Melissa Blaylock

• Develop, monitor, and manage special revenue/grant budgets, ensuring alignment with program goals and compliance with grant requirements.
• Approve all requisitions and supply orders related to funds under supervision, ensuring budget availability and appropriate use of expenditures.
• Manage and track expenditures to ensure funds are available when needed.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports to PED and other funding agencies.
• Oversee all aspects of grant financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger activities.
• Develop and implement internal controls to safeguard grant funds and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Prepare adjusting journal entries as needed.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices and expense reports.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, including those specific to grant funding.
• Prepare for and participate in annual audits, responding to auditor inquiries and providing necessary documentation.
• Manage compliance with program and general fund provisions, including Maintenance of Effort regulations.
• Implement and enforce company policies related to accounts payable processes.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures related to accounts payable.
• Prepare reports and documentation requested by auditors for grants and accounts payable.
• Assist program managers with PED applications, Request for Reimbursements (RfRs), and financial reports.
• Communicate with PED regarding RfR requirements and deadlines.
• Meet regularly with program managers/directors to implement and align budgets.
• Provide training and support for staff on grant financial management procedures.
• Implement and enforce company policies related to accounts payable processes.
• Prepare and post Budget Adjustment Requests (BARs) in financial software and OBMS.
• Obtain internal budget adjustment requests, verify adjustments, calculate salary benefits, and secure supporting documents.
• Submit prepared BARs to the CFO for review and school board for approval.
• Post approved BARs into the accounting system and distribute copies to relevant parties.
• Maintain accurate records to verify data in the district’s computer system.
• Verify budget availability and appropriate use of expenditures for requisitions, payroll timecards, personnel action forms, out-of-district/state travel requests, fundraising requests, and purchase service contracts.
• Research and resolve questions related to requisitions, timecards, and travel requests.
• Provide budget information over the phone regarding line items, transaction details, outstanding requisitions, and encumbrances.
• Approve daily requisition “walk-thru” requests to verify budget availability.
• Review budgets and funding for contracts to ensure they are allowable, necessary, and reasonable.
• Prepare and evaluate reports related to Maintenance of Effort regulations.
• Generate site and department reports monthly and on request.
• Prepare reports related to revenues and expenditures received and pending, providing analysis to ensure financial resources and identify potential funding gaps.
• Implement and enforce company policies related to accounts payable processes.
• Supervise district grant accountants and accounts payable staff, providing guidance and support to ensure accurate and efficient performance.
• Enter approved budgets into the district’s data system.
• Manage position control to ensure budget and program alignment, completing position control entries through EPARS.

· Performed advanced financial functions, including managing the general ledger, performing complex reconciliations, preparing financial reports and statements in compliance with GAAP and GASB and assisting with annual audits.

· Managed grant budgets and provided guidance on accounting regulations and policies.

· Ensured data accuracy, maintained financial controls, and supported fiscal operations for the county through detailed analysis and compliance with the NM Procurement Code.

· Reviewed documents and accounts for discrepancies and resolved variances; reconciled balance sheets and streamlining best practices for balance sheet processes.

· Handled month-end and year-end finances by managing and reporting data.

· Assisted in internal and external audits by preparing necessary documentation and responding to auditor inquiries.

· Updated the general ledger with the latest entries.

· Completed year-end closing processes with controllers and external auditors.

· Analyzed financial statement discrepancies, identified issues, and recommended corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

· Reduced errors in financial statements through stringent review procedures and regular reconciliation of accounts.