SeLah Thornton

Accomplished accounting and operations leader with extensive experience managing cross-functional teams and full-cycle financial operations. Proven ability to coordinate between departments, elevate employee morale, improve client satisfaction, and deliver strategic leadership in both financial and administrative settings. Adept in training, coaching, and developing high-performing teams, with a strong track record of meeting contractual obligations, exceeding KPIs, and creating scalable, compliant systems.

Expertise in accounting, ERP/CRM systems, internal controls, and personnel management.

Freelance Bookkeeper/Accountant & Notary at Selah 31 Accounting (2023-01 – Present)

Provide full-charge bookkeeping and accounting services to small businesses across construction, consulting, and service industries.

• Provide full-charge bookkeeping and accounting services to small businesses across construction, consulting, and service industries
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) ensuring GAAP compliance
• Perform budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to guide client decision-making
• Manage AP/AR cycles, oversee collections, vendor negotiations, and client invoicing to improve cash flow
• Reconcile bank, credit card, and loan accounts; resolve discrepancies to ensure financial accuracy
• Process and review payroll (W2 & 1099) through platforms such as Gusto, Paychex, and ADP, ensuring tax compliance
• Oversee sales tax filings, 1099 preparation, and quarterly estimated tax reporting
• Conduct job costing and project accounting for construction and service-based businesses
• Implement and optimize QuickBooks Online setups, including Chart of Accounts, class tracking, and custom reporting
• Integrate and manage third-party platforms (PayPal, Stripe, Square, Gusto, Bill.com)
• Provide advisory services, analyzing financial data to recommend strategies for profit improvement and expense reduction
• Digitally organize and maintain compliance-ready documentation for audits and year-end reporting
• Offer Notary Public services for client contracts, affidavits, loan signings, and business documentation

Accountant at Iceberg Mechanical (2023-10 – 2024-07)

Led ERP system migration and implemented financial controls within QuickBooks Online, improving reporting accuracy by 50%.

• Led ERP system migration and implemented financial controls within QuickBooks Online, improving reporting accuracy by 50%
• Analyzed internal controls and optimized CRM integrations, aligning with SOX compliance to reduce financial risk
• Managed full-cycle accounting for $45M+ revenue stream, including monthly, quarterly, and annual closings
• Prepared and presented monthly financial statements to the CFO
• Streamlined month-end close processes, reducing time to close by 30% through automation
• Oversaw payroll, reconciliations, AP/AR, budgeting, and forecasting
• Led a cross-functional finance team to manage operational accounting strategy and accuracy

Senior Staff Accountant at Trinity Restoration and Consulting Inc. (2022-01 – 2023-08)

Directed financial operations for multiple entities with $10M+ annual revenue.

• Directed financial operations for multiple entities with $10M+ annual revenue
• Maintained cash-based and GAAP-compliant records; produced detailed financial statements
• Conducted forensic accounting to recover over $1M in misappropriated funds through SOX-compliant reviews
• Managed WIP, AP/AR, reconciliations, payroll and inter-company accounting practices
• Ensured contractor compliance by managing W9s, COIs, and lien waivers
• Prepared weekly and monthly reports aligning budget and revenue targets for executives
• Administered PEO payroll services (Frankcrum), including tax filings and compliance

Accounting Administrator at CO2 Monitoring LLC (2021-09 – 2022-01)

Oversaw receivables, payables, reconciliations, and payroll in QuickBooks Enterprise.

• Oversaw receivables, payables, reconciliations, and payroll in QuickBooks Enterprise
• Reduced outstanding liabilities by 40% by enhancing SOPs and automating collections
• Supported accountants with audit-ready reports
• Streamlined digital recordkeeping with SOX-aligned retention

Director of Administration at Better My POS (2016-08 – 2020-05)

Led implementation of PeopleSoft Financials with SOX and PCI compliance.

• Led implementation of PeopleSoft Financials with SOX and PCI compliance
• Managed multi-state payroll, reconciliations, tax filing, and HR onboarding
• Reduced AR aging under 3% and managed vendor contracts
• Directed IT, HR, and accounting strategies for 500+ business clients

IT Support Analyst, Technology at Merchant Link (2014-09 – 2016-07)

Provided compliance and technical support to 500+ POS clients.

• Provided compliance and technical support to 500+ POS clients
• Acted as SME for vendor integrations; developed documentation and training
• Consistently exceeded performance KPIs and improved cross-departmental processes

Technical Support Analyst - SME at Verizon Wireless (2005-10 – 2014-05)

Trained and managed technicians while leading system improvements.

• Trained and managed technicians while leading system improvements
• Recognized for sales achievements and technical resolution effectiveness

Associate of Arts in Specialized Technology/Business Administration – Pittsburgh Technical College (2000 – 2002)