Marlena K. Smalls
McDonough,GA
Summary
Strategic financial and operations leader specializing in federal grants, payroll, HR compliance, and global compensation. Strengthened controls and led cross-functional teams to enhance accuracy and accountability. Experienced in grants administration and compliance analysis, leveraging budget management and data-driven decision-making to optimize operational efficiency and foster stakeholder collaboration.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Grant Specialist GS12
Department of the Interior 40Hrs/Wk
Washington, DC
01.2024 - Current
- Directs post-award grants administration, including amendments, budget revisions, equipment requests, and period-of-performance extensions, in compliance with federal regulations and policy.
- Ensured compliance with federal, tribal, and partnership appropriation laws related to time, budget funding, and allocation of purchase orders aligned with guidance and applicable statutes.
- Collaborated with procurement, budget, and program leadership to project funds required for project completion.
- Analyzed trends in fund utilization through auditing annual, quarterly FFR and PPR reports, and prepared periodic cost for allocability and reasonability and performance.
- Developed change management procedures and policies based on internal and external stakeholder needs, performing strategic decision-making and oversight of financial management.
- Delegated work based on time sensitivity, complexity, and employee capabilities.
- Managed conservation efforts for the National Park Service
Grant Specialist
Koniag, DOI 40 Hrs/ Wk
Washington, DC
01.2024 - 11.2024
- Coordinated pre and post-award grants administration, managing amendments, budget revisions, equipment requests, and period-of-performance extensions to ensure compliance with federal regulations and policy.
- Developed grant proposals for various environmental and conservation projects.
- Reviewed applications to ensure compliance with federal regulations and guidelines.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to gather necessary documentation for funding requests.
- National Park Service/Koniag Contractor
Federal Financial Management SME GS12
U.S. Department of State 40Hrs/Wk
Charleston, South Carolina
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Provided strategic financial management leadership across payroll, benefits, leave, special payments, taxes, garnishments, and program reporting in a complex federal environment by using OMB, OPM, DOS, FAM, and FAH requirements to ensure consistent regulatory adherence.
- Ensured compliance with federal appropriation laws regarding time, budget funding, and allocations, aligning operations with guidance and applicable statutes.
- Oversaw budgetary functions at the Bureau of Global Compensation, Office of the Comptroller.
- Worked with accounting, HR, and program leadership staff to project the funding requirements.
- Supported analytical initiatives and trained staff, contractors, and customers on internal control standards, enhancing compliance for financial and non-financial reporting.
- Directed development of change management procedures and policies based on needs of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring strategic decision making and oversight of financial management.
- Prioritized tasks according to urgency and complexity in various projects.
Payroll Analyst
Medical University Hospital of SC 40Hr/Wk
Charleston, South Carolina
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Led payroll operations for 15 Medical University of SC rural hospitals using ERP (Workday, Sebastian, UltiPro), and third-party benefits platforms to support time, leave, benefits, payroll, and tax maintenance.
- Oversaw accurate pay processing, ensuring compliance through manual payments, retroactive adjustments, garnishments, deductions, and agency notice resolution.
- Partnered with IT, Payroll, Finance, Human Resources, and external vendors to resolve discrepancies and maintain operational continuity.
- Developed and implemented employee policies and procedures to enhance organizational compliance and streamline processes.
- Consulted with legal advisers, including general counsel on time-sensitive and legal matters.
- Interpreted, applied, researched, and developed employee relations-related policies and procedures.
- Developed strategic approaches and recommendations for complex employee relations matters, providing consultation on adverse actions to mitigate risks.
Human Resources Generalist (Payroll)
Crum Management, VA Hospital 40Hrs/Wk
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Directed payroll, benefits, leave, and tax administration while ensuring compliance with compensation structures and labor requirements.
- Applied HR laws, regulations, and policies governing pay, leave, and payroll operations.
- Led HR operations and compensation functions to deliver compliant, high-quality service and organizational support.
- Developed and implemented employee policies and procedures to enhance organizational compliance and support.
- Consulted with legal advisers, including general counsel, on time-sensitive legal matters to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
- Interpreted and applied employee relations policies, conducting research and development to address complex issues.
- Developed expert-level strategic approaches, recommendations, and consultation on highly complex and sensitive employee relations matters, including adverse actions.
Cash Application Analyst
Genuine Parts Corporate 25Hrs/Wk
Duluth, Georgia
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Analyzed financial programs, systems, and operations to support JDE-to-Oracle implementation and measure performance against business objectives.
- Developed analytical tools and conducted month-end reviews to enhance domestic and international lockbox operations, identifying process improvement opportunities and supporting workflow standardization.
- Trained new hires and staff in accounts receivable payment posting, billing procedures, 3-way invoice auditing controls, and journal entry closeout requirements to ensure consistent execution.
Immigration Assistant GS7
U.S. Department of Homeland Security 40Hrs/Wk
Atlanta, GA
01.2011 - 12.2012
- Provided guidance, training, and subject matter support on emerging issues; researched, analyzed, and evaluated case information related to criminal violations and administrative misconduct, including supporting documents for domestic and overseas applications.
- Queried multiple electronic databases to verify information, supported application reviews, and assisted in developing investigative cases.
- Prepared and presented technical investigative findings to support investigations.
- Developed and implemented records administration policies; briefed senior leaders on program status, risks, and improvement priorities while managing appointment setting, conducting oath ceremonies, and processing payments for applications.
Lead Military Payroll Specialist GS6
Defense Finance & Accounting Svc. 40Hrs/Wk
Fort McPhearson, GA
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Administered payroll, debts, travel pay, and entitlements applying DoD and DFAS guidance to effectively resolve complex issues and enhance service delivery.
- Managed fiscal, accounting, budgeting, and administrative operations ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and internal controls to safeguard financial integrity.
- Conducted audits and reviews of accounting records, pay documents, travel vouchers, and vendor payments to support sound financial decisions.
- Synthesized data from multiple financial systems to produce timely reports that enhanced operational visibility for informed decision-making.
Logistics Coordinator
SAIC 40Hrs/Wk
Atlanta, GA
01.2009 - 12.2010
- Coordinated logistics planning, scheduling, and operational support for internal and external customers, ensuring timely and efficient service in high-demand environment.
- Arranged security, lodging, and CONUS and OCONUS transportation for U.S. service members, collaborating closely with U.S. Army Personnel Assistance Point at Hartsfield International Airport.
- Facilitated process improvement by implementing automated logistics planning and providing air travel coordination training.
Logistics Coordinator
KBR 72Hrs/Wk
Oconus
01.2006 - 12.2008
- Coordinated logistics planning, scheduling, and customer support to enhance operations in a complex mission-driven environment.
- Executed supply chain functions in material management, procurement, transportation, storage, distribution, and order fulfillment to streamline processes.
- Managed lifecycle logistics supporting overhaul, repair, and maintenance operations to sustain readiness.
- Strengthened supply availability and reduced backorders through forecasting and demand planning.
- Iraq
Payroll Administrator E3
U.S. Army 40Hrs/Wk
Fort Carson, Colorado
01.2001 - 12.2005
- Managed full-cycle military payroll administration for more than 300 personnel, ensuring accuracy in audits, corrections, and pay adjustments, 6 currency conversions using FX, cash management, and automated stored card value system implementation alongside Department of Treasury IT team using FTP.
- Resolved complex payroll issues related to entitlements, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and special incentives, improving overall payroll accuracy.
- Investigated discrepancies in automated payroll processes and implemented effective solutions, enhancing payroll reliability.
- Applied deep expertise in military payroll regulations, procedures, and systems.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ01-2026
Federal Financial Management Certification -
Management Concepts
Online12-2025
Certificate - HR-Strategic Business Partner
SHRM
Online12-2025
Human Resources: Compensation and Benefits -
SHRM
Online12-2025
Business Analysis Foundations -
Project Management Institute
Online12-2025
Certificate - Microsoft Power BI
Udemy Academy
Online12-2024
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ12-2019
Skills
- Grant administration
- Grant compliance
- Federal funding
- Grants coordination
- Financial management
- Budget development
- Budgeting strategies
- Funds disbursement
- Compliance regulations
- Data analysis
- Financial reporting
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Analytical skills
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
Timeline
Grant Specialist GS12
Department of the Interior 40Hrs/Wk
01.2024 - Current
Grant Specialist
Koniag, DOI 40 Hrs/ Wk
01.2024 - 11.2024
Federal Financial Management SME GS12
U.S. Department of State 40Hrs/Wk
01.2020 - 12.2023
Payroll Analyst
Medical University Hospital of SC 40Hr/Wk
01.2018 - 12.2020
Human Resources Generalist (Payroll)
Crum Management, VA Hospital 40Hrs/Wk
01.2016 - 12.2017
Cash Application Analyst
Genuine Parts Corporate 25Hrs/Wk
01.2013 - 12.2016
Immigration Assistant GS7
U.S. Department of Homeland Security 40Hrs/Wk
01.2011 - 12.2012
Lead Military Payroll Specialist GS6
Defense Finance & Accounting Svc. 40Hrs/Wk
01.2010 - 12.2011
Logistics Coordinator
SAIC 40Hrs/Wk
01.2009 - 12.2010
Logistics Coordinator
KBR 72Hrs/Wk
01.2006 - 12.2008
Payroll Administrator E3
U.S. Army 40Hrs/Wk
01.2001 - 12.2005
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Phoenix
Federal Financial Management Certification -
Management Concepts
Certificate - HR-Strategic Business Partner
SHRM
Human Resources: Compensation and Benefits -
SHRM
Business Analysis Foundations -
Project Management Institute
Certificate - Microsoft Power BI
Udemy Academy
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix