Michelle Regier
Madison,WI
Summary
Mission-driven financial leader with demonstrated skill and success in creating accounting processes, improving internal controls and strengthening systems for growth and audit readiness. Experienced in all aspects of nonprofit accounting, including managing grants and budgets while meeting deadlines and funder rules. Gifted in building solid financial statements to handle complex requirements with consistency, accuracy and full compliance with regulations.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Accounting Manager
RISE Wisconsin, Inc. (nonproft - Human Services)
Madison, WI
10.2022 - Current
- successfully transitioned Accounting software to the cloud-based solution MS Dynamics Business Central. Maintained fund accounting for 17 programs and 10 grants, using Dimensions to reduce the general ledger from 2000 accounts to roughly 200.
- implemented an Insured Cash Sweep account and laddered CD's at various institutions to protect agency assets and maximize unrestricted funds, while monitoring cash flow needs on a daily/monthly basis.
- continually streamlining and updating Accounting processes to facilitate shared decision making and reduce administrative burdens on program staff.
Senior Accountant
RISE Wisconsin, Inc. (nonprofit - Human Services)
01.2020 - 10.2022
- Continual process improvement on all financial reporting, and personal learning along with DEI goals
- Adapt to changing regulations (ARPA, COVID relief) and ensure compliance with various grants such as the PPP loan and the SBA EIDL.
- Keep the books audit-ready on monthly/yearly cycle
- Serve as liaison with IT department on transition to sharepoint/cloud storage
- Prepare all financial statements using Jet Reports and Microsoft GreatPlains software, keeping programming up to date with 2000 general ledger accounts
Senior Accountant
Astar Capital Management (affordable housing developer)
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Accounts payable manager for developer of affordable housing, controlling pre-development expenses.
- Team lead on implementation of SAP Concur, assist controller with strategic decisions.
- Successfully submitted monthly development draws for two projects (tax credit and opportunity zone)
- Successfully switched credit card providers for 50 corporate cards, with minimal change to user experience.
- Implemented third party payment solutions with Comdata in order to earn rebates and streamline AP processes.
Senior Accountant
Honkamp Krueger (public accounting firm)
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Client services such as tax, bookkeeping, contracts, financial planning for small and mid sized businesses
- Research and create relationships with local organizations, startups, and other groups for future business
Senior Accountant – Financial Operations
AAAASF, Inc. (nonprofit accreditation org)
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Develop and provide all financial reporting to the Board of Directors and management; prepare all government filings
- Responsible for developing yearly budget and providing all support for the audit process
- Analyze profitability by program, monthly variance analysis and ad-hoc reports as requested
- Devised & led process to prepare for new revenue recognition rules per FASB, to achieve compliance with GAAP standard on revenue and first unqualified audit opinion in four years.
- Prepared monthly journal entries and reconciliations.
- Reconciled accounts and created documents for monthly closure procedures.
Accounting Specialist, Staff Accountant
Camping World (RV dealership/retail network)
04.2007 - 01.2013
- Created new reports and procedures to improve the quality of information reported to management. Trained staff on improved procedures, monitored progress and followed up with controllers, determined and made adjusting journal entries
- Maintained general ledger accuracy through regular account reconciliations, journal entry adjustments, and transaction reviews.
- Monitored intercompany accounts receivable, accounts payable and other account balances to track transactions, avoid discrepancies and maintain accuracy.
- Improved accuracy and increased volume of intercompany invoicing to dealerships from $1M to $5M monthly, resolving significant differences
- Developed treasury management system of twice-daily cash reports to invest $14M from dealerships across the country, maintained accuracy and efficiency as the number of bank accounts exceeded 60
- Provided financial statements from Peachtree software with accompanying schedules for 12 consolidated entities, executed regular journal entries, performed quarterly collapse of intercompany accounts to equity, reconciled equity accounts monthly
- Served as liaison with IT department during transition of accounting software to QuickBooks and purchase of multiple entities
Bookkeeper / C.E. Coordinator
NetStudy, LLC (insurance education startup)
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Maintained records as full-charge bookkeeper reporting to off-site accountant; responsible for all bank transactions and reconciliations; submitted payroll
- Improved record-keeping and reported education credits to state insurance departments; complied with regulations from every state’s insurance department on continuing education
- Increased invoicing for company’s services to outside customers, improving company’s revenue stream; set goals for the team, created deadlines and made sure they were met, communicated issues to improve and maintain relationships
Bookkeeper / Admin. Coordinator
Swallow Hill (nonprofit music association)
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Developed procedures for greater organization in the Accounting office and in various departments, worked with on-site accountant.
- Restored order to processes/records in disarray, improved communication between executive director and staff; consistently praised for competence and organization
- Supervised volunteers and community service projects, including managing a team of diverse professionals who built a xeriscape garden on donated labor and materials
- Budgeted use of I.T
- Support; ordered and maintained the organization’s first wireless credit card scanning machine for concert nights, increasing CD sales for artists; reconciled and sent batches to bank
Actuarial Assistant
Scottsdale Insurance Company (property/casualty insurance)
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Contributed to increased profitability by analyzing various lines of insurance and making recommendations for rate increases
- Attended board meetings to report on quarterly performance, prepared quarterly reports, and automated reporting for underwriting using Excel VBA.
Education
NIU CPA Review Course -
College of Lake County -
IL CPA Exam completed -
01.2014
Actuarial Exam; Statistics/Calculus -
05.2001
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies (Math/Physics) -
05.2000
Skills
- General Ledger Management
- Financial Data Analysis
- Budget Compliance
- Internal Controls
- Audit Coordination
- Revenue Recognition
- Month-end close
- Software Implementation
Certification
- Illinois Certified Public Accountant, awarded February 2014 (transferred to Wisconsin by reciprocity)
- Wisconsin Certified Public Accountant license #26307, August 2017
Affiliations
- member of AICPA and Not-For-Profit section
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Accounting Manager
RISE Wisconsin, Inc. (nonproft - Human Services)
10.2022 - Current
Senior Accountant
RISE Wisconsin, Inc. (nonprofit - Human Services)
01.2020 - 10.2022
Senior Accountant
Astar Capital Management (affordable housing developer)
01.2018 - 01.2020
Senior Accountant
Honkamp Krueger (public accounting firm)
01.2017 - 01.2018
Senior Accountant – Financial Operations
AAAASF, Inc. (nonprofit accreditation org)
01.2014 - 01.2017
Accounting Specialist, Staff Accountant
Camping World (RV dealership/retail network)
04.2007 - 01.2013
Bookkeeper / C.E. Coordinator
NetStudy, LLC (insurance education startup)
01.2005 - 01.2007
Bookkeeper / Admin. Coordinator
Swallow Hill (nonprofit music association)
01.2004 - 01.2005
Actuarial Assistant
Scottsdale Insurance Company (property/casualty insurance)
01.2000 - 01.2002