Fawn Helmer
Rockford
Summary
Experienced financial professional skilled in accounting, financial analysis, and compliance with GAAP principles. Proven ability to manage fiscal operations, prepare financial statements, and collaborate with auditors. Seeking to leverage expertise in financial management to support a new team in achieving strategic goals and enhancing operational efficiency.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance and Human Resource Coordinator
Fire Department Coffee
Rockford, IL
10.2025 - Current
- Led efforts to automate finance processes, increasing accuracy and efficiency while reducing error rates.
- Coordinated closely with finance team on invoicing issues resolutions ensuring timely payments for services rendered.
- Collaborated with the finance team to reconcile inventory accounts, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
- Supported month-end close activities by preparing accurate accounts receivable reports.
Fiscal Manager
Catholic Charities-Rockford Diocese
Rockford, IL
03.2025 - 09.2026
- Maintained detailed records of all transactions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- Collaborated with external auditors during year-end audit process as well as other periodic audits conducted by regulatory agencies.
- Monitored expenditures against approved budgets while recommending adjustments when necessary.
- Assisted in the preparation of annual budgets by collecting, analyzing and summarizing data from various sources.
- Ensured proper reconciliation of accounts receivable and payable ledgers on a regular basis.
- Developed strategies to ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulations related to financial management.
- Conducted financial analysis of current programs and proposed initiatives to determine cost effectiveness.
- Managed and monitored fiscal operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flows and reporting.
- Prepared monthly financial statements, reports, analyses and forecasts for senior management review.
Finance Director
Shelter Care Ministries
Rockford, IL
08.2022 - 03.2025
- Developed financial strategies to optimize resource allocation and enhance operational efficiency.
- Led budget planning processes, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory compliance.
- Streamlined reporting procedures, improving accuracy and timeliness of financial data dissemination.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to assess financial impacts of strategic initiatives and operational changes.
- Directed audits and compliance reviews, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices in finance administration.
- Streamlined financial processes for improved efficiency and reduced errors.
- Drove revenue growth through meticulous analysis of market trends and identification of new business opportunities.
Accounting Associate/Grant Accountant
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin
Rockford, IL
04.2015 - 07.2022
- Coordinate bi-weekly Payroll for 500+ employees
- Managed accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring timely and accurate transactions.
- Reconciled financial discrepancies by analyzing reports and resolving variances efficiently.
- Improved cash flow management with timely invoicing and collections efforts.
- Conducted thorough account analysis to identify trends, discrepancies, and areas needing improvement within the company''s finances.
- Oversaw documentation and reporting of expenses, sales and other transactions.
- Increased financial transparency by creating detailed monthly and quarterly financial reports for management review.
Education
MBA - Finance and Human Resource Management
Colorado Technical University
03.2019
Bachelors of Science - Business Management
Rasmussen College
Rockford, IL01.2016
Associate's in Applied Science - undefined
Rasmussen College
Rockford, IL09.2012
Skills
- Resource forecasting
- Willingness to learn
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Relationship building
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Leadership development
- Self motivation
Timeline
Finance and Human Resource Coordinator
Fire Department Coffee
10.2025 - Current
Fiscal Manager
Catholic Charities-Rockford Diocese
03.2025 - 09.2026
Finance Director
Shelter Care Ministries
08.2022 - 03.2025
Accounting Associate/Grant Accountant
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin
04.2015 - 07.2022
Bachelors of Science - Business Management
Rasmussen College
Associate's in Applied Science - undefined
Rasmussen College
MBA - Finance and Human Resource Management
Colorado Technical University