Menetha Alston
Alpharetta,GA
Summary
Knowledge of fiscal management practices, theories, and GAAP standards. Over twenty years of professional accounting experience. Proficiency in paying attention to detail and interpreting financial data. Excellent communication skills, effective both orally and in writing. Highly organized, able to work in a team environment and independently.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Capital Asset Accounting
Georgia State University
01.2017 - Current
- Prepare monthly and annual year-end reporting statements and notes for capitalized assets.
- Establish robust risk mitigation strategies to safeguard university assets.
- Facilitate successful cross-functional collaborations for completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
- Monitor and analyze business practices to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Determine, troubleshoot, and prepare documentation for AM System processing errors.
- Investigate and document physical equipment inventory findings.
- Create, revise, and monitor systems of controls, procedures, and forms for recording university assets.
- Maintain all tables and data in the Asset Management System.
- Supervise and mentor staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
Assistant Manager Asset Accounting
Georgia State University
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Recommended and maintained improvements to university asset management policies and procedures.
- Monitored the compilation of project costs into capital asset accounts, and closed out those accounts once the related projects had been completed.
- Maintained and ensured that all physical permanent tags were placed on new assets college-wide.
- Performed monthly reconciliation of asset management system additions and deletions to the appropriate accounts on the general ledger (making any necessary adjustments via journal entry).
- Reviewed and recorded all proposed disposals of university assets.
- Ran monthly depreciation process for all capitalized assets and reconciled them to the general ledger.
- Prepared and assisted the Comptroller with capitalized asset schedules required for fiscal year audit.
- Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for growth and development.
- Coordinated and oversaw annual inventory audits at all campuses and extension centers.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality, and service expectations.
Senior Accountant
Georgia State University
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Reconciled the balance in the fixed asset subsidiary ledger to the summary-level account in the general ledger.
- Calculated depreciation for all capitalized assets.
- Reviewed and updated the detailed schedule of capitalized assets and accumulated depreciation.
- Calculated asset retirement obligations for those fixed assets to which AROs are applicable.
- Conducted periodic impairment reviews for intangible assets.
- Conducted an annual physical inventory of university assets.
- Tested all IT upgrades to the PeopleSoft Asset Management Module when needed.
- Prepared audit schedules relating to university assets, and assisted the auditors in their inquiries.
Accountant III
Georgia State University
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Prepared Georgia State University Research Foundation financial statements with accuracy and compliance.
- Reviewed foundation accounting transactions, such as fund, appropriation, expense, and revenue collection records; and ensured that foundation assets were accounted for properly.
- Maintained adequate records of expenditures, funds, appropriations, and expenses, as well as revenue collected and deposited.
- Maintained systems and controls necessary to provide accurate accounts of expenditures and budget balances for foundation transactions.
- Researched and reconciled discrepancies in accounts, and reported findings and/or processed general journal entries.
Chief Finance and Administration Officer
Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Streamlined financial processes by implementing efficient accounting systems and software.
- Established strong relationships with external partners such as banks, auditors, and tax consultants to ensure smooth interactions and compliance.
- Facilitated effective communication between departments and the Board of Directors by acting as a liaison on critical projects or initiatives.
- Organized numerous events and conferences, coordinating logistics and maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders.
- Boosted employee morale by planning engaging team-building activities throughout the year.
Chief Accountant
Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Reduced operational costs through careful monitoring of expenses and identifying areas for improvement.
- Enhanced financial transparency for the Board of Directors through accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Increased efficiency within the accounting department through continuous process improvement initiatives and staff training programs.
- Developed annual budgets in collaboration with senior management, aligning resources with company objectives.
- Ensured compliance with tax regulations by diligently preparing and submitting all required documentation on time.
Senior Accountant
South Carolina Department of Education
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing processes, identifying gaps, and proposing improvements to safeguard against fraud or mismanagement of funds.
- Provided timely and accurate financial reporting to senior management, enabling informed decision-making based on reliable data.
- Prepared journal entries, processed and reviewed budget adjustments, and prepared monthly reconciliations.
- Coordinated the correction of account balances, resolves funding issues, and maintains proper accounting controls and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and reporting requirements.
- Served as a key liaison between the State Department of Education and county school district offices, ensuring effective communication on budgetary matters and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Budget Analyst
South Carolina Department of Education
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Evaluated project proposals for potential risks, ensuring alignment with a departmental zero-based budget.
- Assisted in the preparation of annual budgets, working closely with department heads to gather necessary information.
- Provided training and guidance to business managers, fostering a collaborative work environment conducive to professional development.
- Compiles and analyzes financial information and develops integrated revenue/expense analyses, projections, reports, and presentations.
- Conducted variance analyses to identify potential areas for improvement in existing budgeting practices.
Accountant
Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School
01.1992 - 01.1994
- Processed accounts payable transactions according to the university’s prescribed policies and procedures.
- Reconciled to the general ledger accounts.
- Maintained sufficient documentation for checks; printed and mailed checks.
- Setup new accounts and obtained appropriate documentation
- Communicated with vendors and departments; send vendors the appropriate tax documents at year-end
- Prepared month-end journal entries
- Managed cash flow effectively, ensuring all company liabilities were met in a timely manner and surplus funds were invested wisely
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC05.1992
Skills
- Windows
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher)
- QuickBooks
- Peachtree Accounting
- Oracle's PeopleSoft Financial Management Advanced
Timeline
Manager, Capital Asset Accounting
Georgia State University
01.2017 - Current
Assistant Manager Asset Accounting
Georgia State University
01.2014 - 01.2017
Senior Accountant
Georgia State University
01.2005 - 01.2013
Accountant III
Georgia State University
01.2001 - 01.2005
Chief Finance and Administration Officer
Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care
01.1999 - 01.2001
Chief Accountant
Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care
01.1997 - 01.1999
Senior Accountant
South Carolina Department of Education
01.1996 - 01.1997
Budget Analyst
South Carolina Department of Education
01.1994 - 01.1996
Accountant
Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School
01.1992 - 01.1994
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of South Carolina