Vera Puka

Dynamic Compliance Specialist with over 5 years of experience in regulatory compliance, risk management, and contract management within the banking and legal industries. Proven ability to ensure strict adherence to internal policies, banking regulations, and legal frameworks. Demonstrated expertise in drafting and reviewing contracts, conducting internal audits, and identifying legal risks to safeguard organizational interests.

Exceptional communicator with strong leadership skills and a focus on operational efficiency and compliance excellence.

Tax Associate - H&R Block - Clearwater, FL

(2024-10 - 2025-04)

• Prepare and file tax returns in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Analyze financial statements to identify tax risks and compliance issues.
• Assist with tax planning and compliance, ensuring clients meet all regulatory requirements.
• Perform tax research and ensure all filing is in accordance with legal standards.

Senior Business Immigration Consultant - Jackson Lewis P.C. Law Firm - White Plains, NY

(2020-08 - 2024-09)

• Managed a high volume of business immigration cases, ensuring full regulatory compliance with immigration laws and procedures.
• Drafted compliance documents, including Labor Certification Case Analysis, PERM Audit Files, and petitions for visas and work permits.
• Conducted I-9 compliance verifications and managed client accounts to ensure regulatory adherence.

Business Immigration Consultant - Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP - New York, NY

(2019-08 - 2020-04)

• Prepared and submitted H-1B, L-1, and other business immigration petitions, ensuring complete compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
• Assisted clients with employment verifications, recruitment processes, and documentation preparation for regulatory compliance.

Immigration Paralegal - Law Offices of Andrew P. Johnson - New York, NY

(2018-04 - 2018-12)

• Drafted and filed immigration documents (I-589, I-130, I-765, etc) for asylum and family cases.
• Managed client communications and ensured compliance with immigration regulations and deadlines.
• Assisted clients in obtaining legal protections, such as orders of protection in sensitive family law matters.

Compliance Analyst - Societe Generale Bank - Tirana, Albania

(2014-09 - 2016-10)

• Ensured compliance with internal policies, banking regulations, and industry best practices for all contractual agreements.
• Identified and assessed legal risks in contracts, offering solutions to mitigate risk exposure.
• Participated in audits, executing audit tests and preparing documentation.
• Monitored compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and fiduciary risks.

Contracts Specialist - Societe Generale Bank - Tirana, Albania

(2012-04 - 2014-09)

• Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated contracts to ensure alignment with banking regulations and risk mitigation strategies.
• Worked closely with vendors and clients to safeguard the bank's legal interests in all contract dealings.
• Conducted thorough reviews of legal clauses to identify potential liabilities and compliance gaps.

Legal Counsel at the State Budget Department - Highest State Audit - Tirana, Albania

(2008-08 - 2012-04)

• Advised the department on legal and regulatory issues related to the state's budgetary process, including compliance with state and federal laws.
• Reviewed proposed budgets for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and fiscal policies.
• Interpreted state financial laws and policies to ensure that budgetary decisions align with legal requirements.
• Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including budget-related legislation, amendments, and agreements.
• Identified and mitigated legal risks in the state's financial planning and resource allocation.

LLM - Master in Business Law - Brooklyn Law School (2019-05)

Doctor of Law - Administrative Law - European University of Tirana (2016-05)