Melody Blakley
Jeffersonville,IN
Summary
Seasoned Assurance Senior Associate at Cherry Bekaert, specializing in employee benefit plan and company audits with a continuous learning mindset. Demonstrated excellence in relationship building leading to impactful client service delivery and enhanced audit efficiency while ensuring GAAP compliance.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Assurance Senior Associate
Cherry Bekaert (PNA MCM CPAs & Advisors)
09.2018 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and excellent service delivery.
- Participated in regular training sessions to maintain knowledge of emerging accounting standards and audit methodologies.
- Completed analysis of Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) and Company financial statements and accounts.
- Reviewed financial data for accuracy and completeness, identifying discrepancies that led to recommended adjustments in reporting.
- Prepared comprehensive EBP and Company audit reports that effectively communicated findings and recommendations to clients.
- Assisted with the preparation of EBP and Company financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Managed entire audit process and evaluated work of junior team members.
- Reviewed EBP Form 5500 tax returns and recommended changes to TPA as necessary.
Assurance Associate & Employee Benefit Plan TPA
MCM CPAs & Advisors LLP
11.2014 - 09.2018
- Assisted with independent audits.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards, ensuring accurate application throughout all assurance engagements.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Prepared defined contribution employee benefit plan (EBP) documents and amendments.
- Processed defined contribution plan distributions and loans.
- Prepared year-end reports, nondiscrimination tests, Form 5500 and SSA for EBPs.
- Provided daily TPA support for EBP clients.
Executive Assistant to the Managing Partners
MCM CPAs & Advisors LLP
08.2005 - 11.2014
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Developed efficient systems for document retention, file organization, and data retrieval which facilitated easy access to critical information when needed.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Assisted Managing Partner with client work including processing payroll, AP/AR, annual state reporting and quarterly sales tax returns.
- Handled logistics, catering, agendas and travel arrangements for meeting and event planning for executive committee and partner meetings.
- Organized coordinated logistics and materials for monthly executive committee and partner meetings and took detailed notes and dictation.
- Completed all other administrative tasks necessary to support partners.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Marketing Officer
Frost Brown Todd LLC
04.2003 - 08.2005
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Provided all administrative support to the CMO and marketing department.
- Contributed to marketing budgets management by preparing the preliminary budget and monitoring expenses.
- Wrote reports, executive summaries and newsletters.
- Coordinated marketing events for the firm.
Research Publications Editor
University of Louisville
01.2001 - 04.2003
- Assisted President of Institute for Molecular Diversity and Drug Design by reviewing grant applications, preparation of annual merit review binder for professor, processing orders, reviewing accounts, planning special events, and other administrative tasks as necessary.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work.
- Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles and students' masters thesis for grammar, spelling, and consistency.
Administrative Secretary
Texas A&M University-Electron Microscopy Center
06.1994 - 07.1998
- Provided clerical support to university employees.
- Prepared and recorded AP and AR including monthly billing statements and financial reports.
Benefits Administrator/TPA
Qualified Plan Services, Ltd.
02.1992 - 05.1994
- Served as TPA for client Employee Benefit Cafeteria Plans and managed daily and annual HSA needs for the various clients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN08-2014
Skills
- Employee benefit plan and company audits
- GAAP
- Continuous learning mindset
- Relationship building
- Teamwork and positive attitude
- Proficient in Datair Employee Benefits System, CCH ProSystem fx Engagement, Knowledge Coach, and Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneNote
Affiliations
- Louisville Employee Benefits Council Member 2018-2023
Timeline
Assurance Senior Associate
Cherry Bekaert (PNA MCM CPAs & Advisors)
09.2018 - Current
Assurance Associate & Employee Benefit Plan TPA
MCM CPAs & Advisors LLP
11.2014 - 09.2018
Executive Assistant to the Managing Partners
MCM CPAs & Advisors LLP
08.2005 - 11.2014
Executive Assistant to the Chief Marketing Officer
Frost Brown Todd LLC
04.2003 - 08.2005
Research Publications Editor
University of Louisville
01.2001 - 04.2003
Administrative Secretary
Texas A&M University-Electron Microscopy Center
06.1994 - 07.1998
Benefits Administrator/TPA
Qualified Plan Services, Ltd.
02.1992 - 05.1994
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Indiana Wesleyan University
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