LISA MERRITT
Summary
Results-oriented Accounting Professional experienced in accounting, financial analysis, and audit-related settings. Achieved process improvements through attention to detail and a commitment to quality, accuracy, and efficiency. Focused on leveraging skills to contribute to organizational success.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Accountant Specialist
Gerdau Ameristeel
Petersburg
09.2019 - Current
- Processed high volume transactions and addressed vendor and internal inquiries with a focus on customer service.
- Processing includes the entry of Accounts Payable transactions including 3-way match, the intake and sorting of incoming correspondence from vendors (mail, e-mail, fax), as well as identifying exceptions to the standard processes according to the Procure to Pay policies.
- Reported to Mill Controller while utilizing overall process guidance from Procure to Pay resources.
- Prepared journal entries and Account Reconciliations in every week.
- Managed accounts payable module for processing vendor payments efficiently.
- Ensured accurate and timely Accounts Payable entries in integrated ERP system to capture eligible cash discounts and meet A/P processing SLAs and KPIs.
- Ensure proper tax codes are applied to vendor invoices per policy.
- Properly identify, log and forward exceptions for error resolution utilizing the systems in place.
- Communicate with vendors and internal personnel in a timely and professional manner to resolve issues.
- Monitored compliance with company and legal/regulatory requirements including SOX, OFAC, internal/external audits, and IRS.
- Run and maintain standard reports associated with accounts payable activities.
- Review and communicate about root causes of exceptions to buyers where possible.
- Lawson and SAP.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills in addressing financial issues.
- Able to work effectively in a team environment, as well with customers and external parties.
- Ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment.
Accountant
Motion Industries
Richmond
07.2015 - 09.2019
- Handled customer billing, sorted and mailed customer invoices, and entered credits.
- Collections: Uses system tools to identify accounts that need to be contacted to collect past due payments; may perform collections calls to customers with invoices past due; tracks collection status in the system.
- Processed month-end journal entries and ensured completeness of balance sheet reconciliation.
- Supported Accounts Payable by processing expense, freight, and inventory invoices while escalating 3 Way Match exceptions to Branch Operations Manager for resolution.
- Developed report reconciliation for expenses allocated to various locations, detailing parameters for accurate billing and payments.
- Managed computer systems including Peoplesoft and Eco to ensure efficient operations.
Accountant
MMAL LLC
Colonial Heights
04.2011 - 07.2014
- Managed financial records to uphold compliance with accounting standards, contributing to accurate reporting and financial integrity.
- Prepared accurate monthly financial statements for internal review.
- Conducted audits to verify accuracy of financial transactions and reports, ensuring reliability of financial data for decision-making.
- Managed customer service, payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, yearly employee taxes, monthly retail sales tax reports, and reconciliations to ensure accurate financial operations and compliance.
Account Specialist
Carpenter Co
Richmond
02.2007 - 04.2011
- Managed customer accounts and maintained strong client relationships.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints, improving overall customer experience.
- Coordinated product orders and ensured timely delivery, enhancing client satisfaction.
- Performed a variety of routine crediting and collection duties, maintained customer records, utilized collection software, edited follow-up faxes, verified data, and contacted customers and employees to resolve routine problems.
Office Coordinator
Southside Regional Medical Center
Petersburg
11.2000 - 08.2005
Administrative Assistant
Iluka Resources Inc
Stoney Creek
03.1999 - 11.2000
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings for senior management teams to facilitate effective communication and decision-making.
- Prepared reports and presentations to support corporate initiatives and enhance team understanding of key projects.
- Managed office supplies and inventory for efficient operations.
- Managed employee files, vacation balances, bi-weekly payroll, employee health/dental coverage, interviewing, reference checks, physicals, newspaper ads, accounts receivable backup, and travel accommodations for corporate employees and guests.
Stitches
Petersburg
03.1996 - 01.1999
- Responsible for customer service, payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, yearly employee taxes, monthly retail sales tax reports, daily reports, daily inventory, year-end inventory, purchasing, store displays, hiring employees for the store.
Skills
- Accounting
- Auditing standards
- Accounts payable
- Accounts receivable management
- Account Reconciliation
- QuickBooks
- Data analysis
- Microsoft Microsoft Excel
- Excel
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Exception resolution
Timeline
Senior Accountant Specialist
Gerdau Ameristeel
09.2019 - Current
Accountant
Motion Industries
07.2015 - 09.2019
Accountant
MMAL LLC
04.2011 - 07.2014
Account Specialist
Carpenter Co
02.2007 - 04.2011
Office Coordinator
Southside Regional Medical Center
11.2000 - 08.2005
Administrative Assistant
Iluka Resources Inc
03.1999 - 11.2000
Stitches
03.1996 - 01.1999