Lawrence Wade
Garner
Summary
Dynamic Budget Officer with a proven track record at the Department of Human Services, excelling in budget planning and cost management. Demonstrated leadership in implementing cost-control measures, achieving significant savings while fostering teamwork and collaboration. Proficient in Microsoft Excel, I leverage critical thinking to enhance financial processes and drive organizational success.
Results-driven finance professional prepared for role with strong background in budget management and financial analysis. Proven track record in optimizing resource allocation and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Known for effective team collaboration, adaptability, and focus on achieving financial objectives. Skilled in forecasting, cost control, and strategic planning, with reputation for reliability and flexibility in meeting changing demands.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Budget Officer
Department of Human Services
09.2024 - Current
- Reviewed operating budgets periodically to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
- Performed month-end account analysis, headcount and salary reports and related journal entries.
- Directed preparation of regular and special budget reports to interpret budget directives and establish policies for execution.
- Prepared project budgets, forecasting and inventory and material pricing points.
- Executed financial controls, procedures, systems and forecasting techniques to evaluate budget status.
- Promoted a culture of fiscal responsibility by regularly reviewing expenditures against approved budgets.
- Managed resource allocation for optimal results by closely monitoring expenses and revenues.
- Implemented effective cost-control measures that resulted in significant savings for the organization.
- Reduced budget discrepancies by conducting regular audits and reconciliations of financial data.
- Enabled organizational resilience during challenging economic times by proactively adjusting budgets as needed to maintain solvency while achieving mission-critical goals.
- Played a key role in strategic planning efforts by providing critical input on financial viability and resource requirements.
- Collaborated with department heads to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve operational efficiency.
- Streamlined budget processes to improve accuracy, consistency, and transparency in financial management.
- Submitted recommendations to budgets and forecasts for approval or disapproval.
- Reviewed monthly operations to assess compliance with budgets and determine necessary adjustments for future plans.
- Generated annual budget forecasting information for executive and corporate reports.
- Prepared response strategies to avoid potential budget cuts.
- Identified and implemented process changes resulting in improved performance and accuracy.
- Recommended financial solutions to corporate management based on detailed financial analysis.
Lead Night Auditor
Four Points Arena Raleigh Arena
10.2019 - Current
- Ensured compliance with local and federal regulations by accurately maintaining and reporting all required financial information during overnight shifts.
- Assessed guest feedback and implemented changes to night audit procedures, enhancing overall satisfaction with the hotel''s services.
- Supported the training of new employees, sharing expertise in night audit processes for consistent performance across all staff members.
- Increased security measures for guest safety by vigilantly monitoring building access points throughout the evening shift.
- Optimized front desk workflow to reduce wait times for late-night guests checking in or out of the hotel property.
- Facilitated positive relationships with long-term guests through attentive service and personalized interactions during their stays.
- Collaborated with other departments to enhance overall guest experience, addressing any concerns or special requests efficiently during nighttime hours.
- Maintained compliance with company policies, conducting regular reviews of financial transactions and correcting errors as needed.
- Boosted revenue with upselling tactics, offering guests additional services and amenities during checkins.
- Contributed to the development of standard operating procedures, refining night audit processes to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
- Completed timely end-of-month reconciliations, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting and reducing potential issues.
- Streamlined nightly operations for improved efficiency with thorough audits and accurate financial reports.
- Improved team communication, effectively delegating tasks to night staff during busy periods.
- Coordinated closely with daytime auditors to address any discrepancies found in daily statements, resulting in more accurate financial records.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving night audit-related concerns.
- Ensured a smooth transition between shifts through diligent handover procedures and detailed documentation.
- Completed night audit for guest ledgers to close bank and cash registers, reconciling issues quickly, and marking discrepancies.
- Managed inventory control practices during overnight hours, ensuring proper stock levels for essential items such as linens and toiletries.
- Oversaw night auditing of daily room occupancy and hotel revenue.
- Entered customer data into room system and updated information whenever patrons changed rooms.
- Looked over pending check-ins and payment processes to complete closing procedures.
- Generated and printed daily financial reports to track hotel performance.
- Handled all duties and tasks for night manager and concierge during busy periods to maintain front desk efficiency.
- Responded to guest needs quickly and efficiently, noting changes in reservations or special needs for day crew.
- Called guests requiring wake-up calls within two minutes of scheduled call, constantly maintaining positive, and welcoming.
- Controlled cash and credit card payment transactions at front desk to successfully reduce errors.
- Kept accounts in balance and ran daily reports to verify totals.
Bartender
Four Points Sheraton Raleigh Arena
10.2019 - Current
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
- Developed loyal clientele by engaging in friendly conversations and providing exceptional service.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation techniques, ensuring high-quality beverage menu.
Accounts Payable Analyst
Department Of Environmental Quality
08.2020 - 09.2024
- Received vendor invoices, validated for accuracy and routed for approval to prepare for payment processing.
- Processed daily invoices, check requests and wire transfers of foreign and domestic currency.
- Researched and resolved invoice and payment issues for internal employees and external vendors.
- Enhanced vendor relationships through prompt communication and timely resolution of discrepancies.
- Improved payment accuracy with meticulous invoice review and reconciliation efforts.
- Reduced outstanding accounts payable balances by diligently following up on overdue invoices and negotiating payment terms.
- Managed high-volume invoice processing efficiently, maintaining a consistent record of timely payments.
- Assisted with annual audits by generating reports and collecting and consolidating invoice information.
- Safeguarded the company''s financial reputation by promptly addressing any payment disputes or inquiries from vendors.
- Provided strong customer service and support to prevent invoice and expense issues.
- Investigated inquiries relating to status of accounts.
- Maintained accurate vendor records, ensuring proper tax compliance and streamlined communication channels.
- Optimized payment processes, leading to timely and efficient accounts payable cycle.
- Collaborated with procurement to ensure alignment of purchase orders with budget forecasts and financial commitments.
- Negotiated favorable payment terms with suppliers, improving cash flow management.
- Improved internal controls by developing guidelines for approval of expenditures.
- Reduced payment errors by meticulously auditing invoices against purchase orders and delivery receipts.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Phoenix
Raleigh, NC09-2014
MBA - Project Management
University of Phoenix
Raleigh, NC09-2014
Bachelor of Administration - Business
University of Phoenix
Raleigh, NC01-2013
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Administration
ECPI University
Raleigh, NC07-2007
Skills
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Cash flow management
- Budget planning
- Cost management
- Variance analysis
- Forecasting techniques
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Leadership skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
Timeline
Budget Officer
Department of Human Services
09.2024 - Current
Accounts Payable Analyst
Department Of Environmental Quality
08.2020 - 09.2024
Lead Night Auditor
Four Points Arena Raleigh Arena
10.2019 - Current
Bartender
Four Points Sheraton Raleigh Arena
10.2019 - Current
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Phoenix
MBA - Project Management
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Administration - Business
University of Phoenix
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Administration
ECPI University
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