Melissa Arra
North Haven,CT
Summary
Seasoned Bookkeeper with 25+ years of experience providing comprehensive financial services and account management for creatives, sole proprietors, non-profits and small businesses.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Bookkeeper
Freelance NYC & Remote
01.1996 - Current
- Account Manager with proven track record establishing Quickbooks accounting systems and providing a broad range of financial services & support for over 25 clients. Effectively enhanced workflow and increased productivity while building a strong client relationship.
- Administered account reviews & clean up; account maintenance & reconciliation; monitoring cash flow; accounts payable/receivable; tracking of invoices, receipts & financial records; management of deposits; vendor communication; tracking of W9 vendors & filing of 1099s; payroll input; creation of expense & financial reports; budget prep for audits; tracking of charitable giving; mortgage & loan tracking.
- Notable clients: Axis Theatre; Following Harry; Frack Action Fund; Real NY Tours; 108 Properties; Ganesh Space LLC; Interdependence Project [IDP]; Jonathan Kruk; Ricochet Public Relations; 2 + 3 Architects; LJH Architect; Brooklyn Photo Studio; Hootenanny Art House; Flying Machine Theater Co.; Steven Harvey Fine Art Projects; Klein School of Movement & Dance.
Bookkeeper
MSS Consulting Inc.
04.2019 - 07.2023
- Successfully delivered ongoing account maintenance, including monthly reconciliation, invoice and receipt tracking, payroll entries, and year-end support for 15+ accounts
- Notable Clients: Gathering for Justice; Know Your Rights; Article 19 Films; Vertumnus Productions Inc.; We Stand United; Sarah Small Photography; Invisible Beauty Doc Works; Claudia Bady/Morgan Realty Enterprises
Executive & Personal Assistant
Freelance NYC
01.2001 - 01.2019
- Provided essential integrative administrative and interpersonal support ensuring smooth running of operations and management of a wide range of projects.
- Role based on clarity, confidentiality, trust, and proven ability to deliver results with high ethical and professional standards.
- Clients: Jeffrey Resnick/Axis Theatre + Acme Tracks; Shalom Harlow.
Company Manager & Operational Lead
Freelance NYC
01.1996 - 01.2015
- Facilitated specialized services and operations support for NYC established not-for-profits and small companies by initiating, leading and delivering projects and services built on strong understanding of clients’ diverse, evolving and individual needs.
- Performed a wide range of administrative services, including analyzing support needs and identifying gaps. Implemented solutions that improved operational efficiency, fostered growth and built positive relationships with staff and community.
- Clients: The Interdependence Project [IDP]; Jubb’s Longevity; Dance By Neil Greenberg [DBNG].
Artistic Director, Choreographer & Dancer
Freelance NYC
01.1994 - 01.2009
- Founder and Co-Artistic Director of UnderFoot Dance (UFD), a NYC-based, modern dance company.
- Established and coordinated cohesive working relationships with numerous artistic and technical personnel, presenters, funders and fiscal sponsors; administered and managed press release, grant proposal, and contract negotiation responsibilities; maintained financial accounts, including budgeting and submitting not-for-profit company status reports to fiscal sponsors.
- Executed the successful production of 24 dance premieres, productions & collaborations.
Education
Bachelors of Fine Arts - Art History
Syracuse University
Bachelors of Fine Arts - Modern Dance
Purchase College
Skills
- Proficiency in Quickbooks on-line & desktop, MS Excel & MAC Numbers
- Strong aptitude for project initiation, management and completion
- Skilled strategist & coordinator
- Resourceful & flexible under variable conditions
- High ethical & professional standards
- Practice & value clear, positive and diplomatic communication
- Problem solver
- Thrive working collaboratively & independently
- Exceptional organizational skills
Timeline
Bookkeeper
MSS Consulting Inc.
04.2019 - 07.2023
Executive & Personal Assistant
Freelance NYC
01.2001 - 01.2019
Bookkeeper
Freelance NYC & Remote
01.1996 - Current
Company Manager & Operational Lead
Freelance NYC
01.1996 - 01.2015
Artistic Director, Choreographer & Dancer
Freelance NYC
01.1994 - 01.2009
Bachelors of Fine Arts - Art History
Syracuse University
Bachelors of Fine Arts - Modern Dance
Purchase College
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