Tonya McDonald
Jackson,MS
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with strong financial acumen and effective communication skills. Successfully managed budget processes and collaborated with program managers to align financial strategies with organizational goals, driving operational efficiency and compliance.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Budget Director
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
Jackson, MS
01.2025 - Current
- Prepare the online budget request for the agency and established the fiscal budget allocation in MAGIC.
- Analyze budget proposals, providing recommendations to enhance resource allocation efficiency.
- Review operating budgets periodically to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
- Evaluate financial reports, assessing variances and recommending corrective actions as necessary.
- Maintain various financial spreadsheets for best practices in budget management.
- Maintain clear communication channels for timely resolution of budget-related concerns from internal stakeholders.
- Review and advise on weekly and monthly expenditure analysis for different program budgets.
Budget Officer III- Office of Budget and Planning
Mississippi Department Of Education
Jackson, MS
11.2021 - 12.2024
- Worked diligently as the liaison for Career and Technical Education staff to properly manage all federal/special fund grants
- Analyzed financial reports to ensure compliance with state regulations and guidelines.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline budgetary processes and improve efficiency.
- Monitored expenditures, identifying trends to support informed decision-making for resource allocation.
- Provide technical assistance and training to agency employees.
- Set up new cost centers, internal order numbers, budget and grants in MAGIC, update departmental budget and master code spreadsheet as needed, process and approve budget revision which includes state, federal and special funds.
- Assist with the preparation of annual budget request to the State Board of Education and prepare the Online Budget Request for Career and Technical Education.
- Reviewed operating budgets periodically to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
Staff Officer III- Office of Federal Programs
Mississippi Department Of Education
Jackson, MS
02.2017 - 11.2021
- Review and approve MCAPS application amendments for Local Educational Agencies (LEA) as well as communicate with district personnel regarding their federal amendment
- Review and approve submitted Request for Funds for LEAs and Grantees.
- Assist with Programmatic and Fiscal Monitoring to asses compliance with federal indicators.
- Prepared and managed contracts for all vendors, contract workers and independent contract workers, as well as monitor contract balances to ensure compliance.
- Conducted quarterly inventory reviews to ensure appropriate safeguards for equipment and monitoring the condition of fixed asset, as well as maintained fixed asset inventory spreadsheet.
- Provided training to MDE staff and contract workers on travel and purchasing guidelines.
Division Director II- Chief of Operations
Mississippi Department Of Education
Jackson, MS
05.2015 - 02.2017
- Managed deliverables to the Chief of Operations, provide any necessary reporting concerning MDE agency personnel
- Managed COO scheduling of appointments, meetings, communications and travel coordination
- Monitor the operating budget for the office and maintain inventory
- Develop relationships with essential contacts, both internal and external
- Maintain a high-level of confidentiality at all times
Budget Officer Sr.- Ofc of Budget and Planning
Mississippi Department Of Education
Jackson, MS
01.2010 - 04.2015
- Provided assistance and train MDE staff concerning the daily operations of the budget office.
- Set up new budgets, process and approve budget revision in MAGIC which includes all state, federal and special funds.
- Prepared budget escalations and transfers for submission to the MS Department of Finance and Administration.
- Maintained personnel actions spreadsheets and prepared salary projections.
- Maintained purchase orders, contracts, monthly reports and other fiscal records
- Compiled the annual out-of-state travel report and fixed asset spreadsheet.
Accountant Auditor I- Office of Accounting
Mississippi Department Of Education
Jackson, MS
05.2008 - 12.2009
- Processed payments for independent contractors workers.
- Prepared and administered consultant travel and invoices
- Prepared, processed and maintained departmental paperwork, invoices, reports and correspondences related to the contractor.
- Reconciled the American Express travel card for departments/agency.
Accountant Auditor I- Office of Child Nutrition
Mississippi Department Of Education
Jackson, MS
09.2006 - 04.2008
- Monitored Federal Child Nutrition programs for child nutrition programs, summer feeding programs, Head Start and adult day care home programs.
- Reviewed billable charges to determine if activities were allowable charges to the federal program.
- Provided training to district personnel to ensure districts were following federal and state statues, protocols and regulations properly.
- Frequently traveled to local school districts and facilities, conducted entrance and exit conferences to share potential finding as well as provide technical assistance.
Education
Master of Science - Business Leadership
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS12-2014
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Belhaven College
Jackson, MS12-2001
Skills
- Budget planning
- Internal controls
- Financial review
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Effective communication
Timeline
Budget Director
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
01.2025 - Current
Budget Officer III- Office of Budget and Planning
Mississippi Department Of Education
11.2021 - 12.2024
Staff Officer III- Office of Federal Programs
Mississippi Department Of Education
02.2017 - 11.2021
Division Director II- Chief of Operations
Mississippi Department Of Education
05.2015 - 02.2017
Budget Officer Sr.- Ofc of Budget and Planning
Mississippi Department Of Education
01.2010 - 04.2015
Accountant Auditor I- Office of Accounting
Mississippi Department Of Education
05.2008 - 12.2009
Accountant Auditor I- Office of Child Nutrition
Mississippi Department Of Education
09.2006 - 04.2008
Master of Science - Business Leadership
Belhaven University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Belhaven College