Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Maria Elena Cruz

Maria Elena Cruz

Accounting
Deltona

Summary

Detail-oriented and analytically driven finance and accounting professional with over a decade of experience leading critical financial and accounting functions in a dynamic corporate environment. Known for a strong investigative mindset and cross-functional collaboration. Experienced in managing financial and accounting operations through organizational change, including acquisitions, system transitions, and rapid growth. Passionate about uncovering insights through data, ensuring accuracy, and enhancing process integrity, now channeling this expertise into a focused career in forensic accounting.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages

Work History

Chief Financial Officer

Halliwell Engineering Associates
05.2019 - 02.2025
  • Streamlined financial processes by implementing new accounting software and automation techniques.
  • Directed budget development, budgetary controls and recordkeeping to make informed financial decisions.
  • Oversaw budgets, payroll, and billing processes.
  • Managed the accounts payable and receivable departments.
  • Prepared month end reports and presented results to executive leadership.
  • Conducted detailed analysis of company financial information.
  • Led and supported all financial aspects of the due diligence process during the company's acquisition by a global firm.
  • Led the financial and operational setup of a new international subsidiary in a Spanish-speaking country and continued managing and coordinating accounting, financial and operating efforts between both entities.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership to establish budgetary guidelines and allocate resources efficiently across the organization.
  • Oversaw business-wide changes to procedures and organization to keep up with company growth.
  • Oversaw bank reconciliations and general ledger account reconciliations.
  • Managed accruals and prepaid schedule.
  • Established system reporting that assisted HR during the biweekly payroll process.
  • Established and managed bonus calculation process.

Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer

Halliwell Engineering Associates
01.2018 - 04.2019
  • Assisted Chief Financial Officer with company tax reporting and participated in meetings with the Tax specialist to review year end tax filings and payments.
  • Assisted Chief Financial Officer with month end journal entries and month close reporting.
  • Assisted Chief Financial Officer with payroll report review and journal entry postings.
  • Managed the Billing Department: provided training to specialist, resolved client complains, established process improvement practices.
  • Assisted Chief Financial Officer with calculation and payment of distributions to shareholders.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information, upholding professional standards and company guidelines.
  • Participated in cross-functional projects to improve interdepartmental understanding of financial processes and impacts.
  • Prepared monthly financial reports, assisting CFO in making informed decisions on company strategy.
  • Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance and revenue and costs data.
  • Worked with senior management to initiate new projects and assist in various processes.
  • Managed company software reporting to improve timeliness of data analysis and presentation.
  • Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.

Billing Specialist

Halliwell Engineering Associates
08.2016 - 12.2017
  • Researched and resolved billing discrepancies to enable accurate billing.
  • Worked with multiple project managers to check proper billing information.
  • Strengthened client relationships through effective communication regarding billing issues and concerns.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely and accurate invoice generation.
  • Identified, researched, and resolved billing variances to maintain system accuracy and currency.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations by staying up-to-date on changes in billing rules and guidelines.
  • Performed initial set up and managed new e-billing accounts for multiple clients per agreement.

Commercial Property Claims Analyst

Halliwell Engineering Associates
01.2012 - 07.2012
  • Demonstrated a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in reviewing claim documentation for submission to client.
  • Managed high-volume caseloads, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely completion of all claims data analysis.
  • Interacted with clients and employees, which helped cultivate positive working relationships.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality with all personal data as per company guidelines.
  • Participated in meetings with the adjusting and litigation team in order to present findings that will assist in the resolution of the claim.
  • Collected, organized and upload data submitted by experts on the field in preparation for analysis and reporting.
  • Assisted Project Manager with client communications and inspection coordination.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Accounting

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
05.2001 -

Skills

Financial Analysis and Modeling

Financial Reporting

Financial Management

Budget and Forecasting

Accounting principles

Accounting Software proficiency (Deltek Vision, Quickbooks)

Leadership and team management

Communication and collaboration

Problem-solving and analytical skills

Timeline

Chief Financial Officer

Halliwell Engineering Associates
05.2019 - 02.2025

Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer

Halliwell Engineering Associates
01.2018 - 04.2019

Billing Specialist

Halliwell Engineering Associates
08.2016 - 12.2017

Commercial Property Claims Analyst

Halliwell Engineering Associates
01.2012 - 07.2012

Bachelor of Arts - Accounting

Florida Atlantic University
05.2001 -

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Maria Elena CruzAccounting