.
  • Implemented and trained client staff on setting up and tracking inventory using QuickBooks.
  • Set-up and processed payroll and quarterly and year-end payroll reconciliation reports.
  • Assisted company leaders with understanding how to monitor and improve business performance using QuickBooks as a data resource and management tool.
  • Used accounting software to issue tax returns and prepare reports.
  • Tracked funds, prepared deposits, managed accounts payable, accounts receivable, and reconciled balance sheet accounts.
  • Used QuickBooks Desktop and Online to conduct financial analysis, issue reports, and present findings to management.
  • Developed job costing processes for construction clients working with WIP, over and under billings, AIA G702 and G703 documents.
  • Prepared payroll reports for prevailing wage public works projects.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of GAAP, tax codes, legislation and tax and accounting software programs.
  • Upheld strict confidentiality protocols with client details and tax return information.
  • Provided QuickBooks advisory support and training to business owners and staff as an Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Credentialed Tax Expert

Intuit
Palo Alto, CA
12.2017 - 04.2018
  • Remote part-time position during the 2017 tax season providing live credentialed tax support to TurboTax customers in preparing their individual and Schedule C tax returns. At that time I was an active Enrolled Agent with the IRS, having passed the three-part exam in 2017.
  • My position required understanding of the federal tax code, TurboTax software user-interface, fast thinking under pressure, the ability to research tax questions on the fly, discernment for when to escalate to the back line TurboTax support team, and efficient, effective problem-solving ability, with a focus on friendly customer service.


Principal Bookkeeper & QuickBooks ProAdvisor

Mobile Office Manager
Reading, PA
06.2010 - 05.2015
  • Assisted and trained business owners and their staff in setting up their QuickBooks accounting systems to reflect accurate financial records and capture relevant financial data that would help them understand and manage profitability.
  • Implemented job costing systems for construction clients, QuickBooks POS systems for retail clients, and set up non-profit accounting systems for churches using QuickBooks.
  • Provided QuickBooks file clean-ups and identified accounting errors when cross-referencing documents and database information.
  • Provided full-service bookkeeping and payroll.

QuickBooks Adjunct Instructor

PACE Institute
Reading, PA
09.2010 - 11.2012
  • Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
  • Used learning assessments to regularly monitor student understanding of class concepts and materials.
  • Optimized learning plans based on student performance and feedback.

General Manager Administration

Premier Exteriors, Inc.
Sinking Spring, PA
01.2004 - 12.2008
  • Executed financial due diligence tasks on daily basis to maintain optimal company finances.
  • Used QuickBooks Desktop and Excel to prepare documentation and financial reports to assist management in operational planning and key decision-making.
  • Developed employee policy handbook and policies.
  • Assisted in marketing efforts.
  • Implemented a mobile timekeeping technology to track employees time per project.
  • Developed a bonus/profit-sharing plan based on project profit margin thresholds.
  • Performed commercial roofing and siding take-offs and project estimates.
  • Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
  • Boosted productivity by consolidating material planning, data collection, payroll, and accounting programs into one system.

Education

MBA - Marketing

Alvernia University
Reading, PA
12.2008

Bachelor of Science - Ornamental Horticulture

Delaware Valley University
Doylestown, PA
05.1981

Skills

  • Systems Efficiency Evaluation
  • Business Operations Analysis
  • Accounting Policy and Control
  • Critical Thinking and Analysis
  • Accounting Software Systems
  • Effective and Professional Communication
  • GAAP Accounting Practices
  • Budget Forecasting Expertise
  • Accruals
  • Data Analysis and Excel skills

Affiliations

  • Institute of Management Accountants, Former Reading Chapter President, and current IMA MidAtlantic Council Treasurer
  • Former SCORE Berks-Schuylkill Chapter Counselor and Treasurer

Certification

  • CSCA (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis) - a certification for IMA members who have passed both parts of the CMA exam. This credential prepares CMAs to be a key player in driving the strategic planning process within their organizations.
  • IMA Platinum-Level Leader
  • IMA Data Analytics & Visualization Fundamental Certificate

Additional Information

  • Enthusiastic, life-long learner that embraces change and technologies that can improve decision-making and business performance.
  • Effective visual, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Dynamic team player with an entrepreneurial flair.

Timeline

Senior Client Onboarding Accountant

GrowthForce, LLC
01.2021 - Current

Senior QuickBooks Consultant

GrowthForce LLC
01.2019 - Current

Credentialed Tax Expert

Intuit
12.2017 - 04.2018

Principal & Owner

Cirrus Accounting, LLC
06.2015 - 01.2019

QuickBooks Adjunct Instructor

PACE Institute
09.2010 - 11.2012

Principal Bookkeeper & QuickBooks ProAdvisor

Mobile Office Manager
06.2010 - 05.2015

General Manager Administration

Premier Exteriors, Inc.
01.2004 - 12.2008

MBA - Marketing

Alvernia University

Bachelor of Science - Ornamental Horticulture

Delaware Valley University
Janette Press