Marlena Smalls
Summerville,SC
Summary
Detail- oriented Global Financial Manager with advanced knowledge of International Payroll, ISO-9001 Quality Management, Cloud-Based System Implementations, Business Development and Personnel Management. Having a diverse background and ability to integrate teams with an adaptable approach. Practiced project managing and problem-solver with 15+ years of experience within the Federal Government in Payroll, Financial Management, Benefits/Total Compensation, and Logistical Operations.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Grants Management Specialist
US Department of Interior National Park Service
Washington, DC
01.2024 - Current
- Coordinated communication between stakeholders to streamline grant application processes.
- Assisted in preparing detailed budget reports for grant submissions and financial tracking.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Monitored 100 grant annual performance reporting to ensure adherence to reporting obligations and timelines.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support project development and proposal refinement.
- Managed grant accounting processes ensuring accuracy in financial reporting and compliance with regulations.
- Assisted in the preparation of financial statements for multiple grant programs, enhancing clarity and transparency.
- Analyzed complex datasets to identify trends and insights driving business decisions.
- Developed interactive dashboards using Power BI to visualize key performance indicators.
- Conducted data quality assessments, ensuring accuracy and consistency in reporting tools.
- Assisted in automating reporting processes using SQL, improving efficiency and reducing manual errors.
- Implemented process improvements in correlation with the "Policy Team" that enhanced data retrieval speed and reporting accuracy.
- Led initiatives to integrate new analytical tools into existing workflows, driving productivity enhancements.
- Conducted comprehensive data analysis to support strategic decision-making processes.
Financial Management Specialist
US Department of State Office of the Comptroller
Charleston, SC
07.2020 - 01.2023
- Analyzed financial data to ensure compliance with federal regulations and policies.
- Developed budget forecasts to support operational planning and resource allocation.·
- Monitored financial database performance, diagnosing issues for timely resolution
- Integral member of the system implementation team having collaborative efforts with the integration of legacy system and automated financial databases.
- Reviewed and reconciled financial statements for accuracy and consistency.
- Assisted in the implementation of new financial management systems to enhance reporting capabilities.
- Developed and implemented compensation structures aligned with organizational goals.
- Conducted market research to ensure competitive salary offerings within industry standards.
- Facilitated training sessions on compensation policies for management and staff members.
- Analyzed employee performance data to inform compensation adjustments and pay equity initiatives.
- Maintained compliance with federal and state compensation regulations through regular audits.
- Identified areas needing improvement within the overall rewards program through regular analysis of employee feedback surveys.
- Guided clients in navigating complexities of international compensation considerations leveraging understanding of diverse cultural and socio-economic issues, local labor laws, taxation and employee expectations.
- Processed payroll for over 500 employees using advanced payroll software, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
- Reviewed and reconciled payroll discrepancies to maintain data integrity and compliance with regulations.
- Analyzed payroll reports to identify trends, recommending improvements that optimized operational workflows.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of tax laws and labor regulations, ensuring organizational adherence and minimizing risks.
- Collaborated with HR department to ensure accurate employee records, benefit deductions, and leave balances.
- Performed calculations in overtime, vacation, and sick hours to provide accurate data to payroll processing database.
- Managed end-to-end processing of bi-weekly and monthly payrolls for a diverse workforce within strict deadlines.
- Maintained confidentiality by securely storing sensitive employee information according to established data protection protocols.
- Prepared and filed federal and state tax elections with precision and attention to detail.
Senior Payroll Analyst
Medical University Of South Carolina
Charleston, SC
04.2018 - 07.2020
- Analyzed payroll data to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Streamlined payroll processing workflows, enhancing efficiency and reducing processing time.
- Implemented new payroll software features, improving reporting capabilities and user experience.
- Conducted regular audits of payroll systems, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring data integrity.
- Developed standard operating procedures for payroll tasks, promoting consistency across the team.
- Optimized payroll software use by customizing settings and configurations, maximizing efficiency and ease-of-use for team members.
- Coordinated with external auditors during annual audits, providing necessary documentation and addressing any concerns related to payroll processes.
- Developed comprehensive payroll reports for senior management to support informed decision-making regarding staffing costs.
- Reconciled year-end tax documents such as W-2 forms to verify correct reporting of wages and deductions for all staff members.
- Coordinated efforts between HR and IT departments to improve data security measures related to sensitive payroll information, safeguarding employee privacy.
- Trained new team members on company-specific payroll procedures, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Served as the primary point of contact between the organization and third-party payroll providers, maintaining strong relationships to facilitate smooth service delivery.
- Maintained compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by staying current on tax laws and filing requirements.
- Created new hire and termination documents for payroll.
- Documented and processed all garnishments for bankruptcies, student loans, and child support orders.
- Researched payroll errors and processed payments for federal and state taxes, social security, Medicare and various employee deductions, annuity contributions, and retirement plan withholdings.
Payroll Manager
Robert Half
Mt. Pleasant, SC
07.2016 - 04.2018
- Implemented automated payroll systems, improving efficiency and reducing processing time by 30%.
- Trained and mentored junior payroll staff, enhancing team performance and knowledge retention.
- Conducted regular audits of payroll data to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies promptly.
- Developed and maintained payroll policies and procedures, aligning practices with industry best standards.
- Collaborated with HR to integrate benefits administration into payroll processes for seamless employee experience.
- Addressed employee inquiries regarding pay issues promptly, fostering positive relationships between management and staff members.
- Coordinated new hire and termination processes to facilitate smooth operations.
- Calculated deductions and processed payroll for employees.
- Analyzed system requirements and specifications to ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Developed and maintained documentation for system processes, enhancing user understanding and compliance.
- Led implementation of software upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations during transitions.
- Evaluated new technologies and tools to enhance existing systems, driving innovation within the organization.
- Provided expert technical support, reducing system downtime and minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
- Created detailed documentation for both internal reference and client-facing presentations, improving communication between stakeholders.
Cash Application Analyst
Genuine Parts Co
Duluth, GA
12.2013 - 12.2016
- Analyzed over 1,000 invoices monthly in relation to application discrepancies to ensure accurate posting of customer payments an month end close out processes.
- Streamlined reconciliation processes, enhancing efficiency in payment tracking and reporting.
- Monitored daily cash transactions, ensuring compliance with internal controls and company policies.
- Led cross-functional meetings to address payment processing challenges and improve overall workflow efficiency.
- Mentored 6 junior analysts on best practices in cash application procedures and systems management.
- Maintained strong relationships with customers, addressing inquiries related to invoicing and payments promptly.
- Streamlined communication between billing and collections departments to expedite payment processing timescales effectively.
- Assisted auditors during annual audits by providing comprehensive documentation of cash applications activities.
- Optimized software utilization within the team by staying current on updates, features, and sharing knowledge among colleagues.
- Identified process improvements for cash application procedures, resulting in reduced errors and improved efficiency.
- Managed daily flow of cash transactions to provide sufficient cash supply to meet customer needs.
- Matched purchase orders with invoices and recorded necessary information.
- Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts and tracked expenses.
- Contributed to the successful completion of multiple system implementation projects within budget and on schedule.
- Analyzed system requirements to ensure alignment with business objectives and user needs.
- Contributed to successful product launches by executing end-to-end system integration tests that validated functionality across platforms.
Immigrations Assistant
US Department of Homeland Security
Atlanta, GA
04.2011 - 04.2012
- Coordinated immigration case processing for over 200 diverse clients in preparation for the weekly "Naturalization" ceremonies to ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Assisted clients in completing immigration forms and gathering necessary documentation.
- Provided guidance on visa options and eligibility criteria to clients seeking assistance.
- Processed high-volume payment transactions accurately and efficiently using advanced software tools in relation to required fees for applications.
Lead Military Payroll Specialist
Defense Department Finance and Accounting Services
Fort Mc Pherson, GA
04.2010 - 04.2011
- Processed payroll for diverse employee groups, ensuring timely and accurate compensation.
- Developed and implemented payroll procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance.
- Conducted regular audits of payroll data to maintain accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
- Collaborated with HR to streamline onboarding processes related to employee compensation.
- Supported implementation of new payroll software, improving processing speed and reliability.
- Assisted employees with inquiries regarding their paychecks, deductions, and other related issues, providing clear and concise communication.
- Managed payroll data entry and processing for over 500employees to comply with predetermined company guidelines.
Logistics Coordinator
SAIC
Atlanta, GA
04.2009 - 04.2010
- Coordinated movement of personnel and equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
- Implemented logistics strategies to streamline transportation processes and reduce delays.
- Enhanced transportation efficiency for large-scale operations through meticulous planning and organization.
Logistics Coordinator
KBR (Iraq)
Houston, TX
01.2006 - 12.2008
- Coordinated international shipments, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and documentation requirements.
- Streamlined logistics processes, enhancing efficiency in order fulfillment and inventory management.
- Collaborated with suppliers and carriers to optimize transportation routes and reduce lead times.
- Coordinated cross-departmental communication to resolve order discrepancies efficiently.
- Optimized inventory management and warehousing systems to enhance stock accuracy and reduce delays.
Finance Analyst
US Army
Fort Carson, CO
04.2001 - 09.2005
- Collaborated with HR to integrate new employee data into payroll systems efficiently and accurately.
- Led reconciliation of payroll discrepancies, resolving issues promptly and maintaining employee satisfaction.
- Prepared year-end reports for W-2s and 1099s, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in tax filing.
- Managed full cycle payroll data entry and processing for 700 personnel to comply with predetermined company guidelines.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations through meticulous record-keeping and accurate reporting.
- Administered Oracle databases, ensuring optimal performance and availability.
- Implemented backup and recovery strategies to safeguard critical data.
- Monitored financial database performance, diagnosing issues for timely resolution.
- Collaborated with development teams on database design and optimization.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ09-2025
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe10-2019
Skills
- Policy analysis
- Compliance monitoring
- Data management
- Technical assistance
- Statistical computing methods
- SQL and databases
- Forecasting/Report preparation
- Microsoft Excel
- Financial and operational reporting
- Financial statement analysis
- Research and data analysis
- Variance analysis
Timeline
Grants Management Specialist
US Department of Interior National Park Service
01.2024 - Current
Financial Management Specialist
US Department of State Office of the Comptroller
07.2020 - 01.2023
Senior Payroll Analyst
Medical University Of South Carolina
04.2018 - 07.2020
Payroll Manager
Robert Half
07.2016 - 04.2018
Cash Application Analyst
Genuine Parts Co
12.2013 - 12.2016
Immigrations Assistant
US Department of Homeland Security
04.2011 - 04.2012
Lead Military Payroll Specialist
Defense Department Finance and Accounting Services
04.2010 - 04.2011
Logistics Coordinator
SAIC
04.2009 - 04.2010
Logistics Coordinator
KBR (Iraq)
01.2006 - 12.2008
Finance Analyst
US Army
04.2001 - 09.2005
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix