Kaiysha Fortson
Jackson,USA
Summary
Business professional with over 17 years of expertise in strategic HR , retail and financial management, excelling in accounts payable, grant management, and team training. Demonstrates a strong ability to foster a culture of continuous learning and compliance with federal regulations, while leveraging relationship-building and decision-making skills. Committed to driving excellence and innovation through effective leadership and strategic guidance.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Manager
Mississippi Public Health Institute
Madison, MS
08.2021 - 12.2024
- Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the organization’s mission and goals
- Oversee the development and execution of HR policies and procedures
- Manage recruitment and onboarding processes to attract and retain top talent
- Develop and implement talent development programs, including training and performance management
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth
- Address and resolve employee relations issues, providing guidance and support to staff and management
- Promote a positive work environment through effective conflict resolution and employee engagement initiatives
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
- Develop and maintain HR metrics and reports to monitor compliance and effectiveness of HR programs
- Support organizational change initiatives and help manage transitions effectively
- Maintain accurate and confidential employee records
Senior AP Accountant/HR Support
Mississippi Public Health Institute
Madison, MS
11.2021 - 08.2024
- Manage the full accounts payable cycle, including invoice processing, payment approvals, and vendor reconciliations
- Review and verify invoices for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies
- Coordinate with internal departments to resolve any discrepancies or issues related to vendor payments
- Prepare and process weekly payment runs, ensuring timely disbursements to vendors
- Maintain vendor records and ensure proper documentation for all transactions
- Assist in month-end closing activities, including accounts payable accruals and reconciliations
- Prepare reports on accounts payable metrics, such as aging reports and payment trends
- Support audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations regarding accounts payable transactions
- Mentor and train junior staff in accounts payable processes and best practices
- Stay updated on relevant regulations and compliance requirements affecting accounts payable
Key Holder
Loft
Flowood, MS
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Greet customers warmly and assist them in locating products within the store
- Operate the Point of Sale (POS) system efficiently for processing transactions
- Handle cash and credit transactions accurately while maintaining cash register integrity
- Conduct product demonstrations to educate customers about features and benefits
- Upsell products by identifying customer needs and recommending additional items
- Maintain a clean and organized sales floor, ensuring merchandise is well-displayed
- Provide excellent phone etiquette when answering customer inquiries or taking orders over the phone
- Collaborate with team members to achieve sales targets and enhance customer satisfaction
Grant Accountant
Tougaloo College Federal TRiO Programs
Tougaloo, MS
10.2019 - 05.2021
- Reconciled all unit accounts with Federal TRiO Programs to determine accurate flow of each account
- Facilitated smooth audits by maintaining organized documentation of all grant-related transactions and correspondence
- Maximized use of available funds by identifying opportunities for cost savings within existing budgets and reallocating resources accordingly
- Enhanced communication between departments with regular financial updates and insights related to grant-funded projects
- Reduced errors in financial reports by conducting thorough account reconciliations and reviewing budget allocations through financial Excel workbook and spreadsheets for each program
- Processed all weekly disbursements and end of month reports
- Projected budget expenditures over a four-year period
- Scheduled and conducted monthly budgetary meetings with Federal TRiO Programs Assistant Directors
- Assisted and worked directly with Federal TRiO Director for daily budget operations
- Developed and maintained a reasonable understanding of policies and operating procedures to ensure that all programs were in federal compliance
- Approved all purchase orders, travel advances, student stipends, and consultant forms for monetary request
- Approved expenditures based on program's budgets and submitted to Federal TRiO and Payroll Director
Beauty Advisor/Sales Associate
Locittaine En Provence
Ridgeland, MS
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Welcomed customers into the store
- Stayed knowledgeable about the companies range of beauty and skin products
- Explained to customers the best products for their needs
- Recommended related products to increase customers’ options and enrich the shopping experience
- Accepted and processed orders, operated the register and resolved returns and issues
Payroll Specialist
Jackson Public Schools
07.2017 - 09.2019
- Lead oversight of assigned administrative payroll, ensured semi and monthly payrolls were paid accurately and on time
- Assisted with training and orientation for new employees
- Assisted employees with inquiries regarding their paychecks, deductions, and other related issues, providing clear and concise communication
- Provided customer service to employees regarding payroll inquiries and issues
- Reduced payroll errors by conducting thorough audits and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner
- Maintained strict confidentiality of all payroll information and records
- Confirmed compliance with all applicable federal, state and local payroll laws and regulations
- Researched payroll errors and processed payments for federal and state taxes, social security, Medicare and various employee deductions, annuity contributions, and retirement plan withholdings
- Prepared year-end reports for W-2s and 1099s, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in tax filing
- Reconciled assigned monthly tax shelters
- Validated, processed, and filed assigned Time and Attendance Files
- Assisted with reconciliation processes and resolutions of any payroll discrepancies
- Finalized payment processing in respect of assigned school district payrolls
- Assisted and worked directly with the Payroll Coordinator for daily operations
- Demonstrated and maintained a positive customer service focus to both internal and external payroll employees
Sales Associate
Alter’d State
Ridgeland, MS
01.2017 - 12.2018
- Welcomed and engaged with customers as they enter the store
- Assessed customers’ needs for product recommendations
- Worked with cash registers and processed payments
- Set and attained sales goals
- Gave customers advice about sales and promotions
- Used upselling techniques to increase store sales
- Cleaning and restocking the store throughout the day, before opening and after closing
Human Resources and Accounting Specialist
The Source of Mississippi, LLC.
Jackson, MS
05.2007 - 06.2010
- Assist with recruitment processes, including job postings, candidate screening, and interview coordination
- Conduct new employee orientations and manage the onboarding process
- Maintain accurate employee records and HR databases, ensuring data integrity and compliance with regulations
- Address employee inquiries related to HR policies, benefits, and performance management
- Support employee engagement initiatives and training programs
- Ensure compliance with labor laws and organizational policies
- Process payroll accurately and on time, including managing deductions and benefits contributions
- Maintain payroll records, prepare payroll reports, and handle payroll-related inquiries from employees
- Assist with accounts payable and receivable functions, including invoice processing and payment tracking
- Prepare financial reports and assist in month-end closing activities
- Support audits by providing necessary documentation related to payroll and HR transactions
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS04.2024
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS05.2019
High School Diploma -
Jefferson County High School
Fayette, MS05.2002
Skills
- General ledger
- Audit support
- Bank reconciliation
- Team training
- Accounts payable
- Payroll processing
- Accounts receivable
- Grant management
- Nonprofit accounting
- Federal compliance
- Bookkeeping
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
- Ethical Leadership
- Emotional Intelligence
- Risk Assessment
- Strategic Thinking
- Delegation
- Industry Experience
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Key Holder
Loft
01.2023 - 12.2023
Senior AP Accountant/HR Support
Mississippi Public Health Institute
11.2021 - 08.2024
Human Resources Manager
Mississippi Public Health Institute
08.2021 - 12.2024
Grant Accountant
Tougaloo College Federal TRiO Programs
10.2019 - 05.2021
Beauty Advisor/Sales Associate
Locittaine En Provence
01.2019 - 12.2020
Payroll Specialist
Jackson Public Schools
07.2017 - 09.2019
Sales Associate
Alter’d State
01.2017 - 12.2018
Human Resources and Accounting Specialist
The Source of Mississippi, LLC.
05.2007 - 06.2010
MBA - Business Administration
Belhaven University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Mississippi College
High School Diploma -
Jefferson County High School
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