Laurie S. Brooks

Laurie Brooks - - 389 LAKE HAMILTON DR, APT E10, HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas 71913 Skills Payroll administration Intuit QuickBooks specialist, also Excel and numerous other software & cloud based applications Managerial aptitude General ledger accounting Education Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA  •  1987 Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration & Linguistics Professional Summary Forward-thinking staff accountant and sales tax analyst with excellent managerial skills and fantastic attention to detail. Proven history of organizing company finances and modernizing financial operations. Extensive knowledge of QuickBooks and payroll processing with ADP.  Successful at achieving exceptional results in high-pressure environments, with over fifteen years' experience in managing complex business accounts for nonprofit and for-profit businesses in a variety of industries. Consummate professional who leaves no stone unturned to ensure accurate and compliant records. Proven Remote/Work at Home Agent with the skills to multi-task in several computer applications at once while holding a conversation with a customer. Work History Michael J Fleming & Associates - Sales Tax Analyst Rockwall, T  •  02/2019 - Current The preparation and filing of multi-state sales tax return preparation in a high volume environment. Secondary responsibilities include registrations, VDAs, and nexus and taxability research. Prepare sales tax returns by hand and electronically. Proficiency with sales tax return preparation software such as TaxJar and OneSource. Maintained thorough and current understanding of applicable sales tax laws and nexus requirements. Reviewed available data and compared against tax code to determine exemptions, deductions, and potential liabilities. TaxJar - Sales Tax Specialist Woburn, MA  •  12/2017 - 02/2019 Filing a high volume (between-/month) of sales and use tax returns in all states where filing is required. Interfacing directly with customers to validate their filing credentials on a per state basis. Working with business owners & CFOs to determine nexus & sales tax status in order to aid in determining proper states and jurisdictions for registrations, collections and payments. Working with representatives of states to quickly solve issues related to invalid Personal Info or late filings. Remote position requiring extensive use of multiple cloud and desktop applications at once including Zoom, Help Scout, Google Suite, and others. Darlington Hotel - Staff Accountant & Office Manager Chicago, IL  •  01/2012 - 02/2019 Utilized QuickBooks for general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, cash receipts & reconciliations, bank reconciliations & Phone deposits, credit card processing & end of day, month end and year end closings. Set up and improved accounting systems and processes to meet business needs and maximize effectiveness of operations. Also served as the Office Manager responsible for supervising a team of 8 ensuring that duties were completed within strict time-frames. Established & monitored key performance indicators, carried out staff appraisals, managed performance and maintained employment records. Developed and maintained a safe working environment by adhering to all necessary health & safety requirements as per state legislation. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service - Staff Accountant & Tax Preparer Chicago, IL  •  01/2012 - 12/2017 Conducted a thorough in-person interview with more than 13 potential clients a day, using the company's propriety tax software application. Prepared tax returns, extensions, tax planning calculations and write-ups for all types of organizations and entities, including individuals. Presented the Company's value proposition to clients concerning various company products and services and using prescribed selling techniques. Reviewed available data and compared against tax code to determine exemptions, deductions, and potential liabilities. Conducted reviews of internal tax documentation, reducing errors related to missed tax benefits. Prepared written responses or tax return amendments to resolve state and federal notices. Worked during off season maintaining franchise accounting and bookkeeping. Jade Associates Accounting & Tax Consulting - Staff Accountant Miami, FL  •  01/2009 - 12/2012 Complied with all established policies and performed bank reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, billing, collections, vendor payments and profit and loss statements for 5 restaurants/ bakeries & their parent company, as well as various other clients as assigned. Accurately calculated deductions and processed payroll using ADP online for over 200 employees. Created journal entry schedules to improve efficiency, support and documentation of accounting processes. Maintained proper inventory controls and eliminated workflow gaps to balance projected demands with on-hand supplies. Reduced financial discrepancies, effectively reconciling bank accounts including deposits and credit card transactions and organizing information into accounting software. Assisted Controller with year-end financial audits. Kingdom, Inc - Operations Manager & Business Development Mansfield, PA  •  07/2000 - 12/2009 Initially responsible for computer sales to school districts promoted to Operations manager within 6 months  became responsible for the daily operations & budgets of 7 departments including complete supervision of over 60 employees. Finally promoted to business development & marketing, responsible for sales totaling over $200,000 in electronics in less than 6 months. Position also required extensive travel, developing & presenting seminars, trade shows, & public speaking. Nationwide Insurance - State College - Full-Charge Bookkeeper & Office Manager State College, PA  •  05/1991 - 06/2000 Responsible for all facets of bookkeeping & taxes for the agency including accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank deposits & reconciliations, general ledger, journal entries, etc. Tracked expenses and entered deposits into [System] while reconciling monthly bank accounts to verify accuracy. Streamlined A/P process, cutting vendor payment delays from 14 to 2 days. Minimized financial discrepancies by accurately managing bookkeeping, payroll and tax reporting procedures with zero errors.  Became licensed in the state of PA for property & casualty insurance as well as automobile insurance in order to ensure policies could be written when agent was out of the office. .