Merlina Conley
Financial Manager
Hewitt,TX
Summary
Dynamic, self-motivated, and result-oriented MBA with more than 15+ years of experience, of which 8 years has been with the University of Memphis and 1 year has been with Baylor University. An active team member with excellent communication and people skills. Results-driven MBA and MSA with over 10+ years of experience leading teams, managing projects, and overseeing operations with strong organizational skills. Able to create effective systems and documentation that are critical for the success of any organization or company. Customer Service Representative with 20+ years of experience dealing with customer relations and problem-solving skills to resolve complaints, issues, and inquiries. Has strong knowledge and experience in driving both employee and customer loyalty and building strong linkages with employees and clients. Strong passion for leading employees and co-workers to surpass strategic goals while investing in their personal and professional growth.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Manager
Baylor University
Waco, TX
04.2024 - Current
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy through regular audits and reconciliations, leading to improved decision-making capabilities.
- Managed a team of financial analysts, resulting in increased productivity and better performance metrics.
- Collaborated with department heads to establish annual budgets, promoting fiscal responsibility across the organization.
- Increased financial efficiency by streamlining budget processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Performed due diligence on prospective vendors and partners to protect against potential financial risks or conflicts of interest.
- Developed and maintained financial models for forecasting, enabling more accurate predictions of future revenue and expenses.
- Prepared comprehensive financial statements for executive review, aiding in effective decision-making processes regarding growth opportunities and resource allocation.
Business Officer II
University Of Memphis
06.2020 - Current
- Advises Dean, Associate Dean, faculty, and staff on financial and operational matters for College of Communication and Fine Arts; provides training as needed or requested.
- Develops and monitors operational and specialized budgets; identifies financial problems, research and takes corrective action; coordinates and/or directs budget prep for reporting units.
- Develops and maintains multi-year faculty recruitment plan, maintains multiple faculty lists (non-tenured, tenure-track, PDA, post retirement, one-year appointments, etc.
- Assist or prepares grant or contract submissions, data and budgets; monitors salary splits and grant recovery; monitors IDCR and cost-share accounts; prepares cost transfers and monitors expenses for extraordinary circumstances.
- Prepares financial and administrative reports for planning purposes; analyzes and interprets financial data and other information.
Financial Service Associate
University Of Memphis
06.2017 - 06.2020
- Prepared, analyzed, managed, and monitored department's budget, and financial information to provide accurate and useful budgetary facts to Chair for review and decision making.
- Prepared contract submissions, reports, financial statements, billing to external agencies and granters; provided administrative and budget support, reconciled general ledger and subsidiary accounts.
- Monitored expenses and prepared budget by forecasting department's operating requirements and needs.
Deposit Operations Specialist
Triumph Bank
11.2014 - 06.2017
- Processed chargebacks, ACH items, wires and certificate of deposit interest checks.
- Responsible for processing and monitoring lockbox items, new account documents and account exceptions.
- Supervised end of day balancing, non-posts, stop pays, positive pay and NSF items.
- Processed account maintenance requests and checked for alignment with bank policy.
Front Desk Manager
Elizabeth Lee, DDS
11.2011 - 11.2014
- Supervised that all medical records were maintained according to legal requirements and ensuring appropriate staffing for business functions.
- Oversaw duties and functions of medical front office; ensuring duties were carried out with accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality.
- Trained new staff on correct procedures, compliance requirements, and performance strategies.
Bank Teller Supervisor/Financial Services Representative
First Tennessee Bank
05.2008 - 10.2011
- Counted cash drawers and made bank deposits.
- Assisted customers with setting up or closing accounts, completing loan applications, and signing up for new services.
- Maintained strong knowledge of bank products, services, procedures and regulatory requirements to assist staff members with questions and difficult or complex tasks.
- Completed highly accurate, high-volume money counts via both manual and machine-driven approaches.
- Examined tellers' reports of daily transactions for accuracy.
- Researched and resolved customer issues on personal savings, checking, and line of credit accounts.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN05.2022
Master of Science - Accountancy
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN05.2020
BBA - Business Administration And Management
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN06.2015
Skills
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Expense Reports
- Leadership
- Human Resources Department Processes
- Banking
- Finance/Accounting
- Management
- Data Analysis/Research
- Porter's Five Forces
- Problem-Solving
- Customer Experience/Service
- Team Work
Timeline
Financial Manager
Baylor University
04.2024 - Current
Business Officer II
University Of Memphis
06.2020 - Current
Financial Service Associate
University Of Memphis
06.2017 - 06.2020
Deposit Operations Specialist
Triumph Bank
11.2014 - 06.2017
Front Desk Manager
Elizabeth Lee, DDS
11.2011 - 11.2014
Bank Teller Supervisor/Financial Services Representative
First Tennessee Bank
05.2008 - 10.2011
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Memphis
Master of Science - Accountancy
University of Memphis
BBA - Business Administration And Management
Christian Brothers University
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