Sara Watson is a detail-oriented and organized operational accountant with over 20 years of accounting experience, including roles as Controller, Accounts Receivable Manager, and Accounts Payable. She has extensive experience managing accounting departments and financial reporting. She is proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word and has strong problem-solving, team leadership, and project management skills.
Certified Virtual Facilitator whose experience includes knowledge of
ISO 9000, annual reviews, FMLA, Wage & Labor Act, HRIS, developing processes and procedures, recruiting and benefits, as well as, financial reporting, customer relations, event planning/organizing, problem solving, and management.
A former two-sport college athlete who believes in teamwork and hard work. Now a disciplined, financial leader with extensive knowledge of financial principles and business operations and significant management experience. Demonstrated ability to think strategically in analyzing existing operations, developing strategies for process improvements and implementing effective systems, resulting in increased profitability. Proven track record as a collaborative, proactive, engaging coach with excellent problem solving skills and strong communication and team building skills developed through years of hiring, training, coaching and mentoring various-sized accounting teams for companies ranging from small start-ups to large industry leaders.
Certified Virtual Facilitator whose experience includes knowledge of
ISO 9000, annual reviews, FMLA, Wage & Labor Act, HRIS, developing processes and procedures, recruiting and benefits, as well as, financial reporting, customer relations, event planning/organizing, problem solving, and management.
A former two-sport college athlete who believes in teamwork and hard work. Now a disciplined, financial leader with extensive knowledge of financial principles and business operations and significant management experience. Demonstrated ability to think strategically in analyzing existing operations, developing strategies for process improvements and implementing effective systems, resulting in increased profitability. Proven track record as a collaborative, proactive, engaging coach with excellent problem solving skills and strong communication and team building skills developed through years of hiring, training, coaching and mentoring various-sized accounting teams for companies ranging from small start-ups to large industry leaders.
1. SARA WATSON
475 Bourke Avenue, 1E 514.770.5531
Dorval, QC H9S 3W8 sara.watson1219@gmail.com
SUMMARY
Detail oriented, efficient and organized Operational Accountant with extensive
experience with accounting systems. Possesses strong problem solving skills with the
ability to make well thought out decisions. Strong team building and hands-on
management skills. Able to prioritize based upon necessity and to complete projects
within specified timelines. Expert in analyzing existing operations and implementing new
systems to increase performance. Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Word.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
HARDT EQUIPMENT MFG. Inc., Lachine, QC
Controller 2007-2013
Managed accounting department (5 staff) for company with over $27M in gross sales.
Managed numbered entities
Prepared Financial Statements each month with variance analysis
Prepared payroll, (entire cycle) for 100 employees
Prepared year end file for outside auditors
Managed group insurance file
Prepared GST/QST/Sales tax reporting
Accounts Receivable Manager 2006-2007
Managed accounts receivable
Contact with customers concerning overdue balances
Prepared credit notes/invoices
Verified invoices for correct shipping charges, sales taxes
Prepared bank reconciliations
Prepared payroll, entire cycle for 100 employees
Accounts Payable 1994-2006
Verified invoices to packing slips and purchase order for correct billing
Prepared cheques for vendors
Prepared bank reconciliations
Prepared year end file for outside auditors
Assisted with month end reports
2. SARA WATSON 2
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Established department creditability by implementing procedures and controls
to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Motivated and developed team of 5 people, including accounting, reception and
logistics, to achieve over average performance ratings (2 employees achieved
a rating of 5 on 5, 3 employees achieved a rating of 4 on 5).
Developed training plans to cross train team of 5 people to decrease down time
and increase customer satisfaction.
Met deadlines within department by creating and using a detailed calendar,
updating it with new projects and timelines as necessary.
Ensured company policies were followed by creating verification systems in
Excel for accounts receivable.
Created verification systems in accounts payable to ensure that tax laws and
posting procedures were followed.
Supported accounts receivable to achieve an average of under .10% of
overdue accounts over 60 days.
Supported accounts payable which helped in taking advantage of over 99% of
early payment discounts.
Improved efficiency and accuracy by creating a spreadsheet which calculated
shipping charges, incorporating fuel surcharges and courier charges for
multiple shipment methods.
Created a costing system using landed costs, resulting in accurate costs for
sold items.
EDUCATION
John Abbott College – Partially completed DEC in Commerce
WICC – Diploma received, Secretary/Executive Assistant
Lindsay Place High School, High School Diploma