Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Lorna McPhail

Topeka

Summary

Accomplished professional with expertise in accounting, forecasting, strategic planning, and operations. Known for systematic problem-solving and project management skills. Proactive leader focused on identifying cost-saving opportunities and aligning financial initiatives with strategic goals. Skilled auditor with a track record of process analysis and improvement recommendations. Thrives in fast-paced, collaborative environments, excelling both independently and as part of a team. Finance specialist with a solid background in accounting and financial reporting, recognized for optimizing processes and ensuring data accuracy. Adaptable and collaborative team player with strong financial analysis skills.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Staff Accountant

Capstan Ag Systems, Inc.
05.2022 - Current


  • Reduced month-end closing time by automating manual tasks and closely monitoring the reconciliation process.
  • Trained and mentored junior staff members, increasing overall productivity within the accounting department.
  • Increased efficiency in accounts payable and receivable management, leading to improved cash flow.
  • Improved financial forecasting by conducting thorough variance analysis and identifying trends.
  • Identified areas for operational improvement by conducting regular reviews of financial systems and processes.
  • Prepared and processed journal entries to record in general ledger and maintain consistent documentation.
  • Monitored accounts receivable, accounts payable and other account balances to track transactions, avoid discrepancies and maintain accuracy.
  • Executed financial reporting, managing prepaid accounts, schedules, reconciliations, event settlements, and month-end accruals.
  • Maintained fixed asset records and depreciation schedules to establish accurate calculations.
  • Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts.
  • Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.

Director of Business & Finance

USD #345 Seaman School District
02.2020 - 05.2021
  • Utilized technical skills to implement a new database for the automation of accounts payable workflow. This led to the transition of a paperless process, creating a streamlined approach, creating efficiencies, establishing separation of duties, and providing internal controls.
  • De-centralized the annual budget, creating individual budgets for each building and/or director to create accountability and ownership.
  • Prepared and presented monthly financial reports for the school board.
  • Identified cost saving measures, freeing up resources for upcoming projects.
  • Restructured the Capital Outlay fund into a 5 year Continuous Improvement Plan.
  • Submitted all necessary State and Federal reporting to ensure school funding.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Strengthened financial health with rigorous cost control measures and revenue enhancement strategies.

Deputy Budget Officier

Shawnee County Sheriff's Office
02.2017 - 02.2020
  • Identified available application modules to create a more efficient processes. Managed the integration of supplies and equipment into a fully automated inventory control system, resulting in a 30% reduction in supply expenditures.
  • Performed month-end account analysis, headcount and salary reports and related journal entries.
  • Directed preparation of regular and special budget reports to interpret budget directives and establish policies for execution.
  • Analyzed revenues, expenditures, and cash management.
  • Developed and maintained monthly overtime report to address inefficiencies agency-wide.
  • Evaluated grant proposals for alignment with organizational priorities before approving funding allocations accordingly.
  • Reduced budget discrepancies by conducting regular audits and reconciliations of financial data.
  • Collaborated with department heads to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve operational efficiency.

Deputy Financial Administrator

Shawnee County
07.2011 - 02.2017
  • Tracked, reviewed, and revised expenditures to ensure budget compliance for $100M budget.
  • Maintained an organized filing system for all financial documents, ensuring easy access during audits or other reviews as needed.
  • Streamlined month-end closing procedures, improving timeliness and reliability of financial data presented to stakeholders.
  • Reduced budget variances by conducting thorough financial analysis and providing actionable recommendations to management.
  • Achieved successful internal and external audits by maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring timely reporting.
  • Reconciled accounts and investigated variances.
  • Produced reports outlining latest financial information such as expenses, income and outstanding balances.
  • Managed expense tracking and personnel vouchers.
  • Checked payroll, vendor payments, commissions and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
  • Complied with established internal controls and policies.
  • Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
  • Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.

Education

Certified Public Manager - CPM

Kansas University Public Management Center
Lawrence, KS
11.2019

Associate Customer Service - ACS

Life Office Management Association, Inc.
01.1999

B.S. - Business Administration

Washburn University
Topeka, KS
01.1999

Skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Financial investment accounting
  • Budgetary adherence oversight
  • Production management
  • Supervisory experience
  • Financial Reporting
  • Cost Accounting
  • Crystal Reports generation
  • Training/Mentoring
  • Data forecasting
  • Process Improvement

Timeline

Lead Staff Accountant

Capstan Ag Systems, Inc.
05.2022 - Current

Director of Business & Finance

USD #345 Seaman School District
02.2020 - 05.2021

Deputy Budget Officier

Shawnee County Sheriff's Office
02.2017 - 02.2020

Deputy Financial Administrator

Shawnee County
07.2011 - 02.2017

Certified Public Manager - CPM

Kansas University Public Management Center

Associate Customer Service - ACS

Life Office Management Association, Inc.

B.S. - Business Administration

Washburn University

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