Karen Sparks
Meridian
Summary
Detail-oriented with over 25 years of experience in financial reporting and cross-functional collaboration. Expertise in invoice processing, sales and use tax reporting and account reconciliation, contributing to streamlined operations and improved financial accuracy.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Support Lead
Kohls Department Store
Meridian
07.2024 - Current
- Trained new team members on store policies and procedures.
- Ordered supplies necessary for office operations such as printer paper or toner cartridges.
- Provided administrative support to ensure the smooth running of office operations.
- Coordinated daily schedules for team members and management.
- Provided support to staff regarding cash handling policies and procedures.
- Managed cash drawers and ensured balanced cash register at end of shifts.
- Assisted in preparing bank deposits and maintaining secure cash storage.
Sales Associate
Kohls Department Store
Meridian
07.2021 - 06.2024
- Assisted customers in finding products and answered inquiries.
- Processed transactions accurately at the cash register.
- Maintained store cleanliness and organized merchandise displays.
Accountant
Packaging Corporation of America
Boise
03.1995 - 10.2023
- Prepared monthly financial statements and analyzed reporting for accuracy and completeness.
- Created journal entries accurately and timely for month end close processes.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Processed invoices in compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Managed monthly reconciliation of accounts payable transactions efficiently.
- Assisted in the implementation of new accounting software tools for the department.
- Maintained organized records of all accounts payable documents and transactions.
- Processed high volume of vendor invoices and payments in a timely manner.
- Researched, resolved and responded to inquiries from vendors regarding payments.
- Assisted with month-end closing activities such as preparing journal entries, reconciliations and accruals.
- Reconciled accounts payable ledgers against general ledger accounts on a monthly basis.
- Recommended changes in existing practices or procedures based on knowledge gained from experience.
- Collaborated with other departments such as Purchasing and Receiving in resolving invoice discrepancies.
- Assisted with audits by providing required documentation and information.
- Accurately filed state and local sales/use taxes for large organization following strict deadlines.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR12-1989
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Blue Mountain Community College
Pendleton, OR06-1987
Skills
- Administrative support
- Cash handling procedures
- Financial reporting
- Invoice processing
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Problem solving
- Data analysis
- Account reconciliation
- Year-end close
- Financial statements
- General ledger accounting
- PeopleSoft
Timeline
Store Support Lead
Kohls Department Store
07.2024 - Current
Sales Associate
Kohls Department Store
07.2021 - 06.2024
Accountant
Packaging Corporation of America
03.1995 - 10.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Oregon State University
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Blue Mountain Community College