Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Jill Lonas

Seminole

Summary

Detail-oriented and results-driven Accounting Manager with a strong background in both public and corporate accounting. Brings a unique perspective and added value to audit processes, having worked extensively with internal and external auditors, and previously served as an auditor. Experienced in preparing audit-ready schedules, identifying potential issues, and ensuring accurate, transparent financial reporting. Played an integral role in the implementation of a new SAP system, contributing cross-functionally to ensure accurate financial data and system integrity. Known for strong analytical abilities, cross-department collaboration, and a dependable, team-oriented approach that supports organizational goals in fast-paced environments.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Accounting Manager

QVC Group
West Chester
12.2017 - Current
  • Maintained accurate valuation of HSN’s inventory, including overhead and reserves, as part of Qurate Retail Group’s $1B total inventory portfolio.
  • Managed a team of four accountants within the HSN brand to ensure the accuracy of financial transactions, including five warehouse facilities, three retail outlet stores, and bulk liquidation.
  • Performed month-end and year-end closing procedures, ensuring timely completion for a tight close schedule.
  • Prepared material for both internal and external auditors, including being the main contact person for the department.
  • Developed financial models, conducted financial analysis, and supported company-wide initiatives to increase synergies for better revenue outcomes.
  • Sourced and combined information from Finance, Merchandising, and Accounts Payable teams into thorough monthly financial reports.
  • Addressed and resolved data integrity issues in costing models.
  • Created monthly financial reports by partnering with finance and other accounting teams, and presented financial positions to leadership.
  • Leveraged existing systems not known to the department, resulting in over 50% time savings for transaction recording, while improving the approval process.
  • Involved with the creation of Business Process Designs (BPDs), Functional Spec Designs (FSDs), testing scenarios, and reporting needs with the implementation of a new ERP platform (SAP).
  • Collaborated cross-functionally to ensure accurate financial valuation and controls during warehouse openings and closures, ensuring proper data transfer.
  • Conducted thorough testing of applications through UAT and end-to-end testing to ensure software functionality.
  • Partnered with finance and various other accounting teams to compile and present financial data to support decision-making for leadership.
  • Managed, trained, and mentored accounting staff, including maintaining regular written and verbal performance reviews.
  • Worked with internal audit to help develop and maintain internal control procedures to ensure adherence to SOX, and corporate policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated with the Finance FPA and the Merchandising Teams to develop budgets, prepare forecasts, and cash flows.

Senior Inventory Accounting Manager

Home Shopping Network
St. Petersburg
07.2004 - 12.2017
  • Managed the reconciliation of $450 million in inventory accounts across multiple warehouse systems.
  • Redesigned reserve methodology by shifting from a monthly age-step approach to a model based on historical loss rates across inventory categories, improving the accuracy of reserve calculations.
  • Heavily involved in month-end closing activities, including preparing journal entries and account reconciliations.
  • Summarized inventory financial positions and delivered presentations to senior leadership.
  • Prepare schedules for both external and internal audits (year-end and quarterly audits, as well as walkthroughs), and be a key contact person with the auditors (both external and internal).
  • Collaborated with I.T. In various special projects to ensure that any new system or updates to existing systems had no adverse impacts, and that inventory was maintained to be financially proper.
  • Developed strong processes on inventory controls and valuation to support SOX.
  • Facilitated effective communication between the accounts payable department and fulfillment centers to ensure proper payment of received goods.
  • Contributed to merchandising planning by identifying low-margin products, and supported exit strategies for aged inventory disposition.
  • Provided insights based on inventory analytics to drive informed decision-making to leadership.
  • Involved with the accounting transactions surrounding the 2008 spin-off from the parent company, IAC, resulting in HSN becoming independently publicly traded (HSNi).
  • Validated that the retail store’s annual physical inventory counts were conducted properly, yielded proper results, and analyzed shrink results to assist in future reserve rates.
  • Reviewed and approved balance sheet account reconciliations, journal entries, and ensured compliance with SOX controls.
  • Managed a team of accounting professionals, guiding their development and performance.

Inventory Accounting Supervisor

Eckerd Drug Corporation
Largo
06.2003 - 06.2004
  • Supervised a staff of seven employees responsible for the analysis of inventory in over 2,800 stores.
  • Monitored and investigated significant monthly fluctuations between general ledger balances, physical inventory results, and shrink results.
  • Authorized adjustments to gross profit figures.
  • Point of contact and resolved concerns relating to inventory from managers in the field, such as Regional, district or store, as well as pharmacists.
  • Monitored store acquisitions, relocations, and closings for the proper recording of the transactions resulting from these activities.
  • Responsible for the cosmetic direct return to vendor credits, which approximate $3 million every quarter.
  • Recruited, hired, trained, and assessed individual performance, and made recommendations for promotions based on merit.

Sr. Auditor /Staff Auditor

Gregory Sharer & Stuart, PA
St. Petersburg
02.1997 - 05.2003
  • Planned and executed comprehensive audit engagements across industries, including retail, service providers, non-profits, 401(k) plans, and insurance.
  • Prepared audited financial statements and presented key findings and recommendations to Boards of Directors and Audit Committees.
  • Utilized strong analytical skills to evaluate financial data, spot discrepancies, and investigate anomalies.
  • Conducted internal control testing to assess the effectiveness of clients’ accounting systems, and identified opportunities for process improvement in high-risk areas.
  • Oversaw physical inventory counts, assessed inventory procedures, evaluated related internal controls, and performed independent counts to validate financial accuracy.
  • Researched and resolved complex technical issues following GAAP and GAAS standards.
  • Partnered with client finance teams to improve audit transparency by clearly communicating audit methodologies, findings, and recommendations, strengthening client relationships.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Accounting

University of South Florida
Tampa, FL

Certification

  • CPA - licensed in the state of Florida 2000

Timeline

Accounting Manager

QVC Group
12.2017 - Current

Senior Inventory Accounting Manager

Home Shopping Network
07.2004 - 12.2017

Inventory Accounting Supervisor

Eckerd Drug Corporation
06.2003 - 06.2004

Sr. Auditor /Staff Auditor

Gregory Sharer & Stuart, PA
02.1997 - 05.2003

Bachelor of Science - Accounting

University of South Florida

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Jill Lonas