Luis Merino

In my five-year accounting career, I've gained valuable experience in both law firm and corporate settings. During my time at the law firm, I served as the sole accountant, managing all accounting functions with precision and efficiency. This role involved overseeing payroll, accounts payable and receivable, taxes, reconciliations, and month-end closings.

Additionally, I worked extensively with real estate transactions and rental properties, demonstrating strong multitasking abilities and organizational skills. Transitioning to corporate America, I further honed my expertise while working in accounting firms, where I oversaw numerous business accounts, non-profits, trusts, and personal accounts of business owners. My responsibilities included compiling financial statements, facilitating tax preparation for businesses, individuals, and trusts, and providing strategic financial guidance to clients to help manage their wealth effectively.

Throughout my career, I've consistently delivered high-quality results and demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in accounting practices.

FGMK Sep 2023 – Current

Entrepreneurial Services Associate 333 W Wacker Dr

•  Led the meticulous recording and documentation of transactions, ensuring the accuracy of the general ledger and associated journals for multiple business entities.
•  Generated monthly, quarterly, and annual compiled financial statements, delivering insightful analyses of business financial performance.
• Orchestrated timely payment of invoices by preparing checks for businesses, while maintaining meticulous organization of receipts and checks.
• Assisted in the preparation and review of tax returns for businesses, individuals, and trusts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant regulations. Additionally, facilitated the preparation of W-2s and 1099s for the companies, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of income.

Koch & Associates May 2021 – June 2023

Senior Accountant Cicero, IL

• Managed all accounting matters as the sole accountant at Koch & Associates, PC (law firm) including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, taxes, reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end closings.
• Oversaw accounting operations for 35th Street Realty, supporting 10 realtors with escrow and earnest money checks for property closings, and handling accounts payable, accounts receivable, taxes, reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end closings in separate QuickBooks.
• Collected rent from multiple tenants and efficiently handled accounts payable, accounts receivable, taxes, reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end closings for rental properties owned by the lawyer.
• Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, maintaining organized financial data, and supporting informed decision-making for three distinct companies with separate QuickBooks systems.

Wipfli LLP Oct 2020 – April 2021

Accounting Associate (Internship) 1 N Wacker Dr

• Assisting in the preparation of client’s federal and state income tax returns.
• Traveled to locations to aid the audit team in developing reports on findings.
• Efficient with the CCH Axcess accounting software.
• Experience in preparing forms such as 1040’s, w-2, 1098 and 1099.
• Collaborating with tax, business, and accounting personnel throughout the company to obtain 

Eastern Illinois University Major: Accounting

Bachelor of Science in Business