Brenda Soto
Chief Financial Officer - CHARLEE
Miami, FL
Dynamic Key Accountant highly skilled at increasing revenue for not-for-profit (NFP) organizations. Extensive experience in fostering and cultivating business opportunities and partnerships. An innovative fiscal manager with a unique ability to combine competitive analysis, statistical data and relationship skills into bottom line results. Highly responsive and respectful to the needs of all clients and constituents of an organization. Expertise includes:
• Budget management
• Margin Enhancement
• Workflow Strategist
• Cost Reduction
• Key Relationship Builder
• Talent Recruitment, Training and Development
REVENUE SUCCESSES
• In an effort to reduce expenses and increase overall revenue at CHARLEE, Family Resource Center and United Community Resources, I investigated and renegotiated new auditing fees; health and liability insurance coverage; telephone systems, as well as other operational expenses such as employee parking, rent, office equipment, supplies and staffing.
• During my tenure at United Community Resources, the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children (COA) evaluated fiscal management in nine categories resulting in the highest rating (1 out of 4) in the organizations history. Additionally, as a result of my leadership, the annual independent audit was clear of auditing financial findings and was completed in minimual time and at a reduced costs than in prior years for all three agencies.
• In the initial year at United Community Resources, income from investment increased 400% due to an aggressive maximization plan than I drafted and implemented resulting in an improved higher interest yield without compromising or jeopardizing security or liquidity.
Work Experience
Chief Financial Officer
2007 to Present
As the financial spokesperson for the organization primaryresponsibility is to provide operational and programmatic support to the organization. Colloborate with CEO, Department Directors and Board of Directors for programmatic success through cost analysis support, and compliance with all contractual and programmatic requirements which includes: 1) interpreting legislative, programmatic rules and regulations to ensure compliance with federal, state, local and contractual guidelines, 2) ensuring that all government regulations and requirements are disseminated to appropriate personnel, and 3) monitoring and maintaining compliance.
Manage organizational revenue/expense and balance sheet reports, report to funding agencies, develop and monitor organizational and contract/grant budgets. Oversee all purchasing, in-house payroll activity, determine cost effectiveness of prospective service delivery and oversee the development and negotiation of contracts.
Develop and maintain systems of internal controls to safeguard financial assets, oversee federal awards and programs, manage the coordination and activities of independent auditors ensuring A-133 audit issues are resolved, and 403(b) compliance issues are met. Lead person on the preparation of the annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and federal, state and other required supplementary schedules and information.
Interface on a regular basis with Board of Directors, subcommittee meetings; lead on the Audit/Finance Committee.
Primary lead of monitoring bank activities; ensure adequate cash flow, serve as trustee, oversee administration and financial reporting of the organizations 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans. Manage production of monthly reports including reconciliations with funders, pension plan requirements, financial statements and cash flow projections for use by Executive management, Audit/Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
Chief Financial Officer
1998 to 2007
Responsibilities include: Financial reporting & analysis, agency budgets for United Way, Department of Children & Families, HUD projects, The Childrens Trust, The Homeless Trust, Our Kids of Miami Dade, Miami-Dade County, South Florida Provider Coalition and other funding sources. Responsible for and oversee all financial, HR and IT aspects of the agency, including the day- to- day management of the accounting staff, audit coordination and special projects. Responsible for maintaining an internal control structure: Agencys policies and procedures. Maintain and comply with applicable laws and regulations, filing all tax forms accurately and timely. Perform professional duties in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and technical standards. Interact with the Board of Directors and financial institutions for capital funding. Responsible for all capital purchases for the agency and risk management.
Finance Manager
1993 to 1997
Responsibilities include: fiscal reporting, budgeting, forecast, strategic planning, receivable/payable, payroll & benefits administration, cash management and internal controls. Interact with board of directors, United Way, and government agency officials, liaison with external auditors and bankers. Lead person on endowment funds investments and grant management.
Education
Master of Science in Acccounting
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
