Monica Edwards, MBA
Clayton,NC
Summary
Highly skilled Payroll Accountant with extensive functional expertise in varied industries. Maximized departmental efficiency by streamlining processes and reducing errors. Familiarity with applicable payroll and accounting compliance requirements to achieve desired outcomes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Global Payroll Specialist
Premier Research International, LLC
Morrisville, North Carolina
07.2021 - 05.2024
- Payroll process and administration in alignment with the Global Payroll Manager for the US, Austria, Germany and Estonia
- Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing occurs
- Support the Global Payroll Manager to determine best practices for validation process
- Align with audit requirements for validating payroll each month
- Determine best practices for this process, in agreement with the Global Payroll Manager
- Remain current on all new regulations involving payroll matters
- Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency
- Manage the process for new payroll rollouts, with the support of the Global Payroll Manager
- Enforce Policy and Controls
- Support the US and Global Payroll teams lead to develop and/or maintain documentation of all Payroll controls and procedures
- Coordinate and manage the production of all deliverables relating to Payroll
- Create and post all financial journal postings on behalf of the payroll team
- Distribute internally as required projections of funding costs and global cut offs for payroll purpose
- Apply basic knowledge to assist in the coordination of payroll data collection from Global countries
- Retrieval of Payroll output using ADP StreamOnline, enabling checking
- Distribution of monthly Paid Time off (PTO) pull down report and reconciliation
- Identify and resolve errors and discrepancies
- Ensure timely controls are in place to manage fully the processing of timesheet data both weekly and semi-monthly in a finance capacity
- Manage the full export of timesheet data from Deltek periodically and reconcile these entries to the Cost Point system accordingly in a finance capacity
- Ensure all related accounts are timely and accurately reviewed and reconciled to ensure the integrity of the corporate financial records
- Identify risk areas and take action to mitigate risk
- Understand payroll related accounting principles, partnering closely with the accounting and finance team on a regular basis.
Senior Staff Accountant
Health Decisions, Inc.
Durham, North Carolina
03.2017 - 07.2021
- Process semi-monthly payroll via ADP Workforce Now for U.S
- Based employees ensuring accurate and timely funding of payroll and tax liabilities (implemented ADP Workforce Now in Jan 2020 to replace Paychex Preview)
- Coordinate payroll review with Human Resources and audit the pre and post payroll run submissions
- Supervise bi-monthly reconciliations of payroll to the general ledger, including payment of all liabilities generated in the payroll process
- Manage accounts with various state agencies as needed when an HD employee lives outside of North Carolina, including opening new accounts and closing accounts when there is no longer an HD employee in a particular state
- Identify, research, and resolve payroll issues while developing and maintaining best practices
- Maintain internal payroll controls and provide support for audits to ensure compliance with corporate procedures as well as Federal, State, and local requirements
- Critically review and analyze current payroll, benefits, and tax procedures in order to recommend and implement changes leading to best-practice operations
- Troubleshoot all payroll and payroll tax issues with employees, state and federal agencies, and payroll service provider
- Stay abreast of State and Federal laws that impact payroll; implementing changes as necessary
- Process accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month end closing activities including journal entries
- Implemented Concur (Invoice) in May 2020 in order to automate and streamline the accounts payable process
- Back Office Approver and SME for the Concur Expense Reporting System
- Manage regular preparation of relevant management reports (monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports)
- Support internal and external audit requests
- Process and timely file quarterly NC Sales and Use Tax report
- Generate and timely submit 1099s
- Prepare and file annual property tax listing
- Company purchased by Premier Research International, LLC in July 2021.
Senior Accountant
Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, Inc.
Raleigh, North Carolina
10.2012 - 03.2017
- Successfully implemented ADP Workforce Now in Dec 2013 to replace Paychex Preview
- Process semi-monthly payroll for 150+ employees, including payroll & HR related functions
- Maintain accounting records and prepare financial statements for sister companies
- Assist with month-end closing process
- GL account analysis and book related journal entries
- Generate and timely submit 1099s for 1000+ Real Estate Agents and Vendors
- Accurately calculate monthly General Brokerage commissions
- Process escrow deposits and trust account reconciliation
- Accounts payable and accounts receivable function
- Research and initiate garnishments received from the State and IRS
- Prepare and file annual property tax listings
- Create and streamline more efficient processes for team members
- Support the Controller and Chief Financial Officer.
Staff Accountant
StoneRiver-RegEd, Inc.
Morrisville
05.2006 - 10.2012
- Maintained general ledger accuracy through regular account reconciliations, journal entry adjustments, and transaction reviews.
- Monitored accounts receivable, accounts payable and other account balances to track transactions, avoid discrepancies and maintain accuracy.
- Prepared and processed journal entries to record in general ledger and maintain consistent documentation.
- Assisted with month-end closing process.
- Managed accounts payable processing, ensuring timely payments to vendors while maximizing cash flow management strategies.
- Filed monthly and quarterly and accurate sales and use tax filings for 10+ States, including all Louisiana parishes, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Maintained and reconciled assigned general ledger accounts
- FTE calculation
- Generated 1099s for 100+ Vendors
- Prepared and timely filed annual business property tax listing
- Filed unclaimed property (escheat)
- Issued credit card refunds via VeriSign system.
- Fully implemented the Workers Spend Management Expense Reporting System. Trainer and Back Office Approver.
- Prepared sales team commission schedules for payroll and bank reconciliations
- Participated in internal and external audit processes to establish accurate financial records and comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and regulatory requirements.
- Assisted controller with year-end financial audits.
- Helped with preparation of year-end and statutory accounts to compare past reports and evaluate financial health of company.
- Increased accuracy of financial statements through diligent attention to detail and thorough review processes.
- Streamlined financial reporting processes by implementing automated systems and software.
- Spearheaded implementation of new expense reimbursement policies promoting responsible spending habits among employees.
- Previous duties: Back Office Approver and Trainer for the Concur Expense Reporting System (replaced by Workers Spend Management System in March 2009).
- Supported the Controller and Chief Financial Officer and various other special projects.
Accounts Payable Manager
Centex Homes
Raleigh, NC
12.2000 - 07.2003
- Managed and trained a team of accounts payable staff, providing guidance and support to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Managed accurate and timely printing of scheduled and manual checks totaling $1.2M+ per week with automatic signing authority up to $1K.
- Responsible for timely processing and payment of all overhead payment requests
- Verified and scheduled transactions prior to payment
- Maintained check registers and cash requirements report.
- Reduced payment discrepancies with thorough invoice review, analysis, and reconciliation efforts.
- Reviewed monthly expense reports for accuracy, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies.
- Closely monitored accounts to post timely payments and resolve billing discrepancies.
- Collaborated closely with procurement on purchase orders to streamline approval processes while ensuring adherence to established budget guidelines.
- Streamlined invoice processing for improved efficiency and reduced processing time.
- Positively interacted with all partners, employees and customers using exemplary communication and interpersonal talents.
- Improved vendor relationships through timely payments and clear communication of company policies.
- Developed reports for senior management to outline expenditures, vendor spend and forecasting.
- Implemented internal controls to mitigate risk of fraud, ensuring financial integrity within the organization.
- Collaborated with other departments to resolve billing issues promptly and maintain accurate financial records.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting open communication, collaboration, and professional growth opportunities for team members.
- Built strong relationships with vendors to enhance cost offerings and accomplish favored customer status.
- Spearheaded process improvements initiatives resulting in increased efficiency within the accounts payable department.
- Observed strict confidentiality regulations to maintain data security.
- Optimized cash flow management by negotiating favorable payment terms with vendors.
Project Accountant
Centex Homes
Raleigh, NC
02.1999 - 12.2000
- Monitored project costs, developed job cost forecasts, managed cash flow and paid approved invoices for payment for assigned subdivisions.
- Utilized problem solving skills daily.
- Enhanced communication between accounting and project management teams with regular financial updates and collaborative meetings.
- Eliminated discrepancies by carefully reviewing budgets and monthly variance reports to prevent overspending and adhere to financial objectives.
- Implemented effective cost control measures, proactively identifying deviations from budgets and taking corrective action when necessary.
- Contributed to successful project completion by providing timely financial data analysis for informed decision-making processes.
- Streamlined invoice processing for timely payments by implementing efficient organizational systems.
- Supported the successful onboarding of new project accountants by sharing expertise, offering mentoring, and collaborating on best practices.
- Promoted to Accounts Payable Manager position.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
University of North Carolina - Pembroke
Lumberton, North CarolinaBachelor of Science - Accounting -
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Greensboro, North CarolinaCertificate in Oracle DBA Programming -
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, North CarolinaSkills
- ADP Workforce Now
- ADP StreamOnline Payroll Management (SPM)
- Workday
- Cost Point
- Deltek
- AwardCo Global Recognition Program
- Spreadsheet Creation
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Tax Compliance
- Project Management
- Processing wage withholding orders
- Employee Relations
- Journal entry preparation
- Data imports
- Attention to Detail
- Microsoft Word
- NetSuite
- Open Air
- Concur Expense Reporting System
- Paychex Preview Payroll System
- 80 Paylocity v19
- IFS Applications 9
- Intacct
- Great Plains
- Solomon
- New hire processing
- Time sheet review
- Payroll Administration
- Meeting deadlines
- Accounts Payable
- Exceptional Microsoft Excel skills
- Processing garnishments
- Payroll Processing
Personal Information
Title: MBA
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balanceHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing401k matchPaid time offWork Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Senior Global Payroll Specialist
Premier Research International, LLC
07.2021 - 05.2024
Senior Staff Accountant
Health Decisions, Inc.
03.2017 - 07.2021
Senior Accountant
Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, Inc.
10.2012 - 03.2017
Staff Accountant
StoneRiver-RegEd, Inc.
05.2006 - 10.2012
Accounts Payable Manager
Centex Homes
12.2000 - 07.2003
Project Accountant
Centex Homes
02.1999 - 12.2000
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
University of North Carolina - Pembroke
Bachelor of Science - Accounting -
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Certificate in Oracle DBA Programming -
Wake Technical Community College