Vera Montano
Oceanside,CA
Summary
Detail-oriented accounting and administrative professional with a strong commitment to accuracy, integrity, fiscal responsibility, and public service. Experienced in financial management, reporting, and maintaining reliable records, with a proven ability to streamline processes and support compliant, well-organized operations. Known for being dependable, adaptable, and solutions-focused, with a calm, methodical approach to problem-solving in community-based environments.
Deeply appreciative of the arts and committed to supporting cultural organizations through careful, responsible financial stewardship in service of the community.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Accounting Specialist II
City of Oceanside - Public Library
Oceanside, CA
08.2024 - Current
- Managed AP/AR, biweekly payroll for 65–70 staff, deposits, and journal entries, ensuring accurate financial operations
- Prepared financial and program reports to support budgeting, grants, and stakeholder presentations; reconciled vendor and general ledger accounts
- Streamlined reporting workflows and developed Excel tracking systems to improve efficiency
- Provided administrative, public service, customer service, and front desk support, including phone coverage and creating e-newsletters that increased Instagram engagement
Office Specialist II
City of Vista - City Attorney’s Office
Vista, CA
04.2024 - 08.2024
- Reviewed and summarized case files, highlighting key details in police reports (e.g., DUI cases)
- Digitized, organized, and maintained confidential records, ensuring compliance with legal and data retention standards
- Provided front desk support, including phone coverage, inquiry routing, and customer service
- Ensured data accuracy and improved workflow efficiency by cross-referencing documents and maintaining tracking systems
Senior Office Specialist
City of Vista - Human Resources
Vista, CA
07.2023 - 11.2023
- Prepared hire packets, binders, and files, and maintaining personnel and recruitment records
- Coordinated onboarding and orientation for employees, including scheduling live scans, drug screens, oral boards, and orientations
- Performed accounts payable tasks and supported general financial processes
- Managed City switchboard calls and coordinated meeting logistics, including room reservations, catering, and event setup
Accountant, Deaconess
Church of God
Oceanside, CA
06.2023 - Current
- Managed AP/AR, monthly financial reporting, and bank reconciliations, ensuring accurate and timely financial operations
- Supported budgeting and resource allocation, identifying cost-saving opportunities to improve financial efficiency
- Improved accounting systems and reporting processes to enhance accuracy, compliance, and operational effectiveness
- Coordinated programs, meetings, and community events, supporting volunteer initiatives and member engagement
Accountant, General Affairs & Supplies Manager, Kitchen Staff, Photographer, Videographer, Video Editor, Pianist
Church of God
Escondido, CA
07.2017 - 05.2023
- Managed AP/AR and prepared monthly administrative and financial reports
- Maintained accurate records by logging data into books and database systems
- Oversaw office operations, including supply inventory and bookstore organization
- Supported event planning and coordination, including budgeting, procurement, and supplies for community service events; provided multimedia and worship support (photography, videography, video editing, and piano accompaniment)
Commissions Specialist, AP & Payroll Clerk
CUE Solar - APEX Energy Inc.
Remote
12.2021 - 02.2023
- Managed commission calculations, ensuring timely and accurate payments to sales teams
- Processed accounts payable, loan, and credit applications
- Verified employee timesheets and processed payroll
- Coordinated project logistics and tracking using Trello, Google Workspace, Sunlight Financial, and Mosaic financing systems, including travel and lodging arrangements for installation teams
Order Management Specialist
Fresh Origins; Gourmet Sweet Botanicals
San Marcos, CA
06.2018 - 09.2019
- Managed 30+ daily online orders for edible flowers and microgreens, coordinating nationwide shipping to chefs, restaurants, resorts, bakeries, and retail customers
- Implemented same-day and next-day fulfillment processes to ensure timely order delivery
- Managed purchase orders, invoicing, shipment tracking, and customer delivery updates
- Maintained product inventory across company website, Amazon, and Etsy; supported marketing and customer service through Instagram promotion and order issue resolution
Vendor Analyst
One Reverse Mortgage LLC
San Diego, CA
04.2014 - 09.2017
- Managed 30–50 daily vendor and client communications (calls, emails, faxes), coordinating documentation with insurance agents, brokers, banks, credit agencies, the IRS, and senior clients for reverse mortgage applications
- Organized, scanned, verified, and analyzed confidential documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance within company databases
- Collected and compiled underwriting documentation to maintain complete and compliant loan files
- Supported loan processing workflow by tracking application progress and communicating updates with underwriters and department heads
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies – Economics
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA06.2013
Certificate of Honors - Leon S. Peters Honors Program
Fresno City College
05.2010
Skills
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Bank & Account Reconciliations
- Financial Reporting
- Payroll Processing
- Expense & Revenue Tracking
- Data Entry & Analysis
- File & Database Management
- Microsoft Excel
- QuickBooks
Timeline
Accounting Specialist II
City of Oceanside - Public Library
08.2024 - Current
Office Specialist II
City of Vista - City Attorney’s Office
04.2024 - 08.2024
Senior Office Specialist
City of Vista - Human Resources
07.2023 - 11.2023
Accountant, Deaconess
Church of God
06.2023 - Current
Commissions Specialist, AP & Payroll Clerk
CUE Solar - APEX Energy Inc.
12.2021 - 02.2023
Order Management Specialist
Fresh Origins; Gourmet Sweet Botanicals
06.2018 - 09.2019
Accountant, General Affairs & Supplies Manager, Kitchen Staff, Photographer, Videographer, Video Editor, Pianist
Church of God
07.2017 - 05.2023
Vendor Analyst
One Reverse Mortgage LLC
04.2014 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies – Economics
University of California, San Diego
Certificate of Honors - Leon S. Peters Honors Program
Fresno City College