Luwana Smiley
Syracuse
Summary
Dynamic Budget Analyst with extensive experience at the USDA Forest Service, adept at budget forecasting and compliance. Proven track record of enhancing financial efficiency through cost monitoring and variance reporting. Strong leadership skills foster collaboration, while advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency supports data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.
Experienced with financial planning, analysis, and budget management. Utilizes analytical skills to develop and implement cost-saving measures. Track record of collaborating with teams to achieve financial goals and streamline processes.
Results-driven financial professional with significant experience in budget management and cost analysis. Known for collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure financial accuracy and strategic planning. Brings strong analytical abilities and proactive approach to addressing fiscal challenges.
Professional with strong background in financial analysis and budget management. Skilled in data interpretation, forecasting, and cost optimization. Known for collaborative approach, adaptability to changing needs, and results-driven mindset. Adept at leveraging analytical skills and strategic thinking to support organizational financial goals.
Detail-oriented Budget Analyst successful at controlling expenses by conducting comprehensive analyses of diverse data and making accurate projections. Knowledgeable about accounting functions, fiscal requirements and capital expenditures.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Budget Analyst
Forest Service USDA
10.2023 - 04.2025
- Evaluated procurement needs and projected expenditures.
- Facilitated cross-department communication to ensure consistent understanding of budgetary goals and constraints.
- Improved financial efficiency by analyzing budgetary data and identifying areas for cost reduction.
- Assisted in the preparation of annual budgets, working closely with department heads to gather necessary information.
- Achieved successful audit results through diligent record-keeping and strict adherence to internal controls.
- Streamlined budget processes for increased accuracy and timely completion of financial reports.
- Monitored and reported budgetary discrepancies to corporate senior management to maximize reporting efficiency and finalized spending plans.
- Provided training and guidance to junior analysts, fostering a collaborative work environment conducive to professional development.
- Collaborated with management teams to establish realistic budgets that support organizational growth objectives.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining meticulous records of all financial transactions and documentation.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders throughout the organization, facilitating effective collaboration on budgetary matters.
- Identified and monitored budget expenses for accuracy and signs of fraud.
- Compiled statistical data after each month-end closing.
- Created and updated expenditure reports in [Software].
- Reviewed monthly operations to assess compliance with budgets and determine necessary adjustments for future plans.
- Generated annual budget forecasting information for executive and corporate reports.
- Conducted variance analyses to identify potential areas for improvement in existing budgeting practices.
- Worked with human resources to assess labor patterns and hiring requirements.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflows and reduced the time required for monthly budget reconciliations.
- Participated in special projects as needed, providing valuable insights based on extensive knowledge of company finances.
- Recommended financial solutions to corporate management based on detailed financial analysis.
- Monitored expenditure trends, proactively addressing issues before they escalated into significant problems.
- Supported executive decision-making by providing accurate financial forecasts and recommendations.
- Implemented budgetary monitoring techniques to improve corporate spending habits.
- Evaluated project proposals for potential risks, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and long-term sustainability.
- Enhanced company profitability, implementing cost-saving measures across multiple departments.
- Negotiated vendor contracts to secure favorable terms, resulting in significant cost savings.
- Improved stakeholder satisfaction by providing detailed budget forecasts and variance analyses.
- Engaged in continuous learning to stay updated on best practices in budget analysis and financial management.
- Developed financial models to support strategic planning, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Conducted rigorous cost-benefit analyses for departmental projects, leading to optimized resource allocation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align budgeting efforts with organizational goals.
- Identified and resolved discrepancies in budget reports, maintaining financial integrity.
- Optimized use of available funds by prioritizing high-impact projects.
- Guided department heads in understanding financial reports, enhancing their budget management skills.
- Supported strategic initiatives by providing insightful financial analysis and recommendations.
- Facilitated training sessions on budget management for new employees, enhancing their efficiency.
- Reduced unnecessary expenditures, reallocating funds to more critical areas.
- Streamlined monthly financial reporting process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in financial statements.
- Coordinated annual audit process, ensuring adherence to financial policies and procedures.
- Advised on financial implications of business decisions, contributing to more sustainable growth.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by meticulously reviewing budget proposals and expenditures.
- Led team in quarterly budget review process, identifying areas for financial improvement.
- Analyzed past spending trends to forecast future budget needs accurately.
- Implemented new software tool for budget tracking, greatly improving accuracy of financial data.
- Enhanced financial efficiency by developing and implementing comprehensive annual budgets.
- Monitored contracts and analyzed expenses to facilitate financial objectives.
- Submitted recommendations to budgets and forecasts for approval or disapproval.
- Utilized software to analyze and report on budget trends.
- Identified and implemented process changes resulting in improved performance and accuracy.
- Prepared response strategies to avoid potential budget cuts.
- Developed, analyzed and modified budgets to allocate current resources and estimate future financial requirements.
Financial Controller
US DOD Air Force
06.2004 - 10.2023
- Oversaw all aspects of the month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review.
- Managed payroll data entry and processing for [Number] employees to comply with predetermined company guidelines.
- Maintained strong relationships with external auditors, facilitating smooth annual audit processes and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Reduced operating costs through meticulous budget management and cost analysis.
- Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining processes and implementing efficient financial controls.
- Managed a team of finance professionals, providing guidance, support, and ongoing training to ensure continued growth and development.
- Conducted regular variance analyses between actual results and budget projections to identify trends or issues requiring further investigation or action by management staff.
- Collaborated closely with department heads to establish accurate budgets and monitor performance against targets.
- Planned budgets, authorized expenditures, monitored accounting processes, established service rates and coordinated financial reporting to oversee all fiscal procedures.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by conducting thorough internal audits and implementing necessary corrective actions.
- Prepared accurate financial reports and monthly statements for accounts receivable.
- Enhanced cash flow management with timely accounts receivable monitoring and collections efforts.
- Developed comprehensive financial models for strategic planning and decision-making purposes.
- Collaborated with executive team in preparation of annual capital and operating budgets, forecasts and all financial reporting and analysis.
- Identified areas for operational improvement through detailed financial analysis, leading to increased profitability and reduced expenses.
- Led organizational cash flow and cash flow forecasting initiatives.
- Assisted in the preparation of annual tax filings, ensuring full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while minimizing tax liabilities where possible.
- Supported executive-level decision making through the development of clear KPIs, financial metrics and dashboards.
- Spearheaded the implementation of new accounting software, resulting in increased efficiency and improved financial tracking capabilities.
- Optimized working capital availability by proactively managing inventory levels, accounts receivable balances, vendor payment terms negotiation.
- Implemented rigorous internal control measures to safeguard company assets and prevent fraud or mismanagement risks.
- Contributed to the development of long-term strategic plans by providing executive management with accurate financial data and forecasts.
- Followed up with delinquent accounts to obtain funds and reduce aging balances.
- Prepared balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
- Provided treasury and cash management by overseeing reconciliation of banking activity, credit card processing, and sales tax returns.
- Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages.
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
- Accurately completed financial statement audits and thoroughly reviewed results.
- Completed year-end close processes through effective supervision financial functions and regular treasury transactions.
- Managed daily financial functions in collaboration with accounting and payroll personnel.
- Managed budgets, assets, portfolios, accounts payable, and receivable and general financial reporting procedures.
- Maximized year-end tax benefits by efficiently managing cash flows.
- Oversaw accounts payable and receivable operations for [Type] business with $[Amount] in monthly expenses.
- Mitigated risk by implementing internal controls and safeguards for revenues and expenditures.
- Introduced internal controls to monitor critical areas of financial control and devised [Type] corrective actions to address risks or deficiencies.
- Directed corporate decision-making and planning by monitoring and setting policies and procedures to optimize fiscal performance.
- Created and distributed reports on internal and external finances, audits, and budgets.
- Managed outstanding balance amounts by evaluating reports and determining collection statuses.
- Worked with [Number] executives to create annual budget and track actual expenses against projected expenses.
- Increased flow of financial information throughout company by improving communication strategies.
- Worked with both internal and external users to create detailed financial reports.
- Projected monthly cash expenditures through efficient budgeting and detailed document reviews.
- Enhanced quality and currency of financial information by overseeing revenue collection systems.
- Supported program managers in providing procedural training on finance and accounting.
- Reviewed processes and procedures to guide program implementation and optimize auditing.
- Prepared and filed tax returns and generated monthly reports in compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
- Used [Software] and [Software] to prepare external audit documentation and financial reports to assist management in operational planning and key decision making.
- Reviewed contracts financially impacting company and counseled executive leaders on impact contracts would have on company operations.
- Verified accurate completion of corporate income tax returns and optimal use of favorable tax codes.
Education
Bachelor of Science-Management/Account Degree. - Accounting And Finance
Park University
Hill AFB Ut05-2017
Skills
- Budget planning
- Report preparation
- Monthly reporting
- Budget forecasting
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Budget compliance
- Preparing budgets
- Data interpretation
- Invoice processing
- Statistical analysis
- Compiling data
- Cost monitoring
- Variance reporting
- Analyzing performance
- Trend forecasting
- Expense monitoring
- Cost evaluation
- Coordinating records
- Software tools
- Developing solutions
- Accounting principles
- Forecasting techniques
- Records management procedures
- Manpower planning
- GAAP
- Monitoring expenditures
- Annual forecasting
- Controls assessment
- Expenditure review
- Asset safeguarding
- Balance sheet preparation
- Inventory cycle counting
- Policy development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Leadership skills
- Records analysis
- Budget analysis
- Risk assessment
- Cash flow management
- Project management
- Financial statement analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Financial reporting
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
Certification
- ,Certified DOD Financial Manager with Acquisition Specialty Level 2(CDFM-A),,
Certificate number 20008373 Awarded August 24, 2015
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Budget Analyst
Forest Service USDA
10.2023 - 04.2025
Financial Controller
US DOD Air Force
06.2004 - 10.2023
Bachelor of Science-Management/Account Degree. - Accounting And Finance
Park University
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