Latina A. LeFlore
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis,MN
22
years of professional experience
Grants and Finance Professional with a diverse background in pre-award administration, sponsored research proposal development, grant accounting, budgeting, and financial operations. Experienced in coordinating proposal submissions, developing budgets and justifications, preparing RPPRs and Other Support documentation, and collaborating with Principal Investigators, business and industry sponsors, and subcontract partners. Offers additional expertise in nonprofit grant accounting, accounts receivable and collections, fiscal-year budgeting, commercial real estate accounting, and individual and small business tax preparation. Recognized for financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, analytical problem-solving, and the ability to manage competing priorities while supporting organizational goals.
Work History
Grant and Contract Professional 3
3 Years 9 Months- Coordinate pre-award activities and proposal development for sponsored research submissions, ensuring compliance with university policies and sponsor requirements.
- Develop, review, and revise proposal budgets
- Coordinate proposal documents and submission requirements with principal investigators, research teams, departmental administrators, and central research administration offices
- multiple proposals and competing deadlines while maintaining accurate records, tracking submission requirements, and communicating outstanding needs to investigators and collaborators.
- Prepare and coordinate Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs) for NIH-funded projects, ensuring required progress updates, supporting documentation, and submission materials are assembled accurately and by established deadlines
- Prepare and review NIH Other Support documentation to ensure accurate and complete reporting of an investigator’s active and pending research support, in accordance with sponsor requirements.
- Review sponsor guidelines, funding announcements, and contractual requirements to identify applicable submission instructions, budget restrictions, and compliance obligations.
- Support sponsored research agreements, subcontract arrangements, award transfers, and supplemental funding requests by coordinating documentation with internal and external stakeholders.
Tax Specialist
2 Years 1 Month- Prepared individual income tax returns and small business tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable federal and state tax requirements.
- Reviewed tax documents, identified deductions and credits, and resolved missing information.
- Explained tax results and filing requirements to clients clearly and professionally.
- Managed multiple tax returns and filing deadlines while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy, and quality client service.
Real Estate Accountant (Contractor)
6 Months- Performed accounting activities for commercial real estate properties, maintaining accurate financial records and supporting property-level financial operations
- Reviewed and processed financial transactions, including accounts payable, property expenses, and other accounting entries
- Collaborated with internal teams, property management personnel, and other stakeholders to resolve accounting issues and obtain necessary financial information
- Analyzed property-related expenses and financial transactions to identify discrepancies, research variances, and support accurate reporting
Accounts Payable Accountant
5 Months- Processed high-volume accounts payable transactions and reviewed invoices for accuracy and compliance
- Resolved payment and account discrepancies through reconciliations and research.
- Prepared journal entries, accruals, and supporting documentation for close and audits.
- Supported internal controls and process improvements
Senior Grant Accountant
10 Months- Managed financial accounting activities for grant-funded programs, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance with grant agreements, funding requirements, and organizational policies
- Monitored grant budgets and expenditures, analyzed variances, and reviewed spending to ensure funds were used in accordance with approved budgets and funding restrictions
- Prepared and reviewed grant financial reports for internal management, program leadership, and external funding organizations
- Coordinated with program managers and other internal stakeholders to resolve discrepancies, obtain supporting documentation, and communicate grant financial information
- Assisted with grant closeout activities, including reviewing final expenditures, reconciling accounts, and ensuring financial documentation was complete
- Identified opportunities to improve accounting procedures, strengthen financial controls, and support efficient grant financial operations
Finance Contractor
3 Years 3 Months- Provided financial and administrative support on a contract basis
- Performed financial analysis, budgeting, reconciliations, reporting, and transaction review.
- Collaborated with departments and finance staff to resolve issues and improve processes.
Finance Professional 3
7 Years 10 Months- Performed financial and accounting activities to support university operations, ensuring accurate transaction processing and compliance with established financial policies and procedures.
- Reviewed financial transactions, analyzed account activity, and researched discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.
- Monitored expenditures and financial activity to support budget oversight, fiscal accountability, and compliance with university guidelines.
- Applied university financial policies and procedures to support consistent, accurate, and timely financial processing.
- Managed multiple assignments and competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and effective communication.
- Prepared and reviewed annual operating budgets to ensure accuracy and alignment with departmental financial needs and university budgeting requirements.
- Prepared financial reports and budget analyses to communicate spending trends, projected needs, and available resources.
Principal Accountant
4 Years 1 Month- Followed up on past-due balances and resolving delinquent accounts
- Researching unapplied cash, reconciling accounts, and correcting discrepancies
- Preparing aging reports, tracking outstanding balances, and analyzing receivables
- Preparing aging reports, tracking outstanding balances, and analyzing receivables
- Supported legal and small business liaison responsibilities.
Education
Associate of Science
Bachelor of Science
Skills
Pre-Award Administration & Proposal Development
Reporting & Compliance
Subcontract & Consortium Coordination
Grant Accounting & Budget Management
Fiscal-Year Budgeting
Collections & Financial Operations
Individual & Small Business Tax Preparation
Teamwork and collaboration
Timeline
Grant and Contract Professional 3
University of Minnesota
01.2023 - CurrentRead More
Tax Specialist
Block Advisors
11.2022 - 12.2024Read More
Real Estate Accountant (Contractor)
CBRE
05.2022 - 11.2022Read More
Accounts Payable Accountant
UnitedHealth Group — Federal Health Services (Contractor)
08.2021 - 01.2022Read More
Senior Grant Accountant
Hope Community Inc. (Contractor)
09.2020 - 07.2021Read More
Finance Contractor
University of Minnesota
05.2017 - 08.2020Read More
Finance Professional 3
University of Minnesota
08.2008 - 06.2016Read More
Principal Accountant
University of Minnesota
07.2004 - 08.2008Read More
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Science
Read More
Anoka Ramsey Community College
Associate of Science
Read More