Melissa Strawhun
Woolridge,Missouri
Summary
Experienced Finance Director with comprehensive experience in strategic planning, financial management and operations. Proven skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Recognized for ability to drive operational efficiency and deliver robust fiscal strategies that enhance profitability. Focused on creating value through rigorous analysis, insightful interpretation of data, and innovative solutions.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Finance
UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES INC
BOONVILLE, MISSOURI
08.2022 - Current
- Coordinate and supervise all accounting and finance procedures for three separate business entities; including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and cash management
- Oversee month-end and fiscal year-end closing processes, prepare and present monthly financial statements to board of directors; Prepare annual budgets and monthly budget variance reports;
- Ensure timely filing of all federal and state reports, maintain operating certificates and monitor compliance with insurance liability and contractual requirements for leases; Serve as liaison with Social Security, Medicaid, Cooper County Board of Sheltered Services, and other outside funding agencies to ensure compliance
- Facilitated audits for three business entities, ensuring adherence to financial regulations and standards
Business Operations Manager
GYGR GAS
Boonville, Missouri
04.2018 - 08.2022
- Managed operational and financial activities. Supervised staff. Prepared annual budgets and conducted budget analysis. Created monthly and annual financial statements. Developed annual bids for businesses, schools, municipalities, and churches. Ensured DOT compliance for fleet vehicles.
Executive Director
FRIENDS OF HISTORIC BOONVILLE
Boonville, Missouri
01.2012 - 04.2018
- Managed all operational and financial activities, reporting directly to a 12-person Board of Directors.
- Managed local, state, and federal grants; prepared and distributed quarterly newsletters to members; maintained membership database for 501C3 compliance; supervised staff and volunteers; coordinated sponsored events including music festivals, plays, art shows, and fundraising activities; oversaw facility maintenance and endowment for three historical properties.
Neurology Department Administrator & Senior Practice Manager for Outpatient Neurology Clinic
MU Healthcare
Columbia, Missouri
08.2002 - 03.2011
- Department Administrator: Managed all operations, financial, academic, and research activities for the Department of Neurology within the School of Medicine, reporting directly to the Department Chairman. Main responsibilities include: Supervise and oversee all departmental staff, including administration, billing and clinical nursing; prepare annual budgets and analyze budget variances; prepare monthly financial reports; oversee physician RVU incentive based bonus program; coordinate clinical research and NIH funded basic science research; work with various funding sources such as MU campus funding, federal and state research grants, government and commercial insurance payers; oversee all billing and collections functions for all physician related services; oversee Graduate Medical Education activities for residents and medical students; prepare business plans for new clinical/research service lines; serve as a liaison for faculty to the Department Chairman and various School of Medicine and Hospital committees.
- Senior Practice Manager: Supervised daily operational, financial, and patient care activities of the Outpatient Neurology and Sleep Disorders Clinic; Coordinated department schedules to ensure optimal staffing and resource allocation; Managed departmental budgets and tracked expenses to maintain financial accuracy; Oversaw procurement of supplies and equipment to support operational needs.
Senior Management Analyst Accounting Department
MU Healthcare System
Columbia, Missouri
08.2000 - 08.2002
- Managed financial activities for Columbia Regional Hospital; prepared annual budgets and conducted monthly budget analyses for departments and facility to ensure alignment with financial goals.
Director of Finance
General Growth Properties
Columbia, Missouri
05.1998 - 08.2000
- Managed all accounts receivable and accounts payable transactions; prepared general ledger journal entries; formulated annual budgets; generated monthly financial statements and budget variance reports; established accounts receivable collections methods; engaged in lease negotiations for new and renewed tenant leases on behalf of General Growth; interacted extensively with mall tenants; directed customer service staff.
Staff Auditor 1
Missouri State Auditors Office
Jefferson City, Missouri
01.1997 - 05.1998
- Evaluated internal control effectiveness, performed audit procedures, prepared audit reports, and communicated extensively with public elected officials and other auditees regarding audit findings; evaluated compliance with state and federal regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accountancy
University of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO12-1996
Skills
- Budget preparation
- Budget management
- Financial analysis
- Financial reporting
- Cash flow analysis
- Audit management
- Regulatory compliance
- Strategic planning
Timeline
Director of Finance
UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES INC
08.2022 - Current
Business Operations Manager
GYGR GAS
04.2018 - 08.2022
Executive Director
FRIENDS OF HISTORIC BOONVILLE
01.2012 - 04.2018
Neurology Department Administrator & Senior Practice Manager for Outpatient Neurology Clinic
MU Healthcare
08.2002 - 03.2011
Senior Management Analyst Accounting Department
MU Healthcare System
08.2000 - 08.2002
Director of Finance
General Growth Properties
05.1998 - 08.2000
Staff Auditor 1
Missouri State Auditors Office
01.1997 - 05.1998
Bachelor of Science - Accountancy
University of Missouri Columbia