Winnifred M. Lawrence

Dynamic and Results-driven professional with 8 plus years of experience specializing in financial reporting, reconciliations, payroll administration and GAAP compliance. Adept at applying innovative, entrepreneurial thinking; as well as working in a team, to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner. Keen on managing outgoing cash and expenses by processing and verifying vendor invoices, matching purchase orders, and issuing accurate payments in a timely way.

Very organized and analytical in processing end-to-end payroll and executing various financial operations including distribution and calculation of salaries, taxes and other financial compensations.

Accountant, Term Position - RS Distribution Co - Winnipeg, Manitoba

(2020-05 - 2021-02)

• Received invoices, confirmed their authenticity and checked for any discrepancies with general ledger records, purchase orders and packing slips.
• Ensured that invoices are accurate and coded correctly to facilitate prudent financial statements.
• Routed invoices to the Financial Director or CEO for proper authorization prior to prepping for payment.
• Reviewed Actual financial performance against Forecasted targets to identify trends, explained discrepancies and flagged potential issues early.
• Assisted in annual planning and quarterly forecasting by working with department leaders track resources and manage cash flows.
• Created dynamic Excel and Data Visualization spreadsheets using historical performance to project future business results.
• Examined the company's Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow metrics to determine its overall value and financial health.
• Worked with the Financial Director to prepare up to date and accurate monthly financial statements.
• Managed end-to-end payroll processing, calculated wages, handled tax withholdings and deductions and ensured timely remittances to CRA and others.

Accountant, Financial Reporting - The Dufresne Group - Winnipeg, Manitoba

(2018-12 - 2019-11)

• Performed monthly reconciliations of multiple vendor accounts to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Investigated discrepancies, such as shortages or pricing errors, and communicated with suppliers to resolve outstanding balances.
• Monitored expenses vs. budget against business plans and conducted month-end variance analysis for regional financial statements
• Prepared and or reviewed multiple monthly bank reconciliations.
• Prepared and posted month-end journal entries including accruals, prepaids, and fixed asset depreciation.
• Performed project analysis upon request and reconcile GL and control accounts as assigned.
• Maintained Fixed Asset Register including asset tracking and control, new assets purchased, Asset Disposal processes, and applying depreciation methods in accordance with accepted accounting standards as well as company's policies.
• Assisted in external audit process by ensuring that proper and complete working papers are uploaded into CaseWare.

Accountant, International Program - Mennonite Central Committee Canada - Winnipeg, Manitoba

(2012-08 - 2018-08)

• Reviewed Accounts Payable invoices and other supporting documents for accuracy and proper coding prior to the weekly cheque runs.
• Prepared multiple reconciliations and analyses on monthly basis in order to provide useful information to management.
• Made daily postings to the international general ledger and maintained the chart of accounts. This ensures accurate value of expenditures against budgets for management reporting purposes.
• Developed and executed risk-based audit plans and programs to assess internal control effectiveness
• Performed risk-based assessments and identified opportunities to strengthen processes and controls.
• Prepared and presented audit reports and recommendations to management.
• Managed and processed Funds Remittance in multiple currencies to country offices across the globe.
• Provided valuable support to country offices across the globe by ensuring they have adequate resources re proper accounting practices and responsibilities.
• Prepared and disseminated annual T4s for all Canadian workers serving abroad.
• Assisted in the coordination and preparation of scheduled working papers for year-end.
• Raised fraud and other negligent issues on the part of the country offices to management.

Accounts Receivable Administrator - Kitchen Craft of Canada - Winnipeg, Manitoba

(2011-03 - 2012-07)

• Considerably reduced outstanding receivables by analyzing aging reports and contacting customers promptly in order to make suitable arrangements for payments on accounts.
• Reconciled customer accounts (Aging Reports) continually to identify and resolve payment discrepancies, short-pays, or un-applied cash
• Accurately recorded and applied incoming payments (checks, wire transfers, ACH, credit cards) to the customer
• Maintained customers electronic records including sending reminders using JD Edwards software system.
• Verified details of transactions, including funds received and total account balances
• Suggested process improvements to secure prompt and regular receipts for the organization.
• Verified validity of account discrepancies by obtaining and investigation information from sales, trade promotions, customer service departments, and from customers.
• Protected the organization's value by keeping information confidential.

Collections Contact Officer - Canada Revenue Agency - Winnipeg, Manitoba

(2010-03 - 2011-02)

• Contacted taxpayers by phone to make payment arrangements and resolve outstanding tax returns.
• Demonstrated active listening skills and conflict resolution capabilities while communicating with difficult/upset taxpayers.
• Successfully negotiated compliance with clients in order to secure payments on overdue taxes.
• Diligently reviewed taxpayers' financial positions, and negotiate or enforce payments in accordance with CRA policies and guidelines.
• Documented all actions and conversations accurately into internal systems to ensure compliance with tax legislations.
• Addressed and resolved clients' tax inquiries and disputes in a professional and timely manner.

Senior Internal Auditor - Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co - Winnipeg, Manitoba

(2006-06 - 2008-10)

• Identified and mitigated organizational risks by conducting risk assessment of existing internal controls.
• Planned and executed financial, compliance, and operational audits at branch offices across Canada and in the US, in order to provide assurance to management that internal controls are adequate, and to ensure that operations were in accordance with company policies and government regulations.
• Tested the design and effectiveness of internal controls by completing walk-throughs of business units.
• Documented the results of audit work in accordance with audit department and the Institute of Internal Auditors standards.
• Prepared timely audit reports for executive management, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.
• Monitored and followed up on corrective action plans to ensure identified gaps are successfully resolved.
• Systematically prepared documents and assembled financial analyses for independent auditors each year.

CPA designation

Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Degree