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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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