Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Interests
Timeline
AdministrativeAssistant
Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor

Accountant
Chatham,IL

Summary

Versatile and results-driven professional with extensive experience in accounting and financial management. Demonstrated expertise in bookkeeping, financial reporting, and grant monitoring, complemented by strong adaptability and problem-solving skills. Proven track record of enhancing financial accuracy and operational efficiency, with a commitment to professionalism and attention to detail.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Accounant/Bookkeeper

Federated Fiducial
09.2023 - 02.2024
  • Maintained and processed invoices, deposits, and fiscal ledgers.
  • Managed accounts payable and receivable activities, maintaining vendor relationships and positive cash flow.
  • Ensured the accuracy of financial data by reconciling ledgers.
  • Prepared monthly bank reconciliations to ensure accurate representation of company''s financial position.
  • Tracked expenses and income for businesses while organizing and maintaining bank statements for checking accounts.
  • Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
  • Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
  • Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed books.
  • Ensured accurate coding of expenses following funeral home accounting protocols.

Grant Monitor

Children's Advocacy Center of Illinois
05.2023 - 07.2023


  • Managed post-award services and oversaw state and federal grant awards for compliance with uniform guidance and grant-specific requirements.
  • Worked with directors and grant program staff to implement established grant compliance policies and procedures.
  • Prepared detailed financial reports on grant expenditures according to funder specifications, ensuring full transparency in the allocation of funds received.
  • Answered questions from staff about grant funded programs for fiscal and programmatic compliance matters.
  • Managed grantee communication and delivered technical support through Amplifund.
  • Reviewed and approved budgets to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
  • Monitored adherence to non-profit compliance standards to maintain organizational integrity.
  • Processed monthly reimbursement requests in compliance with grant guidelines.
  • Prepared detailed quarterly reports to maintain accurate records and support grant administration.
  • Executed calculations for indirect costs and di minimis rates in grant management.

Contract Administrator, Executive I

Illinois Dept of Human Services, Contract Admin
03.2020 - 12.2021
  • Prepared and drafted comprehensive administrative and service contracts for state-wide agency use.
  • Executed various procurement methods to ensure optimal contract outcomes.
  • Utilized SAP/ERP to manage and streamline contract administration processes.
  • Performed coding updates on contracts to maintain up-to-date and precise documentation.
  • Utilized Business Enterprise Program, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Acted as the primary liaison between program staff and stakeholders to address contract needs, budget, and funding.
  • Oversaw contract adherence, ensuring all stipulations were met.
  • Assisted in the completion of GOMB and GATA spreadsheets.
  • Developed comprehensive labor relations checklists to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Prepared and reviewed procurement justification forms to ensure compliance with contract requirements.
  • Managed orders against CMS master contracts with precision.
  • Managed the renewal process for contracts and grants, maintaining compliance and securing funding.
  • Oversaw contract preparation, execution, and compliance monitoring.
  • Verified and maintained compliance with Small Business Set Aside requirements.
  • Allocated Contract and CAAF numbers, enhancing contract management efficiency.
  • Reconciled budgets to support accurate financial tracking and reporting.
  • Maintained electronic and physical files to ensure accurate and organized record-keeping.

Risk Reduction Supply Coordinator & Grant Monitor

Illinois Dept of Public Health HIV Prevention
05.2018 - 03.2020


  • Test kit orders/tracking
  • Provide technical assistance/troubleshooting to established grantees as well as new program staff
  • Technical assistance to grantees in the billing and reimbursement process under strict, tight and staggered (overlapping) deadlines.
  • Improved inventory accuracy by conducting regular audits and implementing efficient tracking systems.
  • Developed standard operating procedures for consistent supply coordination across the organization.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve supply chain efficiency and achieve cost savings.
  • Facilitated communication between departments regarding inventory needs and availability, promoting seamless collaboration.
  • Assisted in budget development for the procurement department, contributing to overall financial goals and targets.
  • Implemented demand planning methods to optimize stock levels and minimize stockouts.
  • Participated in continuous improvement efforts aimed at enhancing overall efficiency within the procurement function.
  • Managed post-award services and oversaw state and federal grant awards for compliance with uniform guidance and grant-specific requirements.
  • Worked with directors and grant program staff to implement established grant compliance policies and procedures.
  • Conducted routine compliance reviews of HIV prevention grantees.
  • Prepared detailed financial reports on grant expenditures according to State reporting requirements, ensuring full transparency in the allocation of funds received.
  • Established and maintained electronic files for grant-funded projects for tracking and reporting.
  • Answered questions from staff about grant funded programs for fiscal and programmatic compliance matters.
  • Monitored funded projects closely, working with program staff, local health departments and grantee agencies to make timely adjustments as needed for successful implementation.
  • Evaluated project outcomes against established performance metrics, providing valuable feedback for future efforts.

Accountant Lead

Illinois Dept of Public Health, Fiscal
08.2015 - 05.2018
  • Conducted thorough reviews and approvals of accounts payable to uphold accounting standards.
  • Executed multi-ledger maintenance and reconciliation to uphold financial integrity.
  • Maintained official accounting records and ensured compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Coordinated with Accounting Services to streamline accounting procedures and processes, ensuring clear communication with Fiscal Staff.
  • Directed the activities of lower-level accounting staff, promoting adherence to best practices and agency standards.
  • Led the onboarding process for new fiscal staff, including those in higher titles, to ensure smooth transitions and adherence to protocols.
  • Processed requisitions, waivers, and consolidated request forms efficiently.
  • Assessed and authorized grant and grant amendment language to maintain consistency with funding guidelines.
  • Monitored the status of grant agreements and amendments, ensuring timely execution in collaboration with program staff.

Senior Legal Secretary

John P Taylor, Taylor Law Office
08.2009 - 04.2014
  • Safeguarded sensitive information by establishing strong security protocols for physical and electronic files.
  • Conducted regular audits of case files to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, mitigating potential risks to the firm.
  • Managed essential clerical tasks to ensure smooth office workflow.

Legal Secretary

Dale Schempp, Schempp Law Office
09.2008 - 08.2009
  • Safeguarded sensitive information by establishing strong security protocols for physical and electronic files.
  • Conducted regular audits of case files to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, mitigating potential risks to the firm.
  • Managed essential clerical tasks to ensure smooth office workflow.
  • Managed the preparation of bankruptcy cases, maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
  • Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
  • Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Legal Studies

University of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

Bachelor of Science - Accounting

University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ
01-2028

Skills

  • Accounting, bookkeeping and financial reporting
  • Active listening and attention to detail
  • Adaptability, flexibility and problem-solving abilities
  • Self motivation
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Excellent communication and professionalism
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Microsoft applications expertise and training

Accomplishments

  • Served as the sole accountant responsible for maintaining ledgers for 45 separate funding sources, both state and federal.

Interests

  • Experimenting with different creative mediums, like textile dyes, epoxy resin, acrylic paint on leather (specifically customizing garments and shoes), and beadwork, to expand skills and techniques
  • Live music
  • I participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities
  • Crafting and DIY Projects
  • Growing herbs, vegetables, or fruits in home gardens
  • Swimming
  • Travel

Timeline

Accounant/Bookkeeper

Federated Fiducial
09.2023 - 02.2024

Grant Monitor

Children's Advocacy Center of Illinois
05.2023 - 07.2023

Contract Administrator, Executive I

Illinois Dept of Human Services, Contract Admin
03.2020 - 12.2021

Risk Reduction Supply Coordinator & Grant Monitor

Illinois Dept of Public Health HIV Prevention
05.2018 - 03.2020

Accountant Lead

Illinois Dept of Public Health, Fiscal
08.2015 - 05.2018

Senior Legal Secretary

John P Taylor, Taylor Law Office
08.2009 - 04.2014

Legal Secretary

Dale Schempp, Schempp Law Office
09.2008 - 08.2009

Bachelor of Arts - Legal Studies

University of Illinois At Springfield

Bachelor of Science - Accounting

University of Phoenix
Sarah TaylorAccountant