Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Michelle Gower

Bath,PA

Summary

Dynamic financial professional with extensive experience at Guardian Retirement Solutions, excelling in financial analysis and reporting. Proven track record in enhancing accounting efficiency and resolving complex tax compliance issues. Adept at utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and delivering exceptional customer service, contributing to significant improvements in collections management.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Bookkeeper

Nazareth Area School Disrict
Nazareth, PA
03.2017 - Current
  • Recorded debit, credit, and account transactions in spreadsheets and databases.
  • Utilized accounting software to enhance bookkeeping efficiency.
  • Managed financial transactions with precision, ensuring accuracy in ledgers.
  • Coordinated with vendors to resolve billing and payment discrepancies.
  • Supported external audits by preparing documents and addressing inquiries.
  • Reconciled intercompany accounts regularly to ensure alignment.
  • Handled cash, checks, and transfers, maintaining confidentiality.
  • Processed accounts payable and receivable transactions accurately.

Accounts Payable Coordinator

Bethlehem Area School District
Bethlehem, PA
01.2016 - 03.2017
  • Processed and executed checks for invoices and purchase orders across 22 schools district-wide.
  • Managed monthly bank reconciliation, reviewing and auditing Accounts Payable credit card transactions for general ledger accuracy.
  • Supported quarterly and annual accounting audits to ensure compliance and accuracy.
  • Provided coverage to additional departments as needed, enhancing operational flexibility.

Tax Clerk

Bethlehem Area School District
Bethlehem, PA
01.2013 - 01.2016
  • Researched and resolved customer inquiries regarding tax liabilities and payments.
  • Processed tax payments, including checks, while updating individual tax accounts.
  • Created refund checks for tax overpayments and calculated interim billings for taxpayers.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to address complex tax situations and customer requests.

Associate Developer

Guardian Retirement Solutions
Bethlehem, PA
01.2011 - 01.2013
  • Translated business requirements into programming code, supporting user acceptance testing.
  • Converted text files to Microsoft Excel to improve usability for business system users.
  • Deployed programming code into production environments and delivered comprehensive user training.
  • Facilitated integration of technical specifications to ensure alignment with project goals.

Financial Analyst

Guardian Retirement Solutions
Bethlehem, PA
01.2005 - 01.2011
  • Maintained Epicor Billing system, accurately recording revenue from TPA transactions.
  • Conducted audits of TPA accounts, generating ad-hoc quantitative reports for Senior Management.
  • Processed 13,800 1099Rs for fiscal year 2009.
  • Reconciled General Ledger accounts in PeopleSoft with Epicor system.
  • Collaborated with Epicor Consultant and Internal Database Administrator to enhance system functionality.

Compensation Specialist

Guardian Retirement Solutions
Bethlehem, PA
01.2001 - 01.2005
  • Ensured timely compensation distribution to over 2,600 producers through thorough research and issue resolution.
  • Monitored daily operations of compensation system while managing Producer Website development and maintenance.
  • Conducted comprehensive testing and specification writing for system improvements and updates.

Reconciliation Analyst

Guardian Retirement Solutions
Bethlehem, PA
01.2000 - 01.2001
  • Processed general vouchers and check disbursement requests with high accuracy.
  • Posted Accounts Payable transactions to General Ledger effectively.
  • Reconciled payments and prepared statements for Third Party Administrators (TPA).

Senior Accounting Coordinator

Interspace Airport Advertising
Allentown, PA
01.1996 - 01.2000
  • Executed monthly bank reconciliations, auditing Accounts Payable transactions for accuracy.
  • Processed commission administration for sales teams, collaborating with Project Managers on Capital Costing Schedules.
  • Assisted in Quarterly and Annual Book Closings to guarantee precise financial reporting.

Collections Specialist

Interspace Airport Advertising
Allentown, PA
01.1995 - 01.1996
  • Actively monitored Accounts Receivable Balances and proactively administered collection activities
  • Contributed to a 15%+ reductions in outstanding 90+ Day Past Due Balances

Education

Associates in Specialized Business Administration-Accounting - Accounting

Churchman Business School
Easton
07.1992

Certified Nursing Assistant – Continuing Education -

Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical Scholo
Bethlehem
03.2003

Skills

  • Financial analysis and reporting
  • Accounts payable
  • Accounts receivable
  • Compensation management
  • Customer service
  • Accounting principles
  • Collections management
  • Reliability
  • Financial statement preparation
  • Microsoft Office Suite expertise
  • Lotus Notes proficiency
  • System development
  • Audit support
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Spreadsheets and journal entries

Timeline

Bookkeeper

Nazareth Area School Disrict
03.2017 - Current

Accounts Payable Coordinator

Bethlehem Area School District
01.2016 - 03.2017

Tax Clerk

Bethlehem Area School District
01.2013 - 01.2016

Associate Developer

Guardian Retirement Solutions
01.2011 - 01.2013

Financial Analyst

Guardian Retirement Solutions
01.2005 - 01.2011

Compensation Specialist

Guardian Retirement Solutions
01.2001 - 01.2005

Reconciliation Analyst

Guardian Retirement Solutions
01.2000 - 01.2001

Senior Accounting Coordinator

Interspace Airport Advertising
01.1996 - 01.2000

Collections Specialist

Interspace Airport Advertising
01.1995 - 01.1996

Associates in Specialized Business Administration-Accounting - Accounting

Churchman Business School

Certified Nursing Assistant – Continuing Education -

Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical Scholo
Michelle Gower