Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Wanda J. Richardson

Houston

Summary

Finance professional with extensive experience in financial reporting and audit coordination at The Varnett Public School. Demonstrated success in staff supervision and management of internal controls, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. Proficient in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office, enhancing financial operations and providing actionable insights for strategic decisions.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Business and Finance Director

The Varnett Public School
Houston
08.2022 - Current
  • Supervise and Evaluate Staff: Lead and evaluate a team of accounting professionals within the Business and Finance Department, ensuring efficient distribution of workloads and adherence to best practices.
  • Financial Reporting: Direct the preparation of official financial reports for the Administration, Board of Directors, and state and federal agencies, maintaining accuracy and compliance with reporting standards.
  • Audit Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison for external auditors during the district's annual financial audit, preparing schedules, workpapers, and facilitating special reviews across various operational areas.
  • Annual Financial Report Preparation: Oversee the preparation of the District's Annual Financial Report, ensuring alignment with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Texas Education Agency’s (TEA's) Financial Accounting Resource Guide.
  • Internal Controls: Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls over the District finances, safeguarding the integrity of financial records and ensuring compliance with established procedures.
  • Financial Reviews: Conduct in-depth financial reviews and prepare comprehensive reports for management, offering actionable insights for decision-making.
  • Chart of Accounts Management: Maintain and update the District's Chart of Accounts and account structure, ensuring the integrity of the general ledger and financial records.
  • Debit Card Transactions: Create and oversee processing controls related to the usage of debit cards, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and District policies.
  • Staff Training: Provide training and support to Business and Finance Staff, addressing inquiries and ensuring adherence to financial policies and procedures.

Business and Finance Manager

The Varnett Public School
Houston
08.2017 - 07.2022
  • Prepared detailed financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations.
  • Coordinated with external auditors to facilitate annual audits, prepared required documentation, and addressed audit findings.
  • Prepared financial statements and necessary journal entries, ensuring accuracy and adherence to accounting principles.
  • Managed and maintained the Chart of Accounts, ensuring proper classification and reporting of financial transactions.
  • Conducted financial analysis and reviews, providing insights to management on operational performance and financial health.

Senior Accountant

The Varnett Public School
Houston
09.2016 - 07.2017
  • Assisted in the preparation of financial statements and necessary journal entries, ensuring accuracy and adherence to accounting principles.
  • Coordinated with external auditors to facilitate annual audits, prepared required documentation, and addressed audit findings.
  • Managed and maintained the Chart of Accounts, ensuring proper classification and reporting of financial transactions.
  • Reviewed and approved account coding for payroll and payables.
  • Prepared monthly and final reports for all federal or grant funds.
  • Prepared schedules for application of grant reimbursements.

Finance Manager

IceCool Purified Water Limited
07.2008 - 05.2016
  • Managed and controlled all accounting functions, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
  • Prepared and analyzed monthly financial statements for management, providing insights to support strategic decision-making.
  • Coordinated external audits, preparing schedules, workpapers, and consulting with auditors to ensure compliance.
  • Established and monitored internal controls, making adjustments to improve efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting

Texas Southern University
Houston, TX
05-1983

Skills

  • Financial reporting and analysis
  • Staff supervision
  • Performance evaluation
  • Training and development
  • Internal controls management
  • Audit coordination
  • Budget oversight
  • Financial systems administration
  • Chart of accounts management
  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • QuickBooks expertise

Affiliations

  • Member, Texas Public Charter Schools Association
  • Member, Texas Association of School Business Officials

Certification

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), 1994
  • Certified Texas Contract Developer, 2023

References

Available upon request.

Timeline

Business and Finance Director

The Varnett Public School
08.2022 - Current

Business and Finance Manager

The Varnett Public School
08.2017 - 07.2022

Senior Accountant

The Varnett Public School
09.2016 - 07.2017

Finance Manager

IceCool Purified Water Limited
07.2008 - 05.2016

Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting

Texas Southern University