Shawna Easter
Dallas
Summary
Dynamic and self-motivated professional with extensive experience in higher education, public education, and both domestic and international private sectors. Proven ability to tackle complex problems with innovative solutions, complemented by meticulous attention to detail and proactive planning. Exceptional communication skills facilitate effective collaboration with personnel at all levels of leadership while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity. Committed to driving organizational success through strategic initiatives and a results-oriented approach.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Proposal Coordinator
University of Texas at Arlington
07.2024 - Current
- Oversee the intake, workflow management, review, and processing of research submissions, including preliminary reviews for completeness, funding setup, timeline coordination, approvals, closures, and award follow-ups.
- Communicate with investigators to support submission milestones, generate approval documentation, and respond to funding and data analytics inquiries.
- Coordinate and support review committee operations by maintaining rosters, contracts, and invoicing, and facilitating meetings, agendas, minutes, and quorum requirements.
- Organize and support training, outreach, and professional development initiatives, including workshops, conferences, orientations, mentoring programs, and administration of online training modules.
- Provide high-level administrative support to Associate Vice-Presidents and Executive Directors, including calendar management, meeting coordination, travel arrangements, and handling confidential information.
- Maintain required professional qualifications, participate in ongoing training, and perform additional duties as assigned to support institutional objectives.
Accountant
University of Texas at Arlington
01.2024 - 07.2024
- Assist with hiring and interviewing office personnel and provide general administrative support as needed.
- Ensure accurate processing and reconciliation of cost centers, expense codes, and ProCard charges.
- Support the Budget Manager with grant funding administration, invoice processing, and payment tracking.
- Process purchase orders, budget transfers, vouchers, and invoices in accordance with established procedures.
- Monitor and track research award funding, expenditures, and reporting timelines to ensure compliance.
- Coordinate and perform a wide range of clerical and office functions, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and operational needs.
Administrative Assistant
University of Texas at Arlington
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Provide comprehensive administrative support to senior leadership, including calendar management, meeting coordination, travel arrangements, and handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Manage office operations by ordering supplies, coordinating events, and overseeing logistics such as setup, catering, agendas, and RSVPs.
- Assist with hiring and interviewing office personnel and support cross-departmental initiatives as needed.
- Ensure accurate financial and budget administration, including processing cost centers, expense codes, ProCard charges, purchase orders, budget transfers, vouchers, and invoices.
- Support the Budget Manager with grant funding administration, invoice payments, and financial tracking.
- Coordinate scheduling and facilitate communication across departments to streamline administrative processes and support efficient daily operations.
Office Manager
Windsor Charter Academy
02.2016 - 07.2022
- Provide comprehensive administrative support to the School Director, including calendar management, correspondence preparation, and responding to school inquiries while handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Coordinate school-wide scheduling, meetings, and daily operations to ensure efficient workflows and adherence to established timelines.
- Prepare meeting agendas, honor rolls, and campus communications, serving as a central point of contact for staff, families, and community members.
- Manage teacher attendance and substitute coordination using AESOP, maintaining accurate daily records and ensuring staffing continuity.
- Oversee office operations and supply management, including purchasing, inventory control, and distribution of office and school materials.
- Manage fiscal responsibilities for the school, including budget oversight, classroom and teacher budget monitoring, cash flow reconciliation, and weekly deposit processing.
Staff Accountant
Information Handling Service
08.2005 - 07.2008
- Perform month-end close activities for the Energy subsidiary, coordinating with international offices and preparing financial data for SAP upload.
- Reconcile bank statements and significant balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness of the general ledger.
- Review and validate accrual accounts to support accurate period-end estimates and financial reporting.
- Monitor and reconcile miscellaneous accounts, including prepaid expenses and miscellaneous receivables.
- Prepare, post, and oversee journal entries to maintain general ledger integrity and accurate financial records.
- Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation for year-end and tax audits, and monitor vendor insurance compliance.
Accounting Analyst
Nestle Foods USA
06.1999 - 08.2005
- Track and analyze Product Development spending by period and year-to-date, presenting financial insights to senior management and controllers.
- Assist with budget development by project type and support financial planning and forecasting initiatives.
- Support period-end close activities by reconciling general ledger and significant balance sheet accounts to subsidiary ledgers and supporting documentation.
- Reconcile bank statements and review accrual accounts to ensure accuracy and adequacy of period-end estimates.
- Monitor and reconcile miscellaneous accounts, including prepaid expenses and miscellaneous receivables, and prepare journal entries for required adjustments.
- Review master data changes (Item and BOM files) for accuracy and completeness, prepare audit schedules for year-end and tax audits, monitor vendor insurance compliance, and support Accounts Payable as needed.
Education
University of Phoenix
05-2004
Skills
- Adept in Microsoft Office tools
- Experienced with Google Workspace tools
- Experienced in managing accounts with QuickBooks software
- Skilled in SAP applications
- Proficient in PeopleAdmin
- Experienced with PaymentWorks platform
- Experienced with QuestionPro software
- Experienced with UTShare platform
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Effective organizational skills
- Fostering collaborative relationships
Certification
- People Leader Credential, University of Texas-Arlington - February 2026
- College Business Management Institute, SACUBO/University of Kentucky - Completion July 2027
- Professional Administrator, PA Douglas - November 2024
Timeline
Proposal Coordinator
University of Texas at Arlington
07.2024 - Current
Accountant
University of Texas at Arlington
01.2024 - 07.2024
Administrative Assistant
University of Texas at Arlington
01.2023 - 01.2024
Office Manager
Windsor Charter Academy
02.2016 - 07.2022
Staff Accountant
Information Handling Service
08.2005 - 07.2008
Accounting Analyst
Nestle Foods USA
06.1999 - 08.2005
University of Phoenix