Sonja Newsome

Responsible for properly identifying capital vs. expense for the application of asset categories for depreciation for (9) of Highmark's business entities.

• Accurately determine a purchase as capital or expense and apply the appropriate category for depreciation according to the department policy for fixed assets.
• Properly reconcile various capital projects and ensure accurate calculation of depreciation for month-end close.
• Provides monthly GAAP reporting and quarterly Statutory reporting for capital expenditures
• Support Project Management with the creation of STIs for Internally developed projects.
• Maintain updates to the Fixed Asset policy
• Lead the team in the redevelopment of the department's Microsite.

Worked for a Medicaid & Medicare health insurance serving primarily the low-income and disable population where I had a variety of general accounting responsibilities.

• Reconciled bank statements and general ledger accounts to enhance financial accuracy
• Reconciled over 80 balance sheet accounts which included (9) bank statements to enhance financial accuracy
• Supported month-end close procedures, including journal entries and balance sheet account reconciliations.
• Prepaid expense analysis and reporting for general administrative and insurance
• Fixed Asset capitalization and depreciation reporting - ensured proper categorization and timely depreciation of completed projects.
• Monthly Sales & Use tax audit - properly identify taxes due to the state and timely filing as applicable by PA law.
• Unapplied cash management of claims refunds
• Annual GAAP audit support and packet preparations
• Training interns and contractors on the accounting system and other reporting processes.
• Developed a desk procedure and Visio workflow

Supported the Director and Manager of Case Management with a department of approximately 20 staff.

• Coordinated scheduling and logistics for departmental meetings and events.
• Assisted in the preparation of reports and presentations for departmental meetings.
• Organized and prepared memorandums and physician packet deliverables to members.
• Provided extra support to the Legal department in preparing and organizing packets for CMS review.
• Prepared travel arrangements for management and staff
• Prepared and reconciled the travel and meeting expense reports with explanations for the monthly submission to the Finance Department.
• Received a company promotion to the Finance Department as an Associate Accountant.