Melba Craig

Managed the Command operating budget consisting of RPA and OMAR funds in excess of $20 million dollars. Maintain complete accountability of funds throughout the year through coordination with staff and higher headquarters. Assisted with forecasting the DSC POM requirement to ensure HQDA program managers properly resourced future mission year requirements. Participated in the Program Budget Advisory Committee (PBAC) providing financial advice to the commander and staff. Advised program managers of the status and availability of funds in different the different MDEPS and all aspects of the command and installation budget process which apply to their program. Assist with the development of the funding guidance to ensure compliance with rules and regulations. Ensure that the Commanding General funding priorities are factored into the budget estimates and made available to the Command Staff as well as the subordinate units. Prepare and recommend changes in budgetary allotments as a result of changed or revised guidance received and/or mission or organizational changes. Provided weekly guidance to the Command Staff to carry out budget functions. Analyze Command and subordinate budget Spend Plan submissions to higher. Assisted with the development of one-time and recurring budget estimates and financial reports such as field budget estimates, exercise cost estimates, special project budgets, and one-time budgets for un-forecasted missions or requirements which impact available financial resources. Recommended approval/disapproval on funding requests. Perform reviews with budget personnel, program managers, and higher headquarters to ensure funds are available for unexpected occurrences and procedural compliance.

Work with automated accounting systems such as the General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS). Ensured the proper funding and submission of requests to include MIPR, WBS, transportation, and contracts. Knowledgeable in the process to receive MIPR funding from external organizations and agencies. Served as the Agency Program Coordinator (APC) responsible for managing the day to day operations of the Department of Defense (DoD) Government Travel Card (GTC) program to include monitoring account activity and delinquencies. Provided hands on training as needed with new and existing travelers and approving officials on DTS policy and procedures. Served as the Defense Travel Administer (DTA) for the Defense Travel System and proficiently established 50+ lines of accounting to support the Command and subordinates travel requirements. Served as RLAS superuser establishing RLAS permissions for additional duty appointments (i.e.,FM approvers and Initiators). Knowledgeable of the Centrally-billed account (CBA) reconciliation process. Stayed abreast of all regulations and directives associated with the requisition of supplies and equipment. Conducted staff assistance visits and training sessions with subordinate units on budget management and forecasting. Ensure internal control procedures are enforced to detect fraud waste, and abuse of government funds. Successful completed the Government Purchase Card Training. Received Star Note from the Chief of Army Reserve for helping over 300 Soldiers receive RPA orders by reviewing and processing manual orders. Received Meritorious Service Medal for being instrumental in operationalizing the headquarters and improving the readiness of subordinate units by serving as the lead NCOIC G8, overseeing proper fiscal utilization of a $20 million budget annually.

Serve as the lead resource manager for the G3/7 responsible for allocation of funds throughout the Command as well as monitoring the budget continually for proper execution of funds. Prepare monthly spend plan to show projected monthly expenditures. Prepare and submit FY Road-to-budget projection. Recommend appropriate transfer of funds to meet priority requirements and maintain program balances. Prepare reports, interpret budgetary policies, practices and procedures to maintain and improve financial management operations. Analyze data to determine adequacy of funds estimated to support scheduled training and prepare financial reports. Review status of funds reports and advise Staff on future budget execution. Serve as the organization’s main point of contact for Defense Travel System (DTS) travel issues. Appointed as Defense Travel System (DTS)Approver ensuing that travel expenses are mission related and incurred in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Able to work successfully as a team member and as an individual.

Assist with Command AT training plans and schedules and ensure they are consistent with current unit status and wartime contingency plans. Converse with command management officials on training needs and objectives. Skilled in writing and oral communication to prepare and make formal presentations when called upon.

Provide general guidance to meet command training needs. Support the operations Officer as an advisor on training within the Command. Monitor the use of ATA/RMA and AT/ADT authorizations for training.

Review requests for alternate annual training and make recommendations for the approval of the Commander. Approve ATRRS applications. Create internal suspense files and logs to ease data collection and expedite report submission. Review new or revised guidance pertaining to the work of the section and summarize for the Supervisor. Developed and modified forms and files to facilitate more efficient information retrieval and improve the office workflow. Maintain complete accountability of funds throughout the year through coordination with staff and higher headquarters. Perform necessary assistance visits and inspections to ensure units are fully informed and comply with directives and procedures. Review and evaluate areas for cost reduction. Analyze the Commander priorities to ensure proper financial resources are available to accomplish the mission. Perform necessary administrative work in support of the Command.

Participate in the Command Inspection Program (CIP).