Melissa Dadzie
Española
Summary
Professional finance leader with over 17 years of extensive experience in government finance operations encompassing the development of effective professional relationships while examining operations and procedures, formulating policies, and developing and implementing new strategies.
Expert in scaffolding staff on job functions and providing training opportunities for staff to be adept to the changing finance landscape/workspace.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Acting Chief Financial Officer
Los Alamos County
09.2023 - Current
- Perform strategic planning, organization, and management of all Finance functions
- Uphold financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard public funds
- Verify all Finance functions and systems are maintained in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and also ensure that these functions are in compliance with standards set forth by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)
- Direct the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and oversee the development of fund statements for budget preparation
- Serve as a member of Senior Management Team
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Los Alamos County
08.2017 - 08.2023
- Increased Finance division's effectiveness through the utilization of scaffolding coaching techniques and provision of training opportunities for staff development.
- Ensured all accounting functions, including payroll, are maintained in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as well as the standards set forth by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)
- Directed the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and assisted in the development of annual departmental operating budgets and fund statements
- Participated in the ERP conversion and implementation project (PRISM), by developing finance workflows, user roles and standard operating procedures to help advance Los Alamos County’s strategic goal of achieving quality governance
- Assigned job duties to staff as well as develop metrics for evaluating outcomes of duties performed
- Served as a member of Expanded Management Team
Accounting Manager
City Of Las Cruces
07.2013 - 08.2017
- Oversaw staff responsible for governmental and business-type accounting operations
- Followed NM OSA & City Procurement Standards to procure services needed in conducting Annual Financial Audit and Agreed Upon Procedures
- Collaborated with Procurement, Finance, and other City departments to prepare schedules, gather reports, and compile all relevant documentations for City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
- Prepared financial statements for external agencies of the City and presented financial reports/highlights to the agencies’ Boards each month
- Established new accounting policies such as: the Fund Balance policy, to ensure compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules/regulations
- Developed strategies for enhancements by implementing, maintaining, and updating standard operating procedure knowledge repository for several accounting related functions.
Accounting Supervisor
City Of Las Cruces
10.2007 - 07.2013
- Oversaw staff responsible for governmental accounting operations
- Oversaw the development and posting of journal entries (adjusting entries, year-end accrual entries, correcting entries, revenue recognition entries)
- Supervised all debt administration and ensured all debt payments were made on time
- Coordinated and oversaw the preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
- Reconciled receivable and payable accounts to ensure integrity of the financial system as well as each fund.
Accountant
City Of Las Cruces
08.2005 - 10.2007
- Prepared audit schedules and reports for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and worked with auditors to provide answers to their audit questions as needed
- Assisted with the ERP conversion of Oracle-Banner to Tyler-Munis by testing financial transactions in Munis and reviewing the Chart of Accounts crosswalk to ensure accuracy
- Prepared journal entries (adjusting entries, year-end accrual entries, correcting entries, etc.)
- Ensured fund integrity by verifying assigned funds remained in balance
- Verified subsidiary ledger postings were accurately reflected in the general ledger.
- Performed verification of accounting records to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standards set forth by Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)
Education
Master of Accountancy -
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM05.2005
Bachelor of Arts – Accounting -
University of Northern Iowa
05.2003
Skills
- Audit Coordination
- Financial Administration
- Proficient in Performance Metrics Analysis
- Sound Ethical Decision Making Abilities
- Excellent Problem Solving Skills
- Proficient Systems Knowledge of Tyler Munis
- Proficient knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounted Principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards
- Knowledge of the Principles and Practices of Government Management Support Functions
- Great Interpersonal and Cultural Communication Skills
- Excellent Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability Skills
- Excellent Professional Relationship Building Skills
- Proficient Knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Office Suite, etc
Accomplishments
- Established knowledge repository of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relating to Finance functions
- Addressed Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance gap identified by Department of Finance and Administration by creating and implementing a new policy "Acceptance of Credit/Debit Cards and Electronic Transfers for Payment"
- Established a system for compiling and tracking all grant reports and documentation in order to ensure continuity and financial compliance with granting agencies
- Developed and implemented Tyler Munis workflow for various LAC financial functions in Munis to streamline operations and facilitate adherence to required internal control policies.
Affiliations
- Governmental Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
- Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
Accreditations
Certified Government Finance Manager, 07/2012, 16013
Certification
Certified Government Finance Manager
July 2012
Active Certificate #16013
Timeline
Acting Chief Financial Officer
Los Alamos County
09.2023 - Current
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Los Alamos County
08.2017 - 08.2023
Accounting Manager
City Of Las Cruces
07.2013 - 08.2017
Accounting Supervisor
City Of Las Cruces
10.2007 - 07.2013
Accountant
City Of Las Cruces
08.2005 - 10.2007
Master of Accountancy -
New Mexico State University
Bachelor of Arts – Accounting -
University of Northern Iowa
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