Margaret Cruz
Houston,TX
Summary
Experienced Accounting professional with over 10 years of success. Expertise in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for financial growth, risk management, and strengthening internal controls while overseeing accounting functions. Ready to contribute talent and expertise to an organization valuing professional growth and advancement opportunities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Financial Oversight & Governance Consultant
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
01.2022 - Current
- Manages Policy Office relationship, reviews, approvals, and timelines for all Capital related policies
- Performs initial review of policies/frameworks and propose possible impacts/changes to the policies owned by Capital Management
- Ensures accurate recurring deliverables are completed and compliant with various enterprise-wide policies or programs such as EUCTs/Models, Business Continuity Planning, Records Retention, and Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA)
- Leads efforts in coordinating the DFAST/FR Y-14A data validations and CFO attestations deliverables and owns 14A Issue and Error Reporting
- Assists with review and complying of CCAR submission narratives to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
- Coordinates and assists in managing control partner relationships and audit testing engagements
Financial Risk Management Specialist
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Conducted walkthroughs and compliance testing for the L1 strategic risk type supporting capital and regulatory demands
- Identified major risk areas and gaps in internal controls, process notes and risk control matrices to plan and perform audit procedures.
- Identified gaps in processes, procedures and developed improvement and corrective action plans.
- Performed validations on issues to confirm remediation was complete appropriately
- Prepared reporting presentations for key stakeholders and management
- Developed and maintained business policies and procedures
Financial Accounting Consultant
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
07.2017 - 01.2022
- Performed complex activities associated with maintenance of general ledger accounts, consultation on international payroll and benefits, and preparation of timely and accurate financial reporting
- Developed and applied technical accounting knowledge in areas including payroll, employee benefits, deferred compensation, and expatriate tax accruals
- Consulted with Global Payroll on general ledger mapping
- Collaborated with International Benefits to ensure proper accounting treatment and regulatory compliance, including compliance with FATCA & Regulation W
- Assisted in preparation and coordination of information to ensure compliance with local Statutory Reporting requirements
- Documented evaluation of annual SOC-1 reports for third party service providers
- Assisted in evaluation and documentation of processes, including the related control environment
- Reviewed and approved journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, funding of payroll bank accounts, and third-party vendor payments
- Participated in internal and external audit processes to establish accurate financial records and comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and regulatory requirements.
Internal Controls & Oversight Accountant
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
02.2015 - 07.2017
- Performed walkthroughs of processes and ensure required SOX documentation was accurate and reflects relevant risk and key controls
- Performed SOX testing of key controls, including design effectiveness assessments and operating effectiveness testing
- Validated and challenged risk assessment conclusions, including assessing appropriateness and completeness of key risk and key controls identified
- Collaborated with process owners to document process narratives, risk control matrices and flow charts
- Validated documentation of control deficiencies, including issue description, root cause, unmitigated impact, and corrective actions
- Analyzed the severity of control deficiencies, both individually and in the aggregate, and the impact to internal control over financial reporting
- Provided guidance and training to business partners on the importance and benefits of internal controls and how to comply with SOX requirements
- Building and maintaining strong credible relationships with key stakeholder groups and management
Staff Accountant
Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
11.2014 - 02.2015
- Responsible for timely and accurate month-end accounting close associated tasks
- Analyzed growing cost and inventory value of crops in ground and prepared corresponding journal entries
- Worked with internal customers to ensure payment of invoices to growers are handled on a timely manner
- Prepared monthly grower statements
- Ensured timely, accurate, and quality preparation of the Company's monthly financial statements
- Prepared account reconciliations and review general ledger account balances for compliance with GAAP, SOX and internal controls
Staff Accountant
United-Bilt Homes, LLC
04.2012 - 09.2014
- Responsible for various general accounting duties including accounts payable, banking, check requests, and special projects as needed
- Performed month-end closing activities, including accrual and reversal journal entries, analysis, amortization of prepaid accounts, and review of budget-to-actual reports
- Conducted month-end balance sheet reviews and reconciled any variances
- Responsible for all bank reconciliations for multiple bank accounts
- Accruals, fixed-assets, revenue recognition, and variance analysis
- Reconciled inter-company accounts and post eliminating journal entries
- Prepared schedules for quarterly reviews and year-end audit for external auditors
- Researched issues, clarified information, and prepared supporting data
- Compiled and prepared monthly financial statements for 22 sales offices and 5 sub-companies
Vault Teller
Capital One Bank
01.2011 - 04.2012
- Supplied tellers with coin and currency as needed
- Reported daily overages and shortages to the operations department
- Researched and resolved customer issues on personal savings, checking, and lines of credit accounts
- Trained employees on cash drawer operation
- Conducted audits of tellers, currency dispensers, and ATMs
- Monitored the timely and proper processing and clearing of general ledger suspense account items
- Assisted in assessing the impact of process and controls on the day-to-day operations of the branch to ensure operational compliance with service level standards
- Maintained cash limits, check cashing limits, and specific authorities in the PC Teller system
Teller
Capital One Bank
05.2010 - 01.2011
- Processed cash and check deposits and withdrawals
- Adhered to security and audit procedures
- Examined checks for identification and endorsement
- Directed specific questions to appropriate branch personnel
- Delivered prompt, accurate, and excellent customer service
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Louisiana Tech University, College of Business Administration
Ruston, LA02.2010
Skills
- Understanding of SOX requirements, controls testing, and compliance frameworks
- Knowledge of accounting principles and regulatory requirements
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Products, Power BI, and SAP
Timeline
Senior Financial Oversight & Governance Consultant
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
01.2022 - Current
Financial Risk Management Specialist
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
01.2019 - 01.2022
Financial Accounting Consultant
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
07.2017 - 01.2022
Internal Controls & Oversight Accountant
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
02.2015 - 07.2017
Staff Accountant
Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
11.2014 - 02.2015
Staff Accountant
United-Bilt Homes, LLC
04.2012 - 09.2014
Vault Teller
Capital One Bank
01.2011 - 04.2012
Teller
Capital One Bank
05.2010 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Louisiana Tech University, College of Business Administration
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