Nickole Gates
Grass Valley,CA
Summary
Seasoned finance and operations professional with over 15 years of diverse experience in accounting, project management, and operations across multiple sectors. Expert in project cost management, operational oversight, and financial due diligence, with a track record of driving efficiency and growth in dynamic environments
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Cost Accountant
KPFF Consulting Engineers
08.2019 - Current
- Initiate and manage project setups within the ERP system to streamline project tracking and financial oversight
- Prepare, revise, and issue detailed client invoices with supporting documentation, ensuring transparency and client satisfaction
- Oversee accounts receivable and actively support the collection process to maintain cash flow and minimize delays
- Administer subcontractor documentation and ensure compliance with all regulatory and contractual obligations
- Manage lien processes to protect the company's financial interests and maintain contractor and supplier relationships
- Conduct thorough reviews of project expenditures, verifying accuracy and ensuring costs align with project budgets
- Investigate and explain project variances, providing insights and recommendations to project managers for financial optimization
- Develop and analyze financial reports at the project level to assess performance and identify financial trends
- Assist in strategic planning and forecasting, contributing to financial predictions and planning for future project needs
Due Diligence Auditor
Jackson Hewitt
12.2015 - 04.2019
- Company Overview: Remote
- Conducted thorough examinations of records and documents to verify accuracy and compliance with established standards and regulations
- Evaluated customer reporting requirements, ensuring all reported information was accurate and properly stated according to relevant guidelines
- Assisted in identifying problem areas and evaluating potential risks, providing actionable recommendations to address and rectify deficiencies
- Remote
Payroll Specialist
Ribeiro Commercial Property Management
07.2014 - 12.2015
- Executed accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll processing for both exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple states, ensuring compliance with financial timelines
- Maintained payroll systems and internal controls to uphold all relevant labor laws, regulations, and organizational policies, safeguarding company compliance
- Managed precise quarter and year-end payroll processing, including federal, state, and local tax reconciliations (Forms 941, 940, W-2, etc.), to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance
- Authored and regularly updated payroll policies and procedures concerning PTO, disability benefits, tax withholdings, and government regulations, enhancing clarity and employee understanding
- Facilitated effective communication and data accuracy between Operations and Payroll departments, optimizing payroll processing and operational efficiency
Operations Manager (started as Accounting Lead)
Road Safety Services
08.2009 - 07.2014
- Managed daily operational activities, addressing issues and risks proactively while ensuring quality control and adherence to the allocated budget
- Coordinated procurement and operational responses during emergencies, ensuring rapid and efficient resolution of critical events
- Spearheaded the development and execution of strategic business plans, prioritizing maintenance initiatives and key business objectives
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
- Delivered comprehensive presentations to senior management, detailing project schedules, progress, and strategies for mitigating identified risks and issues
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Ensured strict compliance with internal accounting policies and external regulatory requirements to maintain financial integrity
- Led a team responsible for budgeting, financial reporting, and administrative operations, enhancing business efficiency and financial accountability
Office Manager
Mekaza Staffing
07.2006 - 02.2008
- Served as a direct assistant to the owner, providing executive support, managing schedules, and facilitating effective communication across the organization
- Oversaw daily operations of the office, supervising staff and enhancing office efficiency and productivity through strategic management and resource allocation
- Managed payroll operations for recruits, ensuring accurate and timely payment processing in compliance with financial policies
Education
Associate - Accounting
Sierra College
Rocklin, CASkills
- FileMaker Application Development
- Certified Payroll Processing
- Financial Reporting
- Cost Accounting
- Financial Data Analysis
- Resource Allocation
- Journal Entries
- Payroll Processing
- Contract Review
- Monthly Closing Procedures
- General Ledger
- Audit Support
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Project Cost Accountant
KPFF Consulting Engineers
08.2019 - Current
Due Diligence Auditor
Jackson Hewitt
12.2015 - 04.2019
Payroll Specialist
Ribeiro Commercial Property Management
07.2014 - 12.2015
Operations Manager (started as Accounting Lead)
Road Safety Services
08.2009 - 07.2014
Office Manager
Mekaza Staffing
07.2006 - 02.2008
Associate - Accounting
Sierra College
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