MELISSA JEAN FERGUSON
Cottage Grove,WI
Work Preference
Summary
Experienced Accounting Professional with 19 years in optimizing revenue collection processes. Strong organizational and communication skills foster effective team collaboration and deliver tailored solutions to meet client needs. Committed to continuous learning and applying diverse accounting programs.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adv. Medical Support Asst.
VA Hospital
Madison, WI
01.2012 - 03.2019
- Performed check-ins, entered encounters, and scheduled outpatient appointments for therapy services.
- Disseminated consults and verbal requests from physicians, facilitating timely service activation.
- Triaged requests from patients, residents, and physicians, prioritizing responses to enhance service delivery.
- Gathered, collated, and input data into departmental systems, supporting accurate report reviews.
- Drafted administrative documentation independently, selecting appropriate formats for clarity.
- Reviewed and interpreted policies from administrative and clinical services for PM&R activities.
- Processed all incoming and outgoing correspondence and phone inquiries efficiently.
- Maintained a 40-hour work week in GS-6 position supporting medical operations.
Office Asst/Product Recovery
2nd Harvest Foodbank
Madison, WI
10.2011 - 12.2011
- Tracked volunteer hours, ensuring accurate records for Second Harvest Foodbank.
- Managed data entry and thank you letter generation using Volgistics and Raisers Edge.
- Coordinated volunteer schedules to maximize coverage during shifts.
Inventory Control Assistant
Coca-Cola
Windsor, WI
05.2011 - 09.2011
- Reconciled daily, monthly, and annual inventory with SAP computer system.
- Researched and reconciled daily inventory variances, enhancing overall inventory accuracy.
- Counted full goods and raw materials in warehouse daily, ensuring accurate inventory levels using manual methods and scanners.
- Identified and reported close-dated products, minimizing potential losses through timely intervention.
Food Service Worker II
MMSD
Madison, WI
10.2010 - 04.2011
- Assisted with preparation, packaging, and distribution of school meals under general supervision.
- Distributed food in appropriate portions to ensure nutritional standards.
- Cleaned tables, kitchen equipment, and overall food service area for hygiene maintenance.
- Fostered positive attitude and teamwork in lunchroom, enhancing student satisfaction and engagement.
- Collected cash and documented meals for students and adults through computer operations.
- Ensured accurate records of student accounts, facilitating effective meal tracking and reporting.
- Executed tasks to align with team objectives, contributing to overall operational success.
Accounts Receivable Tech
VA Hospital
Madison, WI
03.2008 - 02.2009
- Executed collection function for revenue program, emphasizing third-party insurance reimbursements and optimizing account receivables.
- Proactively contacted insurance companies and third-party payers to expedite collection processes.
- Conducted targeted follow-up actions to enhance timely collections based on specific criteria.
- Coordinated collection efforts through Vista accounts receivable program, improving tracking and management of accounts.
- Responded to communications from third-party payers to address inquiries and resolve issues.
- Maintained computerized records of debts, ensuring accuracy and up-to-date information.
Accountant
Accountemps
Middleton, WI
06.2007 - 02.2008
- Collaborated with multiple clients to deliver tailored solutions within tight deadlines.
- Managed workloads across multiple projects, ensuring on-time delivery of all tasks.
- Engaged with diverse stakeholders to gather requirements, aligning project objectives with client needs.
- Completed short-term assignments for various clients, delivering quality service while maintaining 40 hours per week.
Payroll Specialist (RSM McGlady)
Accountemps
Middleton, WI
03.2007 - 02.2008
- Processed bi-weekly payrolls for four companies with employee counts ranging from five to 15, ensuring timely and accurate compensation.
- Calculated deductions and ensured accurate check printing with prompt delivery to respective locations.
- Entered employee information, including new hires and terminations, into payroll system to maintain up-to-date records.
Accountant (Third Wave Tech)
Accountemps
Middleton, WI
10.2006 - 02.2007
- Led accounts payable department during maternity leave, maintaining operational continuity.
- Coordinated matching of inventory invoices with receivers and purchase orders for Oracle system entry.
- Resolved discrepancies through collaboration with departments and vendors.
Office Assistant(Five Star Mgmt)
Accountemps
Middleton, WI
07.2006 - 09.2006
- Coordinated lease-up process for 104-unit residential development, enhancing occupancy rates.
- Conducted property tours and showcased units to prospective residents, increasing engagement.
- Executed sales through phone and in-person interactions, contributing to overall revenue.
Accountant (Hallmark Drywall)
Accountemps
Middleton, WI
07.2005 - 03.2006
- Managed accounting and payroll operations for flooring company using Timberline software, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
- Executed accounts payable tasks, including vendor setup, bill entry, and weekly check runs.
- Handled accounts receivable by establishing new vendor accounts and managing customer billings to streamline cash flow.
- Maintained monthly general ledger reconciliation to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
- Reconciled customer accounts and performed daily deposits to ensure accurate records.
- Balanced checkbook monthly using accounting software to ensure accuracy. with computer software to maintain financial integrity.
- Conducted job costing analysis to assess project profitability and efficiency. and responded to phone inquiries efficiently.
- Compiled historical employee data into a spreadsheet for analysis.
Accountant
Conney Safety Products
Madison, WI
11.1999 - 12.2003
- Reconciled numerous general ledger accounts to maintain financial accuracy.
- Managed coding and entry of all expense invoices into payment system.
- Matched inventory invoices with receivers and purchase orders in AS400 system to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Resolved discrepancies by collaborating with multiple departments and vendors.
- Performed journal entries, set up new vendors, and handled vendor inquiries.
- Printed checks for timely payment processing of invoices.
- Proofed inventory corrections in system to ensure data integrity.
- Coordinated tasks within accounts payable department to support efficient team operations.
Accountant
Interstate Promotions Distributor
Madison, WI
07.1999 - 11.1999
- Managed accounts payable and receivable functions for educational books and sports promotions, ensuring accurate financial tracking.
- Processed invoices, matched with receipts, and coded amounts for management approval to maintain financial integrity.
- Entered financial data into Soloman system and processed checks with corresponding reports to support timely financial operations.
Accountant
Cole Grower Service
Madison, WI
03.1997 - 10.1999
- Managed inventory accounts payable for wholesale and retail agricultural company, ensuring timely payments to extensive vendor base.
- Reconciled multiple general ledger accounts and adjusted journal entries.
- Oversaw preparation of fiscal year-end 1099 tax package, ensuring compliance and accuracy of reporting.
- Executed quarterly physical inventory audits across 13 locations, enhancing accuracy of stock records.
- Conducted coding of bills, discrepancy research, and reconciliation of prepayment accounts.
- Established new vendors, processed freight bills, and managed EFT payments.
- Handled vendor inquiries and tracked fixed assets alongside special projects.
- Supervised two permanent and temporary accounting staff in daily operations and project tasks.
Payroll Specialist
Creative Fin. Staff
Madison, WI
05.1999 - 07.1999
- Ensured accuracy of payroll data through diligent record-keeping and reporting.
- Entered employee timesheets and maintained accurate tax and personnel records for payroll processing.
- Printed payroll checks and generated timely reports to support check processing.
- Recorded journal entries in Ross system while monitoring bonus payments in Paradox for accuracy.
Accountant
Qualitemps
Madison, WI
12.1998 - 05.1999
- Transferred general ledger account balances from Lawson to Oracle system, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
- Assisted accounts payable department in resolving backlog, improving payment processing timelines.
- Researched and entered data on default loans using mainframe and Excel, enhancing loan tracking accuracy.
Office Supervisor
City of Janesville Ice Arena
Janesville, WI
07.1993 - 03.1997
- Trained and supervised part-time staff to improve workflow and service quality.
- Managed payroll system and controlled inventory for accurate financial tracking.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable with a focus on accurate financial record-keeping.
- Oversaw box office procedures ensuring smooth operations during events.
- Executed various administrative tasks to support team goals and improve operational efficiency. to support team objectives.
- Performed routine typing and general clerical tasks to support administrative functions.
- Provided excellent customer service to address inquiries and resolve issues.
CSR
Valley Bank/M&I Bank
Janesville, WI
07.1992 - 04.1993
- Executed on and offline banking transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and loan payments; managed cash balancing, accounting, and daily vault operations.
- 40hrs/wk
- Donna Everding ?phone number
- Collaborated with VBOSS and Vision computer systems to streamline operational processes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - History
Missouri Western State College
St. Joseph, MO12-1991
Ottawa, KS - General Studies
Ottawa University
Ottawa, KSGeneral Studies
Johnson County Comm. Junior College
Olathe, KS -
Olathe North High School
Olathe, KS05-1986
Skills
- Medical terminology
- 19 years accounting expertise
- Accounting software proficiency
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Active learner
- Team player
- Advanced communication skills
Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certificate 2010
- Advanced Excel 2000
- Intermediate Word 1996
- Intermediate Excel 1996
- Customer Service 1996
- Beginning Word 1995
- Beginning Excel 1995
- Coaching the Experienced Driver 1993
- Principles of Banking 1992
Timeline
Adv. Medical Support Asst.
VA Hospital
01.2012 - 03.2019
Office Asst/Product Recovery
2nd Harvest Foodbank
10.2011 - 12.2011
Inventory Control Assistant
Coca-Cola
05.2011 - 09.2011
Food Service Worker II
MMSD
10.2010 - 04.2011
Accounts Receivable Tech
VA Hospital
03.2008 - 02.2009
Accountant
Accountemps
06.2007 - 02.2008
Payroll Specialist (RSM McGlady)
Accountemps
03.2007 - 02.2008
Accountant (Third Wave Tech)
Accountemps
10.2006 - 02.2007
Office Assistant(Five Star Mgmt)
Accountemps
07.2006 - 09.2006
Accountant (Hallmark Drywall)
Accountemps
07.2005 - 03.2006
Accountant
Conney Safety Products
11.1999 - 12.2003
Accountant
Interstate Promotions Distributor
07.1999 - 11.1999
Payroll Specialist
Creative Fin. Staff
05.1999 - 07.1999
Accountant
Qualitemps
12.1998 - 05.1999
Accountant
Cole Grower Service
03.1997 - 10.1999
Office Supervisor
City of Janesville Ice Arena
07.1993 - 03.1997
CSR
Valley Bank/M&I Bank
07.1992 - 04.1993
Bachelor of Science - History
Missouri Western State College
Ottawa, KS - General Studies
Ottawa University
General Studies
Johnson County Comm. Junior College
Olathe, KS -
Olathe North High School