Karlene Berry
McDonough,USA
Summary
Dynamic finance professional with extensive experience at Le Meridien Hotel, excelling in financial reporting and budget management. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy, while fostering team collaboration. Adept at accounts receivable management and delivering exceptional customer service, driving profitability and compliance in fast-paced environments. Accomplished professional with several years of expertise overseeing accounting functions for multinational companies. Proficient in directing end-to-end accounting cycles, financial reporting and policy and procedure development. Well versed in other statutory requirements.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Controller
Le Meridien Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia
11.2024 - Current
- Implemented filing systems, improving document retrieval times.
- Provided support to management in areas such as recruitment, training, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions.
- Maintained inventory levels of office supplies, placing orders when necessary.
- Organized team building activities designed to improve morale among staff members.
- Assisted with the organization and execution of corporate events and meetings.
- Prepared Invoices for payment processing according to established guidelines.
- Conducted data entry tasks with high attention to detail and accuracy.
- Assisted with the development and implementation of staff policies and procedures.
- Assisted in the onboarding process for new hires, preparing necessary documents and resources.
- Managed financial reporting and compliance for luxury hotel operations.
- Oversaw budgeting processes and financial forecasts for departmental projects.
- Collaborated with department heads to analyze cost efficiency and expense management.
- Facilitated audits by preparing financial documentation and reports for review.
- Trained junior accounting staff on financial systems and procedures at the hotel.
- Developed internal controls to enhance financial accuracy and accountability standards.
- Coordinated month-end closing activities, ensuring timely completion of reports.
- Implemented best practices for revenue recognition in hospitality finance operations.
- Ensured compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles standards.
- Reviewed and analyzed financial reports, accounts payable and receivable and payroll records to identify discrepancies.
- Oversaw cash and merchant services, as well as processing of accounts payable and receivable, to ensure invoices were paid on time.
- Collaborated closely with various departments within the organization to ensure accurate reporting of financial information.
- Assisted in the development of annual budgets and forecasts.
- Managed AP and AR operations, coordinating staff workflows and reviewing completed work to reduce errors.
- Coordinated and finalized quarterly and annual financial reporting packages.
- Contacted customers to collect outstanding payments, negotiated installment methods, and processed payments.
- Reviewed sales numbers and calculated commissions.
- Supervised and coordinated assigned audits ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
- Maintained relationships with banks while performing periodic reviews of banking services available in order to ensure best practices are being followed.
- Provided technical guidance to staff on accounting issues related to revenue recognition, fixed assets management, cost allocation methods.
- Coordinated external audits with auditors; reviewed audit findings and recommendations with senior leadership team members.
- Participated in special projects related to improving operational efficiencies within the department.
- Conducted month-end closing activities such as accruals, amortization of prepaid expenses and other adjustments.
Accounting Manager
Hilton Charlotte University Place
Charlotte, North Carolina
03.2024 - 11.2024
- Managed relationships with tax authorities, bankers, and auditors to ensure compliance.
- Oversaw daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, for hotel financial reporting.
- Produced accurate financial statements, reports, and budget frameworks for strategic initiatives.
- Analyzed financial data to identify trends and develop strategies for profitability enhancement.
- Implemented budget tracking systems to monitor departmental spending effectively.
- Supervised a team of accountants to ensure accuracy in financial transactions.
- Conducted regular process reviews to recommend necessary improvements for efficiency.
- Prepared monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP standards.
- Managed daily accounting operations for hotel financial reporting and compliance.
- Oversaw team in processing invoices and payments efficiently.
- Prepared monthly financial statements and reconciled accounts regularly.
- Monitored cash flow, prepared bank reconciliations, and managed accounts payable and receivable functions.
- Prepared month-end closing entries for detailed reporting and recordkeeping.
Task Force Controller
Wenzell and Fisher Hospitality Group
Ft Lauderdale, Florida
11.2023 - 02.2024
- Improved billing and month-end reporting processes.
- Updated billing procedures to improve overall efficiency and reduce accounts receivable.
- Monitored accounting, payroll and financial reporting activities.
- Managed day-to-day finance operations by working closely with accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll staff to provide direction.
- Reviewed sales numbers and calculated commissions.
- Oversaw month-end closing process, prepared financial statements and managed advanced reconciliations.
- Maintained general ledger and chart of accounts, performed complex accounting functions such as journal entry preparation, account analysis, balance sheet reconciliation and preparation of quarterly financial statements.
- Managed financial reporting and analysis for hospitality operations.
- Coordinated audits and maintained accurate financial records for the group.
- Reviewed vendor contracts to optimize cost management and service quality.
- Reviewed journal entries for accuracy and completeness.
Staff Accountant
Hilton Airport Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia
11.2022 - 11.2023
- Performed variance analysis to compare budgeted figures against actuals, highlighting areas of concern.
- Managed large amounts of financial data using balance sheets, profit and loss reports and online databases.
- Generated financial reports for management review including income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement.
- Managed Inventory accounting, ensuring valuation accuracy and stock level optimization.
- Analyzed existing accounting processes to recommend improvements in efficiency or effectiveness.
- Investigated and resolved billing issues to maximize cash flow and minimize liabilities.
- Delivered superior level of customer service to small business clients.
- Reconciled company bank statements and bookkeeping ledgers.
- Presented audit results to management teams, delivering information in non-technical terms for easy understanding.
- Gathered banking transactions via statements, recorded activity in Excel format and reconciled balances.
- Conducted monthly and year-end close processes, enhancing financial reporting timeliness.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable, Improving cash flow management.
- Prepared detailed account reconciliations for various balance sheet accounts.
- Analyzed variances in financial reports and communicated findings to management.
- Reviewed invoices and expense reports for compliance with company policies.
- Prepared monthly account reconciliations for bank accounts, credit cards, and other balance sheet accounts.
- Compiled and prepared journal entries to ensure accurate general ledger records.
- Managed accounts receivable activities such as invoicing customers, applying payments received, monitoring customer balances.
- Participated in special projects as needed.
- Developed policies and procedures related to accounting functions.
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Sonesta Northwest Hotel
Atlanta, GA
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Managed financial operations, month-end reporting, financial schedules and reconciliations.
- Performed variance analysis to compare budgeted figures against actuals, highlighting areas of concern.
- Assessed accuracy, completeness, and integrity of corporate financial records.
- Reviewed and reconciled discrepancies in accounts and financial documentation.
- Reviewed accounts payable invoices for accuracy prior to payment processing.
- Performed month-end close activities such as accruals, amortization, allocations.
- Reconciled company bank statements and bookkeeping ledgers.
- Analyzed existing accounting processes to recommend improvements in efficiency or effectiveness.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable, improving cash flow management.
- Developed policies and procedures related to accounting functions.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable processes for hotel operations.
- Prepared financial statements and reports for management review.
- Trained junior staff on accounting procedures and software usage.
- Prepared monthly account reconciliations for bank accounts, credit cards, and other balance sheet accounts.
- Compiled and prepared journal entries to ensure accurate general ledger records.
- Managed accounts receivable activities such as invoicing customers, applying payments received, monitoring customer balances.
Task Front Desk Manager
Kimpton Hotels
Atlanta, Georgia
01.2021 - 08.2021
- Completed month-end and year-end closings, kept records audit-ready and monitored timely recording of accounting transactions.
- Analyzed actual financial results to budget, preparing variance reporting to functional groups.
- Managed and coordinated the daily activities of front desk staff.
- Trained, developed and provided performance management initiatives to audit staff.
- Responded promptly to guest inquiries regarding reservations, or other matters related to their stay at the hotel.
- Communicated audit plans to executive management team.
- Created weekly schedules for front desk staff according to occupancy levels.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner.
- Managed daily front desk operations at a prestigious hotel brand.
- Supervised front desk staff to ensure exceptional guest service.
- Coordinated guest check-ins and check-outs efficiently and accurately.
- Resolved guest complaints to maintain high satisfaction levels.
TASK FORCE FRONT DESK MANAGER
Sheraton Minneapolis West
Minnetonka, Minnesota
10.2020 - 01.2021
- Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
- Processed employee time sheets, payroll information and other administrative documents.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Corrected guest issues promptly with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Worked with room service, housekeeping, maintenance and security to meet all guest needs.
- Handled payment processing and provided customers with receipts and proper bills and change.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Hosted office meetings with staff to answer questions, resolve issues and keep employees informed of changes.
- Supervised a team of 3 front desk agents ensuring tasks were completed efficiently and effectively.
- Provided concierge services for guests.
- Received Incoming calls and coordinated with staff to fulfill customer requests.
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Wyndham Garden Marietta
Marietta, GA
02.2017 - 09.2020
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for employees to ensure quality standards were maintained.
- Managed payroll, scheduling, and timekeeping systems accurately and efficiently.
- Disciplined and maintained staff to deliver hospitable, professional service reflecting business initiatives.
- Managed store cash intake with high accuracy and prepared daily bank deposits.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring efficiency and compliance with company standards.
- Coordinated with the General Manager to develop and implement strategic plans.
- Ensured that customer service standards were met or exceeded at all times.
- Helped team develop specialized projects, events and promotions.
- Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
Assistant Front Desk Manager
Sheraton Downtown Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
04.2015 - 01.2017
- Generated reports detailing daily actions, guest numbers, accounting expenses and income and room service usage.
- Corrected guest issues promptly with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Coordinated check-out processes including verifying room charges, collecting payment and issuing receipts.
- Managed guest check-in and check-out procedures, reservations, and payments.
- Developed lasting relationships with guests that built loyalty and drove hotel revenue.
- Posted room charges for food, liquor and telephone calls based on individual customer actions.
- Evaluated employee performance through regular feedback sessions and annual reviews.
- Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
- Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
- Managed front desk operations and ensured smooth guest check-in processes.
- Trained and supervised front desk staff on customer service protocols.
- Coordinated communication between departments to address guest needs efficiently.
- Scheduled staff shifts to maintain optimal coverage during peak hours.
- Implemented front desk procedures to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy.
- Assisted in managing reservations using property management systems effectively.
- Provided support for hotel events, ensuring seamless guest experiences during functions.
- Assisted with check-in and check-out procedures for guests.
- Arranged special accommodations for guests to enhance visitor experiences.
- Handled customer inquiries in a professional and courteous manner.
- Coordinated with housekeeping staff to ensure that rooms are cleaned in a timely manner.
- Managed schedules for front desk personnel including assigning shifts according to business needs.
- Maintained cleanliness standards in the lobby area at all times by performing regular checks throughout the day.
- Worked closely with other departments such as housekeeping and maintenance in order to ensure smooth operations.
- Greeted and welcomed guests to the front desk.
- Prepared daily reports on occupancy levels, reservations, sales figures.
- Tracked inventory of office supplies such as stationery items, forms.
- Enforced safety regulations within the lobby area by monitoring visitors closely.
- Resolved guest complaints efficiently and effectively while maintaining professionalism at all times.
- Responsible for training new employees on proper front desk operations and procedures.
FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR
Courtyard By Marriott
Tucker, GA
02.2013 - 04.2015
- Processed payments, cashiering duties and credit card transactions accurately.
- Collaborated with staff to meet incoming guest needs, smooth check-in processes and maximize satisfaction.
- Provided concierge services for guests.
- Monitored staff performance and provided feedback when necessary.
- Hosted office meetings with staff to answer questions, resolve issues and keep employees informed of changes.
- Mentored new staff on correct procedures, compliance requirements and performance strategies.
- Developed policies and procedures related to front desk operations.
NIGHT AUDITOR
Wyndham Deerfield Resort
Deerfield, Florida
01.2010 - 02.2013
- Assisted guests at check-in, providing information on various services within hotel.
- Greeted arriving guests and checked them in to their rooms.
- Monitored hotel occupancy, rate availability, and special requests or needs of guests.
- Recorded guest comments or complaints, escalating to management for immediate resolution.
- Managed late check-ins and provided information on hotel amenities, including dining establishments, spa hours and room service.
- Completed nightly updates to hotel rates and individual room charges.
- Kept records of room availability and guest accounts, manually or using computers.
- Input and confirmed reservations for guests.
- Answered telephone calls from customers related to billing inquiries or complaints.
- Received payments from customers via cash or credit cards.
- Performed balance procedures for hotel accounts and resolved discrepancies.
- Assessed checklist on daily basis and planned shift accordingly.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Rosen College Of Hospitality Managementospita
Orlando, FL06-2026
Associate of Arts - Cosmetology
International School of Beauty
Fort Lauderdale, FL03.2000
High School Diploma -
John Dewey High School
Brooklyn, NY06.1987
Some College (No Degree) - Massage Therapy/License
Florida Career College
Miami, FLSkills
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Budget management
- Team collaboration
- Accounting software proficiency
- Customer service excellence
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
- Multitasking abilities
- Inventory management
- Financial reporting
- Accounts receivable management
- General ledger accounting
- Bank reconciliation
- Accounts payable management
- Cash flow management
- Month-end and year-end closings
Websites
Timeline
Assistant Controller
Le Meridien Hotel
11.2024 - Current
Accounting Manager
Hilton Charlotte University Place
03.2024 - 11.2024
Task Force Controller
Wenzell and Fisher Hospitality Group
11.2023 - 02.2024
Staff Accountant
Hilton Airport Atlanta Hotel
11.2022 - 11.2023
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Sonesta Northwest Hotel
08.2021 - 11.2022
Task Front Desk Manager
Kimpton Hotels
01.2021 - 08.2021
TASK FORCE FRONT DESK MANAGER
Sheraton Minneapolis West
10.2020 - 01.2021
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Wyndham Garden Marietta
02.2017 - 09.2020
Assistant Front Desk Manager
Sheraton Downtown Atlanta
04.2015 - 01.2017
FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR
Courtyard By Marriott
02.2013 - 04.2015
NIGHT AUDITOR
Wyndham Deerfield Resort
01.2010 - 02.2013
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Rosen College Of Hospitality Managementospita
Associate of Arts - Cosmetology
International School of Beauty
High School Diploma -
John Dewey High School
Some College (No Degree) - Massage Therapy/License
Florida Career College