Kelsey Jackson

Finance, Accounting, and Administration:

• Spearheaded all financial functions, including accounting, budgeting, and auditing, ensuring precision and integrity in financial operations while maintaining rigorous adherence to internal controls, policies, and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) standards.
• Successfully orchestrated audit processes, resulting in a track record of consistent compliance and positive audit outcomes with no material weaknesses or deficiencies
• Collaborated closely with the Executive Director (ED) to formulate, implement, and monitor annual budgets, fostering fiscal responsibility.
• Produced comprehensive quarterly and annual expense reports, meticulously forecasting expenses, and providing robust justifications for variances.
• Developed and executed strategic financial plans, overseeing all financial operations to achieve organizational goals.
• Actively contributed as a vital member of the senior executive team, providing strategic insights and leadership across the organization.
• Identified and implemented policies and procedures to optimize office functions, enhancing overall operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Human Resources:

• Designed, implemented, and managed holistic human resources programs and policies covering staffing, compensation, and benefits, promoting a harmonious workplace.
• Ensured alignment of staff compensation with the approved salary structure, optimizing cost-effectiveness.
• Oversaw the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment and hiring to onboarding, training, engagement, retention, promotions, and terminations, enhancing talent management.
• Maintained up-to-date HR policies and procedures to guarantee compliance with state and federal laws, including ACA, ADA, and EEOC regulations.
• Collaborated with leadership and managers to strategize staff planning, develop comprehensive job descriptions, and implement professional development initiatives, fostering staff growth and advancement.
• Orchestrated yearly compliance training programs, ensuring that all employees were well-versed in legal and regulatory requirements, fostering a culture of compliance and risk mitigation.
• Established a robust system for quarterly employee feedback, gathering insights and suggestions from employees to drive continuous improvement in workplace satisfaction and productivity.

Contract Management, Procurement, Risk Management, and Legal:

• Directed and streamlined contract management processes, encompassing review, negotiation, reporting, financial control, budget management, and performance tracking, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
• Established and oversaw procurement procedures to uphold compliance with contractual and grant requirements while prioritizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Served as the primary liaison with insurance providers to secure comprehensive and cost-efficient business coverage, mitigating financial risks.
• Demonstrated effective leadership in managing contract, procurement, and legal teams.
• Communicated complex contractual and legal matters clearly to stakeholders and colleagues.
• Employed problem-solving skills to optimize contract and procurement processes.
• Promoted a culture of teamwork and collaboration in cross-functional teams, enhancing overall efficiency and performance.

Financial Management and Planning:

• Facilitate the annual budgeting process to analyze and project for each program area.
• Assist staff in developing budgets for existing and new programs, as well as for grant applications, reports, RFP responses, and other processes.
• Conduct comprehensive financial analysis to identify trends, evaluate performance, and provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with financial regulations, IRS guidelines, and relevant state and federal agencies.
• Manage grant budgets and oversee revenue recognition.
• Review contracts to ensure their alignment with the organization's objectives and financial health.
• Identify new services strategically and establish effective systems.

Analysis and Reporting:

• Prepare monthly financial reports for the organization that are clear, accessible, and professionally presented.
• Regularly update cash flow projections and present financial updates to stakeholders.
• Generate timely reports and in-depth financial analysis for program development, grant applications, and events, even on short notice.
• Manage the annual audit process, ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and oversee the preparation of Form 990 and compliance with funding report requirements.
• Lead external, donor, or government audits as required, while maintaining compliance with GAAP principles.
• Assist in preparing reports for foundations and other funders, including grant invoices and reports.

Human Resources Administration:

• Administer the organization's benefits package and act as a liaison with benefit providers.
• Enroll new employees, conduct orientations, and address HR inquiries from both new and current employees.
• Develop and implement performance management processes, including goal-setting, evaluations, and performance improvement plans.
• Create and maintain HR policies and ensure compliance with labor laws and industry regulations.
• Procure benefits packages, as necessary.

Financial Management

• Managed Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and general ledger functions, meticulously maintaining accurate financial records.
• Demonstrated proficiency in preparing comprehensive reconciliation and reporting schedules for independent auditors. Implemented internal audit controls to identify and resolve discrepancies, resulting in improved audit outcomes.
• Successfully developed and implemented agency-wide budgets, aligning financial goals with organizational objectives. Conducted monthly financial forecasting to track actual results against budgeted targets, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Vigilantly monitored and recorded all agency expenses to optimize cost-effectiveness. Reduced expenses through the development of detailed accounting schedules for yearly external audits. Prepared reports required by the State of Maryland to meet regulatory compliance.
• Monitored budget and revenue trends, compiling financial reports for company leadership to inform decision making.

Human Resources and Payroll

• Managed a range of HR-related duties, including payroll administration, recruitment, termination procedures, benefits management, and conducting performance evaluations. Ensured compliance with labor laws and company policies.
• Expertly processed payroll for a workforce of 100+ employees using ADP, ensuring timeliness and accuracy in salary disbursements.

Revenue and Strategic Planning

• Meticulously monitored agency revenue, overseeing the accuracy and timeliness of grant and contract payments. Proactively identified and secured additional funding sources to bolster financial stability.

• Actively contributed to the implementation and monitoring of the agency's strategic plan, aligning operational activities with long-term objectives. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive organizational growth and efficiency.

Leadership and Operations Management

• Supervised a team of 10 employees in the Wire Transfer and Bookkeeping Departments, providing guidance for efficient operations, team development, and compliance with bank policies and regulations.
• Oversaw all duties in the departments, ensuring 100% accuracy, risk management, and compliance.
• Managed Federal Reserve Adjustments, credit reviews, and requests, achieving a 95% successful resolution rate.
• Collaborated with other departments to align with regulatory changes and legal requirements.
• Managed relationships with third-party vendors and service providers.

Customer Service and Problem Resolution

• Acted as a point of contact for escalated customer inquiries or issues related to wire transfers, resolving them promptly and professionally to maintain high customer satisfaction.

Technical and Operational Skills

• Processed credit verifications using advanced software tools.
• Conducted various operational processing functions, including account reconciliations, statement generation, and data entry.
• Continuously reviewed and optimized wire transfer and bookkeeping processes to enhance efficiency and minimize errors.

Reporting and Compliance

• Prepared and submitted regular reports to senior management detailing departmental performance, key metrics, and compliance status.
• Assisted in internal and external audits, providing documentation and information as needed to demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements.