Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Krista Ferry-Wilber

Lawrenceburg

Summary

Dynamic accounting professional with extensive experience at Smithfield Foods, excelling in accounts payable and vendor management. Proven track record in streamlining processes and enhancing cash flow management. Strong analytical skills complemented by effective communication abilities, fostering cross-functional collaboration and driving process improvements. Committed to achieving organizational goals through innovative solutions.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Plant Accounting Coordinator

Smithfield Foods
12.2021 - Current
  • Coordinated and monitored department workflow to maintain efficiency.
  • Collaborated with internal departments to resolve discrepancies, fostering strong cross-functional relationships.
  • Managed accounts payable functions, ensuring timely payments to vendors.
  • Established key relationships with team members, upper management, customers, and partners through well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Oversaw vendor activities and initiated plans to improve relationships and performance.
  • Prepared daily yield reports for OPS review and action

Senior Accounts Payable Specialist

Batesville Casket
08.2003 - 01.2021
  • Streamlined accounts payable processes by implementing automated invoice processing and payment systems.
  • Trained junior staff members on accounts payable best practices, fostering a cohesive and knowledgeable team environment.
  • Conducted thorough analysis of aged payables reports to identify potential issues and recommend corrective actions to management.
  • Participated in cross-functional projects, providing subject matter expertise on accounts payable processes and contributing to overall process improvements within the organization.
  • Implemented an electronic document management system for better organization and retrieval of invoices and related documents.
  • Managed a high volume of invoices, ensuring accurate coding and prompt approval from relevant departments.
  • Handled sensitive employee expense reimbursements in a discreet manner while adhering to established corporate policies regarding allowable expenditures.
  • Provided support during audits, reconciling financial statements and supplying necessary documentation for review.
  • Contributed to company-wide cost reduction efforts by identifying opportunities for early payment discounts or more favorable terms with vendors.
  • Improved cash flow management for the company by effectively monitoring and managing outstanding payables.
  • Resolved complex payment issues through diligent research, clear communication with stakeholders, and timely escalation when needed.
  • Enhanced vendor relationships through timely communication and effective resolution of discrepancies in billing statements.
  • Communicated with vendors to resolve discrepancies impeding payments.
  • Assisted in the development of a comprehensive accounts payable policy to establish standardized procedures across the organization.
  • Collaborated with procurement team to ensure accuracy in purchase orders, contracts, and pricing agreements with vendors.
  • Checked W-9 forms for completeness and accuracy.
  • Provided accounts payable expertise to managers and staff members.
  • Processed invoices and journal entries with efficiency and accuracy, resulting in decreased discrepancies.
  • Matched purchase orders with invoices and recorded necessary information.
  • Reconciled company bank, credit card and line of credit accounts, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to keep accounts audit-ready.
  • Entered figures using 10-key calculator to compute data quickly.
  • Prepared ADHOC reports.

Credit Department Supervisor

Sears Industrial Tools
11.1997 - 07.2003
  • Streamlined communication channels between the Credit Department and other departments within the organization.
  • Established clear performance expectations for team members, providing constructive feedback as needed.
  • Assessed potential risks associated with extending credit to new customers, mitigating potential losses through careful evaluation processes.
  • Implemented innovative collection strategies, reducing outstanding receivables balances in a timely manner.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients, ensuring prompt payment and improved customer satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with sales teams to establish beneficial credit policies that increased revenue without increasing risk exposure.
  • Enhanced team productivity through regular training sessions, performance evaluations, and goal-setting initiatives.
  • Handled escalated customer disputes professionally, resolving issues quickly while preserving business relationships.
  • Optimized the use of available resources by reallocating staff members based on workload demands and skill sets.
  • Improved credit department efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new software solutions.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping practices were consistently followed by all team members within the department.
  • Coordinated the implementation of new software systems within the department, minimizing downtime during transitions.
  • Work cross-functionally with sales, management, and other departments to maintain effective operations.
  • Provided training and consulted with struggling teams to help meet monthly target goals.
  • Oversaw reporting, documentation and recordkeeping requirements for department.

Education

High School Diploma -

East Central High School
St. Leon, Indiana
05-1989

Skills

  • Accounts payable
  • Invoice processing
  • Data analysis
  • Vendor management
  • Process improvement
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Journal entries
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Payroll processing
  • Payroll administration

Timeline

Plant Accounting Coordinator

Smithfield Foods
12.2021 - Current

Senior Accounts Payable Specialist

Batesville Casket
08.2003 - 01.2021

Credit Department Supervisor

Sears Industrial Tools
11.1997 - 07.2003

High School Diploma -

East Central High School
Krista Ferry-Wilber