MARIANNE GRACE
Boynton Beach,USA
Summary
Results-oriented finance leader and meticulous CPA Exam candidate with expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, auditing, and compliance. Skilled in auditing payment applications, monitoring expenditures, utilizing PeopleSoft for financial reporting, internal controls, data collection, report preparation, programming, and procedure development. Possesses strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills with a commitment to maintaining a high level of productivity and integrity.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Budget Specialist
School District of Palm Beach County
07.2023 - Current
- Demonstrated track record of accurate and efficient financial management, focusing on improving controls within capital projects in the Construction Department, including timely execution of budget allocations, encumbrances, payments, and closures
- Oversaw vendor payment processes, serving as the primary point of contact for Construction Managers (CMs) and Architects, ensuring timely and accurate payments, and providing workshops on Schedule of Values and closeout requirements
- Coordinated with various departments (Treasury, Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Risk Management, Diversity, AECOM, Building Code Services) to resolve issues related to PO and payment management; Managed Construction Finance CM pay application reviews, including direct management of complex projects; and reviewed/approved all Architect pay applications
- Monitored operating and capital project budgets in PeopleSoft, ensuring accurate budget transfers and amendments in compliance with budgetary procedure; Used PeopleSoft to prepare financial reporting systems and analyzed budget and expenditure information and reports for management decision-making; Provided financial guidance to various departments within Facilities Construction
- Provided financial management, analysis, and evaluation over a broad range of transactional activities; Worked with Construction Department project managers to audit and substantiate architect, contractor, and subcontractor payment applications, ensuring compliance with School Board Policy 7.229
- Coordinated program budget reviews and monitored payment history and missing receipt reports to ensure timely invoice payments and corrections
- Manage a team of 3 Senior financial analysts, one budget analyst, and budget support staff, providing guidance and mentorship
- Coordinate with risk management to procure builders' risk insurance for applicable projects
- Integrated five-year capital planning and operational budgets, facilitated performance-based budgeting, prepared budget documents, coordinated budget proposals with department heads, managed budget amendments and transfers, and monitored budget performance
- Identified opportunities for process improvement through regular monitoring of budgetary performance indicators, leading to increased operational efficiency.
- Assisted in the development of long-term financial strategies by conducting historical trend analysis and projecting future expenses.
Budget Analyst
School District of Palm Beach County
11.2021 - 01.2023
- Provide financial management, analysis, and evaluation over various transactional activities
- Prepare detailed analysis of budget historical trends and projected forecasts
- Assisted with the preparation of the FY23 Construction Department Operating budget
- Work with Construction Department project managers to perform audits of architects, contractors and subcontractors' payment applications, providing necessary documents and briefings for financial assessments, ensuring compliance with School Board Policy 7.229
- Work directly with architects and contractors to substantiate their payment applications as necessary
- Work with Treasury, Purchasing, Budget, and Accounts Payable as necessary to ensure the Construction Department's purchase orders are encumbered and paid accurately and timely
- Monitor operating budget expenditures in PeopleSoft against current budget to prevent deficit balances
- Work with Construction Department project managers to monitor capital project budgets
- Assist in providing in-service education to department personnel
- Ensure budget transfers and amendments are done accurately and comply with budgetary procedures
- Use Peoplesoft to prepare financial reporting systems in conjunction with department staff
- Analyze budget and expenditure information and reports for management decision-making
- Provide financial guidance to various departments within Facilities Construction
- Supervises budget support staff of 2
- P-Card Administrator for the Construction Department
- Evaluated procurement needs and projected expenditures.
- Facilitated cross-department communication to ensure consistent understanding of budgetary goals and constraints.
Federal Budget Technician
Safe Schools, School District of Palm Beach County
03.2020 - 11.2021
- Served as a budget technician for federal grants, maintained all budgetary records and logs for audit compliance, and handled all incoming questions regarding budget
- Communicated with the Budget and Accounting Department for accurate, up-to-date financial information
- Collaborated with executive and project managers to develop a budget
- Reviewed budget screens and status summary reports and prepared monthly and quarterly financial reports for all programs
- Assisted in preparing grant applications, annual reports, and other official documents
- Compile financial information utilizing Microsoft Excel to create financial reports and statements and identify any discrepancies
- Performed reconciliation of balance sheets
- Provided management with recommendations regarding financial data
- Provided project summary status reports to management
- Organized budget template and data in a clear and intuitive manner
- Monitored spending to ensure it remained within budget
- Tracked financial results throughout the year to meet budget projections
- Streamlined budget processes for increased efficiency, implementing new templates.
- Served as a subject matter expert on budget-related issues within the department, providing valuable insights to coworkers when needed.
Senior Tax Specialist
H&R Block
11.2019 - 12.2020
- Conduct face-to-face tax interviews with clients
- Balance, analyze, prepare and process asset sales, disposals, general ledger accounts, tax returns and invoices
- Identify tax issues that arise in the compliance process
- Prepare federal, state, and local income tax filings with quarterly estimates, extensions and tax returns
- Compile information including sales tax reports, tax accruals, inventory, accounts payable and fixed asset reports
- Analyze and code fixed invoices, repair invoices and apply account clarification
- Review, reconcile, and compile client tax returns
- Review work and mentor support staff
- Provide IRS audit support to clients by gathering information and supporting documentation and providing tax advice
Tax Specialist
H&R Block
11.2019 - 12.2020
- Conduct face-to-face tax interviews with clients
- Balance, analyze, prepare and process asset sales, disposals, general ledger accounts, tax returns and invoices
- Identify tax issues that arise in the compliance process
- Prepare federal, state, and local income tax filings with quarterly estimates, extensions and tax returns
- Compile information including sales tax reports, tax accruals, inventory, accounts payable and fixed asset reports
- Analyze and code fixed invoices, repair invoices and apply account clarification
- Review, reconcile, and compile client tax returns
- Review work and mentor support staff
- Provide IRS audit support to clients by gathering information and supporting documentation and providing tax advice
Tax Associate
H&R Block
12.2018 - 12.2020
- Conduct face-to-face tax interviews with clients
- Balance, analyze, prepare and process asset sales, disposals, general ledger accounts, tax returns and invoices
- Identify tax issues that arise in the compliance process
- Prepare federal, state, and local income tax filings with quarterly estimates, extensions and tax returns
- Compile information including sales tax reports, tax accruals, inventory, accounts payable and fixed asset reports
- Analyze and code fixed invoices, repair invoices and apply account clarification
- Review, reconcile, and compile client tax returns
- Review work and mentor support staff
- Provide IRS audit support to clients by gathering information and supporting documentation and providing tax advice
Data Processor I & Assistant Teacher
Lighthouse Elementary School
04.2016 - 03.2020
- Provided data processing and administrative support, demonstrating organizational skills and attention to detail
- Supported instructional activities and student behavior management
Substitute Teacher
Lighthouse Elementary School
10.2013 - 04.2016
- Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and communicated them to students
- Took reasonable actions to ensure the safety of students, materials and school equipment
Financial Manager
Gallery Chateau D'Art
01.2003 - 10.2012
- Establish annual budgets and business plans to maintain a stable and well-structured financial system
- Develop and manage budgeting frameworks to align financial resources with strategic goals
- Conduct month-end closings to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with regulations
- Implement and coordinate financial controls, including profit planning, revenue forecasts, and expense budgets
- Ensure timely financial statements, forecasts, reports, and annual budgets are prepared to support informed decision-making
- Monitor cash flow and investment strategies to ensure financial stability and sustainability
- Prepared comprehensive financial statements for executive review, aiding in effective decision-making processes regarding growth opportunities and resource allocation.
- Increased financial efficiency by streamlining budget processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
Internal Auditor
Amoun Pharmaceutical Company
01.2000 - 02.2001
- Executed detailed audit procedures, including reviewing operations, transactions, documents, records, reports, policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy and effectiveness
- Appraised and articulated the adequacy of internal control
- Conducted fraud investigations as assigned
- Assessed whether assets were adequately safeguarded and the efficiency and effectiveness of operations
- Evaluated the extent to which the objectives are accomplished
- Identified factors causing deficient conditions and introduced constructive economic and practical recommendations for findings included in the audit report
- Provided and conducted a detailed financial analysis to facilitate the decision-making process
Payroll Specialist
International Trade Agencies and Marketing Corporation
06.1999 - 12.1999
- Developed a detailed personnel database to prepare a monthly updated personnel report to conduct necessary analysis
- Calculated the monthly bonus and sales personnel commissions
- Registered all the transactions, earnings, and deductions to calculate monthly salaries and payments accurately
- Recorded and followed up on the attendance for the HQ and the diverse branches to finalize the timesheet
- Analyzed paid allowances and expenses to adjust the annual budget for each sector
Education
Computerized Accounting Certificate -
Commercial and Statistical Researchers and Studies Center
Income Tax Course Certificate -
H&R Block Academy
West Palm Beach, FL10.2018
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting
Ain Shams University
05.1999
Secretarial Studies Certificate -
Chambre de Commerce et D'Industrie de Paris
05.1995
Alliance Française Certificate -
Le Conseil D'Administration de L'Alliance Française
01.1995
Skills
- PeopleSoft
- Pivot Table
- Microsoft Excel
- Word
- PowerPoint
- Google Sheets
- Docs
- Forms
- Slides
- Fluent in English, French, and Arabic
- Cash flow management
- Budget planning
- Cost management
- Cost control
Timeline
Budget Specialist
School District of Palm Beach County
07.2023 - Current
Budget Analyst
School District of Palm Beach County
11.2021 - 01.2023
Federal Budget Technician
Safe Schools, School District of Palm Beach County
03.2020 - 11.2021
Senior Tax Specialist
H&R Block
11.2019 - 12.2020
Tax Specialist
H&R Block
11.2019 - 12.2020
Tax Associate
H&R Block
12.2018 - 12.2020
Data Processor I & Assistant Teacher
Lighthouse Elementary School
04.2016 - 03.2020
Substitute Teacher
Lighthouse Elementary School
10.2013 - 04.2016
Financial Manager
Gallery Chateau D'Art
01.2003 - 10.2012
Internal Auditor
Amoun Pharmaceutical Company
01.2000 - 02.2001
Payroll Specialist
International Trade Agencies and Marketing Corporation
06.1999 - 12.1999
Secretarial Studies Certificate -
Chambre de Commerce et D'Industrie de Paris
Alliance Française Certificate -
Le Conseil D'Administration de L'Alliance Française
Computerized Accounting Certificate -
Commercial and Statistical Researchers and Studies Center
Income Tax Course Certificate -
H&R Block Academy
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting
Ain Shams University
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