Audria Ford Adjunct Faculty Accounting, Finance & MIS College of Business Hobart Taylor 2C224 anford@pvamu.edu Academic Background Memberships E.M.B.A. Tulane University, August 2011 International Studies, Shanghai, China B.B.A. Our Lady of the Lake University, May 2009 Tulane Ambassador - 2011 National Association Professional Women - 2015 Work Experience Non-Academic Experience AK Noble Services (Owner), Cypress, TX 1 2015 - Present Financial / Business Consultant Interview clients to assess financial short term and long term objectives and needs to develop a financial plan for retirement, education, and expenses. Assist clients with gathering information to establish an investment strategy that will benefit the clients need. Assist clients with their taxes. Attend educational, retirement, financial and business meetings / seminars with clients to provide guidance and further understanding of information presented voluntarily on a pro-bono basis. Assist clients with business plans, business processes, and performance management. Conduct financial analysis to provide business solutions that solve complex problems within any organization. Professor Audria Ford 1 of 5
Houston Area Community Services, Inc., Houston, Texas 7 2012 11 2013 Director of Fiscal Services / Finance Manager (Housing / Administration) Supervised and directed the work of fiscal analysts, payroll, A/R, A/P, billing, and staff accountants. Enhanced, implemented, and enforced policies and procedures to improve the overall operations and effectiveness of the Fiscal Services Department. Provided technical financial guidance, knowledge, and methods of continual improvement of the budgeting process by educating the Program Managers on financial matters impacting their budgets. Provided analytical support for major investment decisions. Performed account and bank reconciliations and prepared journal and accrual entries. Managed budgets & reporting, banking, petty cash, allocations, quality assurance, compliance, event planning, cost accounting, government and state contracts, vendor contracts, negotiations and maintenance. Executed ad-hoc reports, general ledger activities and account mappings, payroll and taxes, forecasting, internal auditing, internal controls, revenue accounting, and project management. Preformed various financial statements, financial planning, reporting & analysis, cash management, and weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual closing activities. Developed and maintained positive relationships with community leaders at all levels. Involved in event planning and community outreach. Identified cost and efficiency opportunities. Determined key drivers of variances with prior year results. Ensured all contract vendors met the company guidelines, according to documentation, quality, business practices, ethics, and accessibility. Director of Housing Fiscal Services Promoted by the Chief Executive Officer to create, launch and manage the Housing Fiscal Department and fiscal staff. Supervised, directed, planned, organized and maintained detailed accounting/finance records and files. Oversaw input of accounts payable invoices into financial systems, ensured proper allocations and accuracy. Solved complex billing issues and oversaw accounting and budget closing activities. Executed financial reporting, financial analysis, data management and analysis. Grants Manager Managed the housing budgets and performed account payables, third party vendor billing, and maintained client relations with vendors. Professor Audria Ford 2 of 5
Resolved complex accounting issues and maintained organized set of detailed records and files to document financial transactions. Managed accounting and budget closing activities, performed internal audits and led external audits. Implemented solutions for sound internal controls and innovative solutions to improve accounting processes. Drove positive organizational change by controlling costs, improving internal controls, mitigating risks, while delivering cutting-edge financial and operational solutions. Recognized and resolved the delay in funding payments, waste and frivolous spending. Assisted in reengineering the organization to reduce budget costs and increase capital. Coordinated and led accounting system project scope, design approach, and controlled project strategy through implementation, maintenance and documentation. Republic National Bank, N.A., Houston, Texas 4 2000-8 2006 CD/IRA Specialist (Investments) / Department Head Promoted by the Chief Operating Officer to spearhead, plan, organize, develop and manage the CD/IRA Department while cost-effectively directing multi-functional banking operations. Set goals, reviewed performance, and monitored staff progress. Managed the budget for the department. Mentored and trained staff on investments, compliance, and how they impacted operational results. Provided analytical support for major investment decisions. Solved complex problems. Prepared various financial planning, reporting & analysis and management reports for Senior Management. Provided and interpreted financial data and conducted various researches. Wrote transaction processes and implemented process improvements. Executed various general ledger and bank account reconciliations. Performed ad-hoc analysis, internal audit activities, general accounting, and tax reporting. Led special projects, worked across business units with Senior Executives on Strategic Planning Committee. Treasury Services / Accounting Recruited to oversee day to day operations for Treasury Services and supported the Accounting Department. Executed broad-based cash management functions including cash forecasting, information reporting, fraud prevention, ACH transactions, debit card payments, positive pay, wire Professor Audria Ford 3 of 5
transfers, assisted with ACH origination (contracts), foreign exchange transactions, settlements, tax payments, and disbursements. Reviewed borrowing requirements with V.P. of Treasury / Accounting for the lowest daily borrowing rates. Initiated ACH requests and transmitted ACH files to the bank daily and confirmed receipt. Ensured reoccurring treasury payments were scheduled and confirmations received by the due date. Monitored ACH return items to confirm accurate cash ledger assignment. Maintained accurate records of authorized signers for ACH and wire transfers. Maintained accurate records of active ACH Debit / Credit Authorization Agreements for transactions. Researched and troubleshoot issues related to ACHs, wires, bank transmissions, debt, and investments. Supported the Accounting Department. Performed general accounting, accounts payables, accounts receivables, general ledger reconciliation, bank reconciliations, internal audits, and expense accounts. Reviewed aged accounts receivable and took appropriate action to reduce risk. Initiated and launched CD/IRA Department, directing and defining standard operating procedures while instituting culture of proactive management, best practices and continuous improvements. Performed extensive financial and business analysis, documentation and risk assessment to identify problem areas and implement strategic solutions to optimize efficiency and reduce liability and exposure. Implemented quality control procedures, conducted broad-based internal audits, summarized results and recommendations for Senior Management, devising strategies and action plans to address findings, mitigate risks, and improve efficiency. Houston Community Bank, N.A., Houston, Texas 11 1992 3 2000 New Accounts Representative Opened new accounts and implemented cross-selling methodologies to generate sales and revenue growth. Customized, marketed, and executed banking products and programs according to customer needs. Identified new clients to promote products for sales and revenue growth. Professor Audria Ford 4 of 5
Performed internal audit activities, conducted broad-based research, commercial and consumer lending, past due loan collections, loan closings, renewals, invoicing, wire transfers, various general ledger and bank reconciliations. Prepared and organized financial management reports for Board of Directors and Senior Management. Assisted with goals and the budget for revenue investment projections. Earned reputation as trusted advisor for building long term, productive customer relationships to generate new and repeat business while achieving organization s highest customer service ratings. Courses Taught Personal Financial Management and Planning Service to the University 2015 Student Development Committee Service to the Community March of Dimes MS 150 Salvation Army Houston Food Bank Collecting Clothing for the Homeless Back to School Supply Order Drive School Fundraisers Professor Audria Ford 5 of 5