Terri Willoughby
Minden,NV
Summary
Results-driven financial leader with expertise in optimizing financial reporting for enhanced accuracy and decision-making. Led payroll operations and compliance to ensure timely employee compensation and minimal errors. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline budgeting processes, improving operational effectiveness. Managed financial affairs for the County, providing fiscal support and building strong relationships with public officials.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Accountant
Supporting Strategies
Minneapolis, Minnesota
04.2024 - 06.2025
- Streamlined month-end closing processes, resulting in timely and accurate financial statements for stakeholders.
- Streamlined financial reporting processes to enhance accuracy and timeliness, supporting more informed decision-making.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to refine budgeting procedures, improving resource allocation and operational effectiveness.
- Managed payroll operations and compliance, ensuring timely, accurate employee compensation and reducing errors.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Douglas County
, Nevada
01.2018 - 12.2023
- Administered the financial affairs of the County, providing fiscal support for the County, Towns, and Districts, including financial administration and reporting, forecasting, payroll, capital project financing, and municipal bonds. Fostered cooperative working relationships with the Board of County Commissioners and represented the County in dealings with public officials and community members. Served as the County Auditor and Comptroller pursuant to Chapter 251 of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
- Created collaborative County budget process that enhanced financial stability and analysis.
- Oversaw County's CARES Act federal grant allocation during COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring effective outreach, tracking, and reporting.
- Prepared quarterly financial reports to increase public transparency.
- Crafted capital improvement plan document to clearly communicate County's long-term capital needs to Board of County Commissioners and public.
- Successfully resolved long-standing audit findings.
- Worked with contract internal audit team and County staff to implement internal controls throughout the County.
- Lead for County's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system selection team.
- Participation in County's Internal Review Committee (IRC) executive team.
- Developed financial training for County's Supervisory Management training.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department
San Bernardino, CA
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Directed Municipal Water Department programs, ensuring effective accounting, debt financing, rate analysis, long-range planning, budgeting, and construction financing.
- Successful issuance of over $70 million in revenue bonds in 2016 to finance critical infrastructure projects.
- Successful completion and implementation of Water, Wastewater Treatment and Sewer Collection rate studies.
- Streamlined employee hours tracking by implementing electronic timekeeping system.
- Facilitated transition of sewer collection system from City management to Department management, enhancing operational oversight.
FINANCE DIRECTOR
City of Menifee
Menifee, CA
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Managed the fiscal affairs of a newly incorporated City, including establishing policies and practices for proper internal controls. As a Director, responsibilities included managing a staff of five, including recruitment of new staff as well as developing existing staff. Duties include oversight of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, including establishing the City's entitlement status.
- Identified financial solutions for infrastructure issues, presented to Council, and facilitated revenue bond issuance to fund City construction projects.
- Successfully presenting the City's application for CDBG entitlement status, and subsequently establishing the City's first CDBG program.
- Developed the City's policy on Community Facilities District (CFD) formation, and managed the formation of the City's initial districts.
- Assisted City Manager in balancing City's budget after 16% revenue loss due to State legislation revisions.
- Reviewed pending legislation and reported possible impacts to the City Manager and City Council.
- Developing and implementing the City's purchasing policies and procedures.
- Managed risk assessment processes for the City, ensuring compliance and safety.
- Prepared presentations to communicate financial issues effectively to public and City Council.
- Serving as the City's Animal Services Manager.
FINANCE DIRECTOR
City of Barstow
Barstow, CA
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Managed fiscal affairs of City, maintaining timely and accurate accounting records, overseeing budget process and revenue-generating activities, and providing professional input and recommendations on City issues while leading Information Technology, Human Resources, Risk Management, and Transit divisions.
- Created quarterly financial report for presentation to City Council and citizens, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Received 'Meritorious' budget award from CSMFO for 2009-10 budget.
- Successfully resolved all outstanding management comments from prior audits.
- Currently implementing Project Accounting and Online Timekeeping.
- Finalizing Cost of Services (User Fee) study and Cost Allocation Plan.
- Developed and implemented purchasing policies and processes to enhance procurement efficiency.
- Implemented purchasing card program.
- Wrote and implemented credit card policy.
- Assisted in successful labor negotiations.
- Oversaw city operations during City Manager's absence.
- Participating in task force to develop up-to-date.
CONTROLLER
City of Riverside-Finance Department
Riverside, CA
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Planned, directed, and supervised personnel and administrative activities of Accounting Division, ensuring accurate maintenance of general and subsidiary ledgers, accounts payable, treasury, payroll, and fee structures.
- Provided accounting services and training to City departments, maintained budgetary controls, audited financial records, and supported development and installation of new accounting systems.
ASSISTANT CONTROLLER
City of Riverside-Finance Department
Riverside, CA
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Monitored budgetary controls, collaborating with departments to address and resolve budgetary issues.
- Review accounting entries for accuracy and appropriateness.
- Developed and implemented procedures for fixed asset accounting.
- Prepare federal and state grant reports, as well as reviewing all aspects of grant accounting.
- Coordinated with outside auditors to ensure financial reports accurately reflected the City's financial condition.
- Supervised professional and administrative support staff. Analyze data for all aspects of control and compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Delivered technical assistance to outside departments in preparing council reports and addressing accounting issues.
- Provided specialized reports and projects for Finance managers and external department staff.
- Prepared curriculum for and conducted training classes for the accounting software package used by the City.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT
County of Riverside-Auditor/Controller
Riverside, CA
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the daily operation of the Cash Flow and Analyses section of the General Accounting Division.
- Supervised and participated in selection, training, and evaluation of professional accounting personnel to enhance team capabilities.
- Review laws, legislation and policies to assure compliance and to determine impact on accounting procedures and recommend changes when necessary, including coordinating countywide implementation of the new governmental accounting standard, GASB 34.
- Prepared budgetary forecasts and monitor budgetary performance for County revenues as well as monitoring departmental expenditures.
- Collaborated with County's Budget Officer to prepare annual budget and forecast fund balance, ensuring alignment with financial objectives.
- Advise departments on a variety of accounting matters.
- Assisted Chief Accountant in preparation of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) to ensure accurate financial reporting for the County.
- Supervised professional accounting staff as well as administrative support staff.
ACTING CHIEF ACCOUNTANT
County of Riverside-Auditor/Controller
Riverside, CA
07.2001 - 10.2001
- Temporary promotion while Chief worked on special project offsite-Organized and directed operations of the General Accounting Division of the Auditor Controller's office.
- Worked with other departments and districts in analyzing accounting and technical matters.
- Assisted Auditor-Controller in implementation and development of department operating and administrative policies.
- Review and study legislation and implement changes in procedural requirements for both county and district.
- Assisted with implementation of conversion to integrated financial system using Peoplesoft.
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
County of Riverside-Auditor/Controller
Riverside, CA
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Performed complex and specialized accounting work relating to both the preparation of General Fund Cash Flows and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
- Provided assistance and guidance to other departments with regards to accounting transactions.
- Assisted outside auditors during their review of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report by performing variance analysis and preparing adjusting entries as necessary.
- Prepare cash flow projections in conjunction with the annual issuance of the County's Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes.
- Perform special accounting projects as requested by the Chief Accountant.
- Review governmental codes and regulation to determine the proper treatment of transactions to maintain compliance.
ACCOUNTANT
County of Riverside-DPSS, Management Reporting Unit
Riverside, CA
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Responsible for entire time study process, from preparation of time study instructions to the actual input of data, reviewing State regulations to maximize claiming by the County.
- Assisted in the preparation of claims for reimbursement from outside agencies, such as the State of California.
- Reviewed accounting transactions to verify correctness.
- Represented the department at task force meetings.
Education
MASTERS - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Cal State San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CaB.S. - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ACCOUNTING CONCENTRATION
Cal State San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CaSkills
- MS Access
- Lotus
- Excel
- MS Word
- WordPerfect
- JD Edwards
- Advantage Financial
- SKYLINE
- Peachtree
- Dbase
- MS PowerPoint
- Harvard Graphics
- Peoplesoft
- SunGard BiTech IFAS
- Synergen (SPL)
- EDEN
- SunGard Naviline
- Executime
- New World System
- Intermediate Governmental Accounting
- Capital Asset Reporting
- Advanced Governmental Accounting
- Budgeting for Outcomes
- Public Financial Management
- Public Budgeting & Finance
- Financial analysis
- Budget forecasting
- Payroll management
- Risk assessment
- Process improvement
- Financial reporting
- Audit resolution
- Internal controls
- ERP systems
- Strategic financial planning
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Financial process improvement
- Risk management
- ERP system implementation
- Change management expertise
Accomplishments
- Founding Board Member, Nevada Chapter, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), 2021-2023
- Vice-Chair; Women's Professional Financial Network, Mentoring Committee, 2022-2023
- Board Member, California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO), 2010-2012
- Vice-Chair-California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO), Site Selection Committee
- Vice-Chair -California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) Recognition and Awards Committee
- Chapter Chair, CSMFO Desert-Mountain Chapter
- CAFR Reviewer-Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
- Member-California Society Municipal Finance Officers, American Society for Public Administration, Government Finance Officers Association
- Outstanding Graduate Student-Public Administration Department, Cal State San Bernardino, 2007
Skills
MS Access, Lotus, Excel, MS Word, WordPerfect, JD Edwards, Advantage Financial, SKYLINE, Peachtree, Dbase, MS PowerPoint, Harvard Graphics, Peoplesoft, SunGard BiTech IFAS, Synergen (SPL), EDEN, SunGard Naviline, Executime, New World System, Intermediate Governmental Accounting, Governmental Finance Officers Association, 01/01/01, Capital Asset Reporting, Governmental Finance Officers Association, 01/01/01, Advanced Governmental Accounting, Governmental Finance Officers Association, 01/01/03, Budgeting for Outcomes: Getting the Results You Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis, Governmental Finance Officers Association, 01/01/06, Public Financial Management, Cal State San Bernardino, 01/01/06, Public Budgeting & Finance, Cal State San Bernardino, 01/01/05
Timeline
Accountant
Supporting Strategies
04.2024 - 06.2025
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Douglas County
01.2018 - 12.2023
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department
01.2014 - 01.2018
FINANCE DIRECTOR
City of Menifee
01.2011 - 01.2014
FINANCE DIRECTOR
City of Barstow
01.2008 - 01.2011
CONTROLLER
City of Riverside-Finance Department
01.2007 - 01.2008
ASSISTANT CONTROLLER
City of Riverside-Finance Department
01.2002 - 01.2007
ACTING CHIEF ACCOUNTANT
County of Riverside-Auditor/Controller
07.2001 - 10.2001
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT
County of Riverside-Auditor/Controller
01.2000 - 01.2002
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
County of Riverside-Auditor/Controller
01.1998 - 01.2000
ACCOUNTANT
County of Riverside-DPSS, Management Reporting Unit
01.1996 - 01.1998
MASTERS - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Cal State San Bernardino
B.S. - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ACCOUNTING CONCENTRATION
Cal State San Bernardino