PAULA MERCURE
Suffolk County
Summary
Results-driven, mission-oriented finance leader with 20+ years of experience overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance across nonprofit and multi-entity organizations. Expertise in fund accounting, federal grant management, and building scalable financial processes that ensure audit readiness and regulatory compliance. Hands-on leader skilled in managing month-end close, strengthening internal controls, and optimizing AP, payroll, and reporting functions. Leverages KPI reporting, dashboards, and scenario modeling to deliver actionable insights and support leadership decision-making, while driving system improvements, automation, and operational efficiency to support organizational growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
Bamboo Walk Restaurant & Consulting Group
Brooklyn, NY
- Lead financial and operational strategy, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, payroll accounting, and benefits reconciliation
- Manage AP cycle, vendor relationships, and 1099 filings; ensure compliance with financial and regulatory standards
- Implement ERP enhancements, system integrations, automation, and AI workflows to improve efficiency and reporting
- Develop dashboards and real-time financial snapshots to track KPIs and operational performance
- Drive scenario modeling and strategic recommendations to support growth and expansion
- Build SOPs, strengthen internal controls, and manage offshore teams across distributed operations
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and applicable financial reporting standards
Controller
Acacia Network, Inc.
Bronx, NY
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Directed financial operations across 40+ entities, managing multi-fund grant tracking and fund accounting (restricted/unrestricted)
- Oversaw federal grant tracking, reimbursement processes, and audit-ready documentation
- Maintained grant allocations, roll-forwards, and releases in accordance with ASC 958
- Produced spend-by-funder reporting, dashboards, and budget-to-actual financial analysis
- Designed cost allocation methodologies and functional expense models across programs
- Led month-end close, financial reporting, and full audit process, including PBC preparation and documentation ownership
- Supported Form 990, nonprofit regulatory filings, and multi-state tax compliance
- Oversaw payroll GL reconciliation, 401(k) benefits reconciliation, and W-2/1095 reporting
- Led ERP improvements, system integrations, automation initiatives, and SOP development
Controller
Waterfront Media
Brooklyn, NY
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Managed financial reporting, forecasting, and month-end close within a healthcare-related media environment
- Developed KPI reporting, dashboards, and performance tracking tools
- Improved revenue recognition processes and financial reporting accuracy
- Supported payroll accounting, compliance, and audit readiness
- Contributed to system enhancements, automation initiatives, and process improvements
Senior Accountant
The Andrew Mellon Foundation
New York, NY
01.2003 - 01.2007
- Managed grant accounting, including multi-fund tracking, restricted funds, and reimbursement processes
- Maintained grant roll-forwards and releases in alignment with ASC 958 standards
- Led month-end close, reconciliations, and financial reporting
- Prepared audit documentation, workpapers, and PBC schedules
- Supported Form 990 preparation and nonprofit reporting requirements
- Developed financial reports and dashboards to support grant tracking and leadership reporting
Staff Accountant
Weber, Moses & Co. CPA
New York, NY
01.1998 - 01.2003
- Prepared financial statements, reconciliations, and audit schedules
- Supported regulatory filings (10-K, 10-Q) and corporate tax reporting
- Assisted with audits, financial analysis, and compliance reporting
Education
Master of Accountancy (MAcc) -
Brooklyn College
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Brooklyn College
Skills
- Advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH)
- Federal grant tracking, reimbursements, and audit readiness
- Fund accounting (restricted/unrestricted) and ASC 958
- Grant allocations, roll-forwards, and spend-by-funder reporting
- AP cycle, vendor management, and 1099 filings
- Payroll accounting, GL reconciliation, 401(k), W-2/1095 support
- KPI dashboards, data visualization, and scenario modeling
- ERP implementations, automation, and system integrations
- Data integration and CRM systems
- Multi-state tax compliance and tax strategies
- SOP development, internal controls, and PBC preparation
Timeline
Controller
Acacia Network, Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2019
Controller
Waterfront Media
01.2007 - 01.2013
Senior Accountant
The Andrew Mellon Foundation
01.2003 - 01.2007
Staff Accountant
Weber, Moses & Co. CPA
01.1998 - 01.2003
Chief Executive Officer
Bamboo Walk Restaurant & Consulting Group
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Brooklyn College
Master of Accountancy (MAcc) -
Brooklyn College