SWETA PATEL
Hoffman Estates
Summary
Dynamic Accounting Manager with a proven track record at J.D. Honigberg International, excelling in financial reporting and budget optimization. Expert in QuickBooks and audit coordination, I drive operational efficiency and foster strong client relationships, ensuring compliance and timely reporting. A strategic thinker committed to delivering impactful financial insights.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Accounting Manager
J.D. Honigberg International
Northbrook
04.2017 - Current
- Prepare and issue timely, accurate financial statements and operational performance reports presented directly to the CEO, supporting data-driven executive decision-making.
- Develop and manage annual budgets; conduct variance analysis and rolling forecasts to optimize resource allocation and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Served as primary liaison to external auditors and tax advisors, facilitating annual reviews and tax filings through comprehensive documentation.
- Oversaw accounts payable processing, ensuring timely vendor payments and leveraging early-payment discounts to enhance cash flow.
- Managed full payroll cycle, including processing, tax filings, and regulatory compliance, to ensure accurate and timely employee compensation.
- Execute comprehensive bank reconciliations across all accounts and maintain a structured chart of accounts aligned to business reporting needs.
- Issue accurate customer invoices on a timely basis, supporting healthy cash flow and strong client relationships.
Controller (Part-Time)
National Painting, Inc.
Chicago
02.2014 - Current
- Managed all AR, AP, banking, and payroll functions as sole accounting resource using QuickBooks, ensuring seamless financial operations.
- Prepared AIA billing documents and lien waivers for general contractors, ensuring compliance with construction contracts and facilitating timely payments.
- Collaborate with project managers on job cost tracking to maintain project budget accuracy and profitability.
- Submit weekly Certified Payroll reports to the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Building Commission, and Chicago Public Schools in full compliance with prevailing wage laws.
- Process weekly payroll, quarterly payroll tax filings, and year-end W-2 and 1099 preparation.
- Prepare monthly union reports and ensure ongoing compliance with collective bargaining agreement obligations.
- Oversaw commercial banking relationships, securing competitive financing terms to support organizational credit facilities.
Controller
Illinois Trading Company
Chicago
02.2001 - 09.2012
- Managed accounting operations, ensuring accurate balance sheet reconciliations, timely journal entries, and effective processing of accounts receivable, vendor accounts, and checks.
- Supervised a two-person Accounts Payable team, ensuring accuracy, timely processing, and audit-ready documentation.
- Oversaw payroll processing, ensuring compliance with tax reporting and accurate preparation of year-end W-2 and 1099 forms.
- Prepared weekly Borrowing Base Certificates and managed cash flow to support working capital and banking requirements.
- Performed budget-vs.-actual analysis and collaborated with management to implement targeted budget modifications.
- Redesigned accounting workflows and report layouts to enhance operational efficiency, increase data accuracy, and improve user accessibility.
- Partnered with the audit manager on internal operational audits and special financial projects.
Education
Bachelor of science
Skills
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- General Ledger Management
- Accounts Payable & Receivable
- Month-End & Year-End Close
- Certified Payroll Reporting
- Union Audits & Compliance
- Audit Coordination
- Cash Management
- QuickBooks Desktop
- QuickBooks Online
- Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains
- Peachtree
- Microsoft FRx Reporting
- SalesPad
- Order Time
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Languages
- Hindi
- Telugu
- Gujarati
- Fluent in English
Timeline
Accounting Manager
J.D. Honigberg International
04.2017 - Current
Controller (Part-Time)
National Painting, Inc.
02.2014 - Current
Controller
Illinois Trading Company
02.2001 - 09.2012
Bachelor of science