Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Linda Bernal

Bakersfield

Summary

Dynamic finance professional with extensive experience at Vita-Pakt Citrus Products Co., excelling in tax compliance and payroll administration. Proven track record in enhancing billing efficiency and streamlining audit processes. Adept at leading teams and implementing software solutions, ensuring accuracy and integrity in financial reporting and operations.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant Controller

Vita-Pakt Citrus Products Co.
Bakersfield
01.2023 - 06.2024
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure accurate data entry and reporting.
  • Maintained financial records using accounting software and tools effectively.
  • Participated in audits by gathering necessary documentation and information.
  • Contributed to process improvements by identifying inefficiencies in workflows.
  • Identified opportunities to improve processes through automation or improved controls over data accuracy.
  • Conducted month-end closing activities such as accruals, amortization of prepaid expenses and other adjustments.
  • Administered payroll for employees and oversaw corporate payroll reconciliation and tax activities.
  • Improved billing and month-end reporting processes.

Controller

Vita-Pakt Citrus Products Co.
Bakersfield
11.2016 - 12.2022
  • Updated billing procedures to improve overall efficiency and reduce accounts receivable.
  • Advised executives on contracts with significant financial implications.
  • Implemented multiple software conversions, desktop setup, and staff training.
  • Controlled revenue collection systems to maintain information quality and integrity.
  • Improved billing and month-end reporting processes.
  • Managed AP and AR operations, coordinating staff workflows and reviewing completed work to reduce errors.
  • Identified areas for improvement within the finance department operations and processes.
  • Administered payroll for employees and oversaw corporate payroll reconciliation and tax activities.
  • Oversaw financial reporting, accounts payable and receivable, asset coordination, account management and budgets.
  • Monitored accounting, payroll and financial reporting activities.
  • Conducted regular reviews of fixed assets register to maintain accuracy of records.
  • Maintained general ledger integrity through review of account balances and transactions ensuring accuracy of information reported in the financial statements.
  • Provided support during audits conducted by outside agencies or internal audit teams.
  • Reviewed journal entries for accuracy and completeness.
  • Monitored accounts receivable and payable activity to ensure proper reconciliation of accounts.
  • Served as primary contact for external auditors throughout year-end audit process.
  • Oversaw daily activities of staff members including hiring, training and evaluating personnel performance.
  • Coordinated audits with external firms to maintain transparency and accountability.
  • Oversaw accounts payable and receivable functions for accurate record-keeping.

Accounting Manager

Citrus Industries and All Seasons Logistics
Bakersfield
07.2012 - 10.2016
  • Supported accounts payable by processing invoices and expense reports accurately.
  • Collaborated with team members to reconcile bank statements monthly.
  • Reviewed transactions for accuracy and resolved discrepancies promptly.
  • Helped implement accounting software systems to streamline processes effectively.
  • Communicated regularly with vendors to clarify billing issues and resolve queries.
  • Monitored cash flow, prepared bank reconciliations, and managed accounts payable and receivable functions.
  • Ensured timely payment of invoices from vendors or suppliers according to contractual agreements.
  • Verified and posted account transactions to prepare checks and maintain accounting ledgers.
  • Created reports summarizing current financial status by collecting analyzing and presenting key data points.

Office Manager

Pure Energy Solar, Inc.
Bakersfield
08.2007 - 04.2012
  • Assisted in scheduling appointments and meetings for team members.
  • Coordinated communication between departments to streamline processes.
  • Maintained organized filing systems for documents and records.
  • Supported new employee onboarding by preparing materials and resources.
  • Handled incoming calls and responded to inquiries promptly.
  • Maintained filing system for records, correspondence and other documents.
  • Tracked invoices and payments to ensure accuracy of accounts receivable and payable information.
  • Monitored payments due from clients and promptly contacted clients with past due payments.
  • Resolved customer inquiries in a timely manner while maintaining positive relationships with clients.
  • Performed general bookkeeping duties such as reconciling bank statements and creating journal entries.
  • Maintained impeccable office organization to support efficiency, professionalism and performance objectives.
  • Reviewed files and records to obtain information and respond to requests.
  • Organized company events including holiday parties, team building activities .
  • Reviewed contracts for accuracy prior to signing off on behalf of the company.
  • Resolved customer complaints or answered customers' questions.

Production Supervisor/Escrow Assistant

Fidelity National Title Company
Bakersfield
04.2003 - 06.2007
  • Communicated effectively with other departments to ensure smooth workflow from start to finish.
  • Managed communication between buyers, sellers, and agents throughout the closing process.
  • Reviewed contracts to ensure compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
  • Scheduled appointments for signings and coordinated logistics with all parties involved.
  • Prepared disbursement instructions and monitored fund transfers for timely completion.
  • Ordered demands, HOA statements, evidence of insurance and other required documents.
  • Reviewed title reports to ensure accuracy of information before closing.
  • Resolved issues related to escrow accounts by communicating with customers and lenders.
  • Notarized documents when necessary during the course of a transaction.
  • Drafted settlement statements for review by both parties prior to closing.
  • Prepared forms for real estate transactions such as deeds, mortgages, and other legal documents.
  • Put together closing statements for buyer and seller review.
  • Maintained accurate records of all escrow accounts and transactions.
  • Verified accuracy of loan documents prior to closing.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management

California State University, Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
11-1997

Associate of Arts - Economics

Bakersfield Junior College
Bakersfield, CA
06-1994

Skills

  • Tax compliance
  • Payroll administration
  • Audit coordination
  • Accounts payable
  • Data analysis
  • Software implementation
  • Team leadership
  • Effective communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Closing procedures
  • Auditing procedures
  • ERP systems expertise
  • Staff training and development
  • Bank account reconciliations
  • AP and AR management
  • Journal entries
  • Fixed asset management
  • Accounts receivable management
  • Month-end closing
  • Year-end closing

Timeline

Assistant Controller

Vita-Pakt Citrus Products Co.
01.2023 - 06.2024

Controller

Vita-Pakt Citrus Products Co.
11.2016 - 12.2022

Accounting Manager

Citrus Industries and All Seasons Logistics
07.2012 - 10.2016

Office Manager

Pure Energy Solar, Inc.
08.2007 - 04.2012

Production Supervisor/Escrow Assistant

Fidelity National Title Company
04.2003 - 06.2007

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management

California State University, Bakersfield

Associate of Arts - Economics

Bakersfield Junior College

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Linda Bernal