Mwelwa Chisenga
ATLANTA,GA
Summary
Senior Accounting Manager with over 17 years of expertise in optimizing financial operations and enhancing accuracy. Proven track record in leading the implementation of automated reconciliation tools and ERP systems, including NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, QAD, and Oracle, resulting in significant weekly time savings and strict adherence to SOX compliance. Committed to driving strategic financial initiatives while fostering operational excellence, with a focus on financial analysis and continuous process improvement. Recognized for the ability to streamline processes and elevate team performance in dynamic environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Accountant
Cango Corporation
08.2024 - 10.2025
- Enhanced reconciliation process, utilizing Backline saving 30 hours monthly, boosting efficiency and saving time
- Resolved intricate accounting challenges, achieving a 40% decrease in reporting discrepancies while enhancing operational efficiency for the finance team within three months of implementation of NetSuite
- Designed reports & Queries on the NetSuite dashboard for easy access.
- Pioneered advanced financial tracking solutions, streamlining complex accounting processes and substantially improving team operational efficiency.
- Conceptualized and executed offshore accounting strategy, optimizing operational hours without compromising financial reporting precision
- Designed documentation process utilizing screensteps
Accounting Manager
Newmark Knight Frank
01.2021 - 08.2024
- Defined lease accounting accuracy, enhancing operational efficiency by 25%.
- Revitalized ASC 842 compliance, boosting financial transparency and efficiency.
- Restructured auditing processes for SOX and GAAP compliance, ensuring precise financial procedures and measurably improving reporting accuracy.
- Orchestrated offshore accounting system implementation, reducing processing time for a diverse portfolio of over 20 clients.
- Redesigned SOX compliance processes through direct collaboration with cross-functional teams; achieved a significant reduction in audit review times by 40%, resulting in overall operational efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting.
- Developed and delivered remote training modules for a team of 10 accountants, enhancing software proficiency in systems like NetSuite and Avalara; emphasized compliance knowledge resulted in zero audit discrepancies during the following fiscal year.
- Transformed financial processes using QAD and NetSuite, enhancing compliance for 25 clients and delivering reports ahead of schedule.
- Streamlined month-end close procedures to ensure delivery of accurate financial reports ahead of deadlines; resulting in a significant increase in report accuracy while improving overall departmental efficiency by approximately 25%.
- Conducted weekly training sprints on NetSuite and compliance standards for a team of 12, resulting in enhanced knowledge retention and immediate application that improved report accuracy by reducing errors to less than 2%.
Senior Accounting Consultant
Thomas Edwards Consulting Group
01.2015 - 12.2020
- Created and developed robust internal control procedures, enhancing asset protection and overall financial security for the firm.
- Evaluated financial reporting processes across 20 client accounts, ensuring compliance with SOX and GAAP standards while minimizing errors by initiating a streamlined review procedure that promoted accuracy.
- Launched comprehensive revenue recognition analyses, guaranteeing ASC 606 compliance across diverse client contracts.
- Conducted thorough financial reporting evaluations across multiple client accounts, ensuring strict adherence to SOX and GAAP standards.
- Implemented a streamlined review procedure, markedly reducing errors and promoting heightened accuracy in financial reporting processes.
- Developed and implemented robust internal control frameworks, strengthening asset protection measures and bolstering financial security protocols.
- Led cross-functional teams in modernizing financial reporting systems utilizing NetSuite,QAD, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, ensuring seamless SOX and GAAP compliance while optimizing workflow efficiency.
- Drove NetSuite configuration analysis for ROI.
- Enabled business process improvements & Developed process maps and documentation.
- Partnered with business for testing execution
Accounting Manager / Controller
Metrotainment Cafes
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Managed accounting controls, resolving revenue discrepancies, improving accuracy by 75%.
- Led financial system upgrade, training 20+ staff in accurate data entry, boosting efficiency.
- Optimized accounts payable operations by introducing online approval systems, leading to substantial reduction in processing errors and enhanced compliance.
- Revamped the accounts payable workflow through digital approvals; achieved a notable decrease of 25% in error rates while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards for financial reporting.
- Streamlined month-end closing procedures and implemented automated reconciliation tools, reducing processing time while maintaining strict accuracy standards.
- Pioneered paperless accounting initiatives and modernized vendor payment systems, resulting in substantial operational cost savings and enhanced productivity.
- Mentored junior accountants in advanced financial analysis techniques while fostering cross-departmental partnerships for seamless reporting workflows.
Accounting Manager
Cumulus Media Inc
01.2008 - 12.2011
- Ensured regulatory compliance and improved financial processes.
- Prepared GAAP-compliant financial statements, analyzing trends to inform management.
- Guided budget allocation, resulting in substantial cost savings. Implemented new accounting software, boosting team productivity.
- Fostered cross-functional partnerships to align financial strategies with organizational goals. Led training sessions on financial best practices.
- Pioneered data-driven financial analysis techniques, uncovering valuable insights. Designed automated reporting systems, reducing manual workload.
- Conducted thorough audits, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Refined internal controls to mitigate financial risks.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
Kennesaw State University
Georgia05.2011
PMP -
06.2024
Skills
- SOX Compliance
- Leadership
- Audit
- Financial Preparation
- Financial Planning
- ERP Implementation
- Taxation
- Project Management
- GAAP
- Financial Modeling
- Process Improvement
- Industry Software
- Cost Reduction
- Cash Flow Management
- Budgeting
- Data Visualization
- Risk Management
- Financial Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Compliance Management
- Financial Reporting
- Training Development
- Operational Efficiency
- Data Analysis
- Client Relations
- Team Collaboration
- CHATGPT
- AI TOOLS
- Advanced Excel (v-lookups/pivot tables/macros)
- Power Pivots
- Microsoft Dynamics-Great Plains 2010-2018
- Microsoft Dynamics D365
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV
- FRX
- Blackbaud/Financial Edge
- Blackline
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- Oracle Fusion
- Oracle Business
- JD Edwards
- ALOHA Enterprise
- ADP
- SharePoint
- Carillon ERP System
- SAP
- Yardi
- Lawson
- QuickBooks
- Management Reporter
- Business Intelligence
- UltiPro
- Menu Link
- Paycom
- Oracle TM1 Hyperion Financial Reporting
- Meditech
- Smart view
- STRATUS
- Doc-Link
- Flo-Qast
- Anaplan
- Microsoft Teams
- Slack
- Zoom
- Salesforce
- Concur T&E
- Queries
- Coupa
- Oracle R12
- Web Now
- Oracle Vision
- Oracle Business Enterprise
- Oracle E-Business Suite
- QAD
- H-Lease
- Screen steps
- Avalara
- NetSuite
- GAAP compliance
- Tracking optimization
- General ledger updates
- Tax law expertise
- Internal controls implementation
- Financial statement review
- GAAP proficiency
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with a team of 8 in the implementation of NetSuite within a manufacturing environment
- Lead the M&A initiative to optimize Microsoft Dynamics NAV
- Optimized Microsoft Dynamics with the POS (Aloha Enterprise) in the food industry
- Automated Fixed asset process within Dynamics Nav for the M&A process
Timeline
Senior Accountant
Cango Corporation
08.2024 - 10.2025
Accounting Manager
Newmark Knight Frank
01.2021 - 08.2024
Senior Accounting Consultant
Thomas Edwards Consulting Group
01.2015 - 12.2020
Accounting Manager / Controller
Metrotainment Cafes
01.2012 - 12.2014
Accounting Manager
Cumulus Media Inc
01.2008 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
Kennesaw State University