Lori S. Baker
Business Manager
North Zulch,TX
Summary
Dynamic Business Manager with extensive experience at North Zulch Independent School District, excelling in budget oversight and financial reporting. Proven track record in team leadership and compliance, successfully managing multimillion-dollar budgets and enhancing operational efficiency. Skilled in Microsoft Excel and project management, driving strategic initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Manager
North Zulch Independent School District
North Zulch, TX
09.2020 - Current
- Directed district-wide operations in accounting, payroll, purchasing, benefits, and grants.
- Developed multimillion-dollar budgets aligned with district objectives and TEA requirements.
- Maintained general ledger and financial records; prepared monthly board reports and annual audit schedules.
- Oversaw payroll operations including timesheet processing, benefits enrollment, IRS/TRS filings, and compliance reporting.
- Administered employee benefits programs, facilitating open enrollment and vendor communications.
- Managed purchasing activities to ensure compliance with legal standards and efficient procurement processes.
- Coordinated federal and state grant applications, budgeting, compliance, reimbursements, and audits.
- Balanced district investment portfolio to enhance cash flow management and fiduciary responsibility.
- Ensured full compliance with TEA, IRS, TRS, TDA, and federal financial regulations.
Tax Manager - International Compliance
Occidental Petroleum Corporation
The Woodlands, TX
08.2019 - 12.2020
- Managed preparation and compliance of foreign country income tax returns during Anadarko's ownership transition to Occidental.
- Supported income tax audits and negotiated with government entities to secure regulatory compliance.
- Prepared and reviewed monthly, quarterly, and yearly international income tax reports for U.S. and foreign financial statements.
- Compiled procedures, detailed notes, and necessary data on remaining foreign assets for potential asset sales or governmental audits.
Tax Manager - International Compliance
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
The Woodlands, TX
01.2015 - 08.2019
- Managed U.S. Federal income tax preparation for foreign business operations, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Reviewed international income tax reporting for financial statements, including budgeting and forecasting up to five years.
- Conducted detailed reviews of tax documentation to identify discrepancies and mitigate risks.
- Developed strategies to minimize tax liabilities while adhering to applicable laws and regulations.
- Provided support for SEC mandatory filings and IRS audits as required.
Senior Tax Analyst - International Planning
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
The Woodlands, TX
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Analyzed potential transactions for U.S. and foreign income tax implications over five-year forecasts.
- Monitored proposed law changes to assess impact on tax strategies.
- Updated cash position of foreign entities in real-time, including cash repatriation data.
- Developed process efficiencies to enhance analysis speed using current data.
Tax Analyst - Federal, State and Fixed Assets
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
The Woodlands, TX
03.2001 - 01.2006
- Prepared U.S. federal and state income tax returns, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Analyzed fixed asset additions for accurate federal and state tax reporting.
- Developed process efficiencies to enhance data analysis speed using various software tools.
- Reconciled book and tax basis for fixed asset additions across the organization.
Tax Manager & Auditor
Hereford, Lynch, Sellars & Kirkham CPA Firm
Cleveland, TX
07.1998 - 03.2001
- Oversaw income tax preparation for over 200 clients at small CPA firm.
- Conducted audits for various school districts and municipalities, preparing detailed reports and financial statements.
Education
MBA - Concentration in School Finance And Operations
Concordia University
Austin, TX12.2022
Master of Science - Taxation
Golden Gate University
San Frisco, CA04.2010
BBA - Accounting
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX12.1991
Skills
- Budgeting and finance
- Financial reporting
- Data analysis
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning
- Policy development
- Safety
- Payroll administration
- Grant management
- Microsoft Excel and Word
- PowerPoint presentations
- Note-taking applications
Belief
Every decision in a school district—academic, operational, or financial—should empower students and staff to reach their full potential in a dynamic, equitable, and safe learning environment that prepares them for the future.
Certification
- Texas Superintendent Certification EC-12, July 2025
- Texas Certified Public Accountant, License #080909, 03/01/02, Present
- Certified Texas School Business Official, 10/01/23, Present, Texas Association of School Business Officials
Affiliations
- Youth Basketball Coach & Treasurer - North Zulch Little Dribblers (10/2016 – Present)
Coached 1st & 2nd grade girls all eight years and 3rd thru 6th grade girls for four years
Treasurer since 2020
- Volunteer & Treasurer - North Zulch Booster Club (08/2016 – Present)
Responsible for organizing and promoting semi-annual raffle events for our 501(c)(3) organization
Assist as needed for other fundraising events and county fair events; became Treasurer in 2020
- FFA & 4-H Livestock Judging Coordinator - Caney Creek FFA, North Zulch FFA, & Madison County 4-H (03/2012 – 02/2020)
Organized practices, contest dates, and transportation for local 4-H & FFA students
Placed 1st at Houston Livestock Rodeo in 2016
- Youth Basketball Coach - The Woodlands Family YMCA (08/2005 – 04/2009)
Coached girls basketball for ages 6 to 10
References
- Kevin Compton, Superintendent, North Zulch ISD, comptonk@nzisd.org, 936-241-7101
- Janie Pope, Elementary Principal, North Zulch ISD, jpope@nzisd.org, 936-241-7100 x1706
- Kori Batten, Counselor, North Zulch ISD, battenk@nzisd.org, 936-241-7104
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