JENNIFER WONG
Summary
Results-driven financial institution executive with experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in optimizing processes and fostering team collaboration. Adaptable and reliable, consistently achieving high-impact results in dynamic environments.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
VP, Assistant Controller
First Foundation Bank
Irvine, CA
04.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: $12 billion bank in Irvine, CA
- Effectively lead a staff of seven by coaching, developing, communicating, delegating, and holding staff accountable
- Facilitate month-end tasks to ensure a soft close in four business days
- Assist in the development and implementation of business policies and desktop procedures
- Collect and provide information for audit inquires
- Review and ensure timely submission of all tax filings, escheatment and B Notice inquiries
- Facilitate department meetings to assess progress on strategic plans and adjust priorities accordingly; Ensure staff participates in mandatory quarterly disaster tabletop training
- Maintain the Accounting department's business continuity plan
- Support CAO/Deputy CFO with special projects – two acquisitions in the past 8 years
Accounting Manager
First Foundation Bank
Irvine, CA
05.2017 - 03.2021
- Manage the daily activities of the accounting department review daily certifications for correspondent banks, journal entries and accounts payable.
- Review monthly certifications
- Work with staff to automate job functions and increase efficiencies
- Team player in helping to complete quarterly call report and Y-9
- Review corporate credit card coding and employee expense reimbursements
- Ensure auxiliary service invoices are accurate and receivables posted
- Oversee department's record retention
Senior Accountant
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
Santa Ana, CA
01.2014 - 04.2017
- Company Overview: $34 billion credit union in Santa Ana, CA
- Help prepare monthly and annual GAAP financial statements
- Review, analyze, and reconcile general ledger accounts
- Team player in completing monthly key performance indicator statistics, quarterly NCUA 5300 call report, and semi-annual Raddon report
- Process and balance cashier's check and money order stop payments; retain list of items that need to be escheated to the state annually
- Support and provide coverage for operation functions within the accounting department when needed; knowledge in branch balancing, wire, credit card, loan participation, Federal Reserve balancing, and cash order areas
Accounting Manager
Nikkei Credit Union
Gardena, CA
08.2009 - 12.2013
- Company Overview: $91 million credit union in Gardena CA
- Oversee activities of the Accounting Department to ensure the accurate and timely dissemination of financial management reports and information
- Coordinate month-end and year-end closing processes and review reports for accuracy and reasonableness
- Assist in the completion of Board, Supervisory, and Asset Liability Committee packages
- Prepare regulatory reports, as well as, state and federal taxes
- Conduct due diligence and provide recommendations for investments to maximize return
- Implement new procedures and streamline current processes to improve efficiency
- Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls
- Maintain accounting controls by reviewing chart of accounts and credit union policies and procedures
- Help prepare annual budget, analyzing variances and initiating corrective actions
- Assist in the strategic planning and development of new products and services such as payday loans, credit cards, courtesy overdraft, and mobile banking
Accounting Supervisor
Nikkei Credit Union
Gardena, CA
08.2006 - 07.2009
- Supervise ACH, share draft, bill pay and debit card processes
- Manage daily and monthly maintenance of the credit union's general ledger
- Oversee operation and maintenance of fixed asset and accounts payable modules
Staff Accountant
Nikkei Credit Union
Gardena, CA
02.2005 - 07.2006
- Reconcile and analyze general ledger accounts including loan, deposit, cash, prepaid, fixed assets, and accrued liabilities
- Develop and implement accounting procedures by analyzing current procedures and recommending change
Member Service Representative
Nikkei Credit Union
Gardena, CA
04.2004 - 01.2005
- Perform basic teller duties, open accounts, and cross sell all products and services
- Process and fund consumer and home equity loans
Receptionist
Yoshinoya West, Inc.
Torrance, CA
08.2003 - 04.2004
- Company Overview: Corporate headquarters of fast food chain in Torrance CA
- Manage front desk and reception area in an organized fashion
- Greet visitors, respond to telephone and in-person requests, and distribute incoming mail in a timely manner
- Maintain business licenses for all beef bowl restaurant locations
- Dictate concise customer statements to the insurance company
- Support executives and handle extra projects as needed
Hostess and Server
China Grill
Manhattan Beach, CA
07.1998 - 07.2003
- Company Overview: Contemporary Asian Fusion bistro in Manhattan Beach CA
- Juggle multiple tasks while delivering friendly and professional customer service in a fast-paced environment
- Maintain knowledge of menu items, including ingredients and preparation methods
- Appropriately suggest additional items to customers to increase restaurant sales
- Accurately total and collect monetary and credit/debit card payments from guests using the point-of-sale system
- Skillfully mitigate customer complaints with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Education
Professional Development - Honors
Western CUNA Management School
07.2009
Master of Business Administration - Finance
California State University, Fullerton
05.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA06.2002
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Reconciliations
- Financial Reporting
- Budget Preparation
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Regulatory Reporting and Tax Preparation
Timeline
VP, Assistant Controller
First Foundation Bank
04.2021 - Current
Accounting Manager
First Foundation Bank
05.2017 - 03.2021
Senior Accountant
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
01.2014 - 04.2017
Accounting Manager
Nikkei Credit Union
08.2009 - 12.2013
Accounting Supervisor
Nikkei Credit Union
08.2006 - 07.2009
Staff Accountant
Nikkei Credit Union
02.2005 - 07.2006
Member Service Representative
Nikkei Credit Union
04.2004 - 01.2005
Receptionist
Yoshinoya West, Inc.
08.2003 - 04.2004
Hostess and Server
China Grill
07.1998 - 07.2003
Master of Business Administration - Finance
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of California, Irvine
Professional Development - Honors
Western CUNA Management School
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- SchoolsFirst FCU Dream Team Conference Award Recipient 2017
- CA CU League Beach Cities Chapter Board of Governor 2009 - 2013
Positions Held: Secretary, Education Chair, Treasurer
- Southern California Credit Union Alliance Young Leader 2011 - 2013
- California Credit Union League Tomorrow's Star Award Recipient 2012