KAREN M.

SCOTT
147 South Evergreen Drive
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 415-2344
karen.scott@hotmail.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Highly Experienced and Detail-Oriented CPA and Senior Accountant
Specializing in Process Improvement, Problem Solving, Cost
Containment, & Revenue Enhancement
Dedicated and enthusiastic CPA and Senior Accountant with 12+ years
of progression and success in the field of Finance within both
corporate and CPA firm settings. Diligent and detail oriented to
perform all facets of Accounting, Finance, Reporting/Recording,
Taxation, Auditing, and Regulatory Compliance. Talent for creating
and implementing financial plans and programs to ensure a company's
growth and stability. Solid planning and organizational skills to
facilitate successful financial project management from inception
through completion. Valued and well respected by peers and superiors
alike, as well as professionals from supportive agencies /
associations, and government entities. Additional keys to success
include:
* Meticulous and strategic-minded to achieve desired financial and
business results for clients.
* Well-disciplined with proven ability to manage multiple
assignments, ensure highest level of confidentiality, and meet
stringent timelines.
* Strong team builder and facilitator who interacts well with staff
at all levels to commit people to action and convey complex
information in easily understood formats.
* Team player, with superior analytical, quantitative, and problem
solving capabilities.
* Established reputation for quality, exactness, and results.

CORE COMPETENCIES
* Financial & Business Analysis
* Financial Management
* Budgeting & Forecasting
* General Ledger
* Statistical Reporting
* Accounting & Financial Systems
* Personnel Management
* Auditing & Taxation
* Cash Management
* P&L Statements
* Payroll Administration
* Capital Appropriations
* Accounts Payable/Receivable
* Project & Program Management
* Recording & Reporting
* Documentations Management
* Database Administration
* Problem Solving
* Process Improvement
* Cost Containment
* Revenue Enhancement

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Howard D. Fox & Associates, Agoura Hills, CA (6/2008 - 8/2010)
CPA/SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Performed all facets of financial, accounting, taxation, and
auditing services for assigned client base that included C
Corporations, S Corporations, Partnerships, LLC's, and individuals
from a variety of small businesses. Assumed role of Office Manager in
absence of owner. Consolidated multiple companies for S Corporations
and LLC income tax returns. Prepared and processed tax returns and
associated forms/documentations using Lacerte Tax Software. Conducted
detailed research for tax planning purposes. Conducted fieldwork for
audits, review engagements, and prepared financial statements and
related disclosures. Compiled and organized detailed financial
statements that included monthly financial statement preparations for
a franchise with 21 locations throughout Southern California.
Established and maintained premium client relationships that resulted
in long term, loyal business accounts.
* Communicated extensively with various taxation authorities on tax
audits and notices for clients and achieved successful and timely
problem resolution.
* Set-up, organized, and maintained multiple sets of books for
numerous entities with many locations that included inter-company
transactions, and facilitated bookkeeping requirements for all
organizations.
* Trained and supervised Bookkeepers in the office, reviewed work
performance, and provided project oversight for all initiatives.

Palius & O'Kelley, LLP, Santa Barbara, CA (1/2006 - 5/2008)

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Supported and assisted business partner in all business consulting,
valuations, and tax preparation services for C Corporations, S
Corporations, Partnerships, and Individuals/Trusts. Consolidated
income tax returns for individuals and corporations in a 16 state
territory. Conducted detailed financial research for tax planning
purposes.
* Worked closely with multiple taxation authorities on tax audits
and notices for clients and achieved successful and timely problem
resolution.
* Set-up and maintained entire QuickBooks recordkeeping systems for
each individual client.
Inamed Corporation, Santa Barbara, CA (11/2003 - 12/2005)
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Performed a variety of financial and accounting services that
included payroll and tax reconciliations, prepared and processed
sales tax returns for 150+ jurisdictions of the corporation,
determined undelivered product estimates, and generated bi-weekly
sales flashes. Responded to customer inquiries from clients, Customer
Care, and Inamed Representatives. Conducted research and became
intently familiar with jurisdictional sales tax laws and application
to Inamed's product line.
* Collaborated with tax advisors on audit issues and negotiations
with states on upcoming filings, and outside auditors on unclaimed
property reporting for all assigned territories.
* Managed large Old Customer Care credit clean-up project valued at
$3.7M.
* Acquired a deep and rich knowledge of Oracle Financials and ERP,
Vertex Sales Tax Software, and all month end close procedures.

Vance, Thrift & Biller, LLP, CPA's, Ventura, CA (10/1998 - 11/2003)

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Established and maintained premium client relations and performed
wide array of accounting functions that included general bookkeeping
and accounting, taxation, auditing, payroll, and compilations of
financial statements. Perform audit engagements for a variety of
clients. This included, but was not limited to, bank reconciliations,
payment of bills, posting of transactions to working trial balance,
preparation of payroll reports, and year end payroll items such as W-
2s, property, and sales tax return preparations. Compiled detailed
statistical information and prepare financial statements, as well as
Corporate, Partnership, Individual, Trust and Nonprofit income tax
returns. Planned and conducted audit engagements.
* Exposed to wide array of financial recording and reporting
functions for multiple industries and general businesses, as well as
governmental and nonprofit entities.
* Worked extensively with QuickBooks, MS Word and Excel, and
Lacerte Tax Software.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

BA, Anthropology * University of California, Santa Barbara, CA

Certifications:
Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Management Accounting,
University of California, Extension
Keywords:
CPA, Tax Preparation, Financial Statements, Audit, Bookkeeping,
Payroll, Budgeting