Tara Locklin
Supply
Summary
Highly skilled Accountant with comprehensive experience in financial forecasting, corporate finance and regulatory reporting. Possess strong analytical skills, adept at streamlining complex accounting processes to increase accuracy and efficiency. Noted for consistently improving financial operations and contributing to positive business performance. Proven ability to work collaboratively within team environments and communicate effectively across all levels of an organization.
Awards
- 03/2026 Inductee to Marquis Who's Who in America
- 04/2013 NCACPA Scholarship Award Winner
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cost Accountant
Pinnacle Construction, LLC
Ocean Isle Beach
07.2025 - Current
- Prepare Estimates for New Custom Home Builds and Remodels
- Maintained the Cost Accounting System by Recording, Classifying, Allocating, Summarizing and Evaluating Cost Data.
- Prepared Journal Entries for Supplier/Subcontractor Transactions Including Purchase Orders, Sales Invoices, and Expenses
- Managed Company Balance Sheet, Prepared Invoices and Monitored Capital Expenditures
- Reconciled Balance Sheet Accounts such as Prepaids, Accruals on a Monthly Basis in Order to Maintain Accurate General Ledger Postings
- Audited Vendor Invoices Against Purchase Orders to Verify Pricing Accuracy Prior to Payment Processing
- Assisted in Job Budget Preparation Process by Providing Historical Trends Analysis and Forecasting Future Expenses Based on Past Performance
- Implemented Cost Control Measures to Enhance Financial Efficiency
- Conducted Regular Audits of Financial Data and Documentation
- Utilized Financial Data to Advise Company Management Regarding Appropriate Costing
- Utilize Computer Programs Quickbooks Desktop Premier & Buildertrend
- Managed Financial Records and Reports for Construction Projects
- Analyzed Project Costs to Ensure Accuracy and Compliance
- Reviewed Vendor Invoices for Proper Allocation of Expenses
- Assisted in Budgeting Processes for New Construction Initiatives
- Maintained all Vendor and Subcontractor Compliance Records
- Analyzed Project Margins at Customer Level by Calculating Landed Costs Associated with each Sale Transaction
President
Art Wonders by The Pyro Lady LLC
Supply
09.2023 - Current
- Captured High-Quality Images for Various Events and Projects
- Edited Photos Using Industry-Standard Software to Enhance Visual Appeal
- Managed Equipment Inventory, Ensuring all Tools were Ready for Use
- Developed Creative Concepts for Photo Shoots based on Client Goals
- Established Strong Relationships with Vendors for Props and Locations
- Maintained an Organized Portfolio of Work for Client Presentations
- Created Diverse Art Pieces using Various Mediums and Techniques
- Developed Marketing Materials to Promote Exhibitions and Art Sales
- Utilized Painting Styles such as Abstract Expressionism
- Maintained Inventory of Art Supplies such as canvases, frames, brushes, paper.
- Addressed Client Concerns and Worked Together to Achieve Mutually Beneficial Outcomes
- Artistically Designed Logos for Businesses based on Customer Inspirations
- Promoted Artwork Through Online Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram
Pyrotechnic Display Operator
Gosnell Pyrotechnics
Hendersonville
07.2023 - Current
- Complied with Various Licensing Agencies such as ATF and NC OSFM
- Proximate Audience Display Operator
- Training New Assistants/Operators on Equipment and Safety Procedures
- Collaborated with Team Members to Ensure Safety Compliance and Operational Standards
- Conducted Quality Inspections to Ensure Product Specifications were Met
- Inspected Finished Displays to Verify Conformity to Quality and Regulations Standards
- Monitored Equipment Performance to Ensure Optimal Functionality
- Utilized Advanced Technical Skills and Expertise to Design and Execute Pyrotechnic Displays
- Conducted Meetings with Clients to Inspect Site Locations to Verify Specifications in Accordance of State & Federal Regulations
- Coordinated with Local Municipalities Regarding Permitting Requirements
- Coordinated with Local Municipalities Regarding Execution of Fireworks Display
- Attended meetings with Local Officials as Necessary to Discuss Matters Related to Permitting Processes
- Monitored Changes in Laws, Regulations, or Policies that could Affect Permitting Processes
- Participated in Training Programs Designed to Improve Knowledge of Current Laws, Regulations, and Procedures Relating to Various State Licensing
- Verified all Team Members had Appropriate Qualifications Before Permitting Them to Enter a Display Site
- Managed Transportation Logistics for Receiving and Delivering Pyrotechnic Products
- Implemented Pyrotechnic Sales Strategies to Increase Revenue from Firework Displays Sales
- Conducted Candidate Sourcing Using Advanced Recruitment Tools
- Facilitated Candidate Interviews and Assessment Processes for Various Roles
Pyrotechnician
Rozzi's Famous Fireworks
Cincinnati
09.2022 - Current
- Manage the Execution of Various Firework Displays
- Designed and Executed Intricate Firework Displays for Various Events
- Ensured Compliance with Safety Regulations During all Pyrotechnic Operations
- Trained New Staff on Proper Handling, Setup, and Tear Down of Pyrotechnic Equipment
- Coordinated Logistics for Transportation and Storage of Fireworks Inventory
- Monitored Weather Conditions to Determine Optimal Firing Times for Events
- Assisted in Loading and Unloading Equipment from Trucks or Trailers Prior to Each Show
- Loaded, Armed, and Fired Special Effects Devices Such as Mortars, Comets, Mines, Gerbs, Roman Candles, Cakes, and Fountains
- Performed Safety Inspections on Pyrotechnic Equipment and Materials
- Provided Instruction on the Use of Pyrotechnic Equipment to Other Technicians
Automotive Service Advisor
L&A South Tire & Auto
Ocean Isle Beach
07.2024 - 04.2025
- Assisted Customers in Identifying Automotive Service Needs and Recommended Solutions
- Scheduled Service Appointments and Managed Customer Follow-Ups Effectively
- Communicated with Technicians to Relay Customer Concerns and Service Requirements
- Provided Estimates for Repairs and Explained Services to Customers Clearly
- Maintained Accurate Records of Customer Interactions and Service History.
- Educated Customers on Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Protocols Consistently.
- Communicated Effectively with Technicians Regarding Current Jobs, Status Updates and Special Requests From Customers.
- Greeted Customers, Identified Their Needs and Provided Advice on Automotive Services
- Managed Customer Inquiries Regarding Vehicle Maintenance, Warranties, Recalls and Other Topics.
- Upsold Additional Products such as Preventive Maintenance, Oil Changes, Tire Rotations, Major Repairs
- Monitored Work Progress to Ensure Timely Completion of Services within Specified Timeframes
- Processed Customer Payments for Parts and Labor Charges using a Point-of-Sale System
- Scheduled Appointments for Vehicle Service and Repairs as Requested by Customers
- Provided Estimates of Repair Costs to Customers and Discussed Options with Them.
- Adhered to all Applicable Laws, Regulations and Standards Related to Automotive Servicing Operations
- Resolved Customer Complaints Promptly in a Professional Manner while Adhering to Company Policies.
- Assisted in Maintaining Cleanliness of the Shop Area Including Organizing Tools and Equipment.
- Ordered Necessary Parts for Specific Service Jobs as Needed from Suppliers or Dealerships
- Used Service Skills and Technical Knowledge to Ascertain Issues and Provide Swift, Successful Resolutions.
- Supported Sales Team Members to Drive Growth and Development
- Collected Deposits or Payments and Arranged for Billing
- Adjusted Bills and Refunded Money to Resolve Customers' Service or Billing Complaints
- Promoted High Customer Satisfaction by Resolving Problems with Knowledgeable and Friendly Service
- Conferred with Customers by Telephone or in Person to Provide Information About Products or Services
- Presented Existing and Prospective Customers with Valuable Service or Product Information to Aid in Decision-Making.
- Improved Product Knowledge on Continuous Basis to Provide Optimal Service and Achieve Sales Quotas
- Exceeded Established Service Goals While Leveraging Customer Service, Sales, and Employee Management Best Practices
President
Hale Artificier Inc.
Lexington
04.2018 - 07.2023
- Responsible Person for the ATF
- NC Class C Manual Transmission Endorsement Hazmat Drivers License
- NC 1.3g Pyrotechnic Display Operator
- NC Proximate Audience Display Operator
- SC 1.3g Pyrotechnic Display Operator
- VA 1.3g Aerial Pyrotechnic Display Operator
- DOT Compliance Manager Responsible for 10 Drivers
- Responsible for 2 Company Locations
- Project Management Responsible for 20-60 Projects a Year
- Inventory Management Responsible for $300k in ATF Regulated Pyrotechnics Products
- Management & Support of 100 Display Operators/Assistant Employees, Consumer Fireworks Store Employees Firework Event Staff
- Responsible for 3 ATF Approved Pyrotechnic Storage Locations
- Oversee Sales Growth, Collectively Drove Sales from $300k to $750k a Year
- Account Management Responsible for 80 Customer Accounts
- Assisted with the NC OSFM Produced PSA Video on Firework Safety by means of Firework Stunts
- Directed Overall Business Strategy and Operational Planning for Pyrotechnics Based Products
- Managed Team Performance and Development to Enhance Creative Output
- Oversaw Financial Planning and Budgeting for Sustainable Growth Initiatives
- Civil/Governmental Contract Administrator
- Prepare Civil/Governmental Contracts
- Management of various Display Sites, Events, Contracts
- Led Product Development Efforts, Ensuring Alignment with Market Trends
- Sourcing and Importing Pyrotechnic Products from Various Manufacturers
- General Ledger Accounting
- Resolved Conflicts Between Staff Members by Listening Attentively and Providing Constructive Feedback.
- Shipping & Receiving
- Account Management Responsible for 80 Accounts
- Oversaw Shipping and Receiving Operations Ensuring Timely Processing of ATF Regulated Inventory
- Implemented quality assurance programs to maintain high standards of customer service when delivering products and goods.
- Trained Staff on Safety Protocols and Proper Handling of Hazardous Materials
- Ensured That all Incoming and Outgoing Shipments were Properly Documented and Tracked
- Troubleshot any Discrepancies Between Orders Placed and Items Received From Vendors or Customers
- Implemented Quality Assurance Programs to Maintain High Standards of Customer Service when Delivering Products and Goods
- Design, Execute, Transport Fireworks Displays
- Responsible for Company Logo and Marketing Company on various platforms such as Radio, Print, and Social Media
- Completed Day-to-Day Duties Accurately and Efficiently
- Assisted with Compliance Audits Conducted by the ATF, DOT, PHMSA Agencies
Treasurer
Carolina Pyros Inc.
Newton
07.2018 - 04.2023
- Responsible Person for the ATF
- Assisted in Compliance Audits Conducted by the ATF
- Management of Vendor Transactions
- Inventory Management of ATF Regulated Pyrotechnic Products
- Non-Profit Accountant Prepared all Non-Profit Journal Entries for Non-Profit Ledger
- Prepare & File the 990N Postcard
- Prepare & File all Refunds of NC/SC Sales Taxes
- Collect Club Membership Dues
- Collaborated on the Design, Procurement, Marketing, and Distribution of Carolina Pyros Branded Firework Shells
- Coordinated Audits to Ensure Financial Accuracy and Transparency
- Assisted in all 501(c)7 Incorporation Formation Procedures
- Consulted to Other Board Members on Accounting and ATF Compliance Procedures
- Coordinated Pyrotechnic Training Opportunities for Club Members
- Marketing Club on Various Platforms such as Radio, Video, Social Media, Print
- Solicited Donations from Donors
Automotive Service Manager
Locklin's Garage Inc.
Denver
01.2006 - 06.2015
- Diagnostics of Various Automotive/ Heavy-Duty Vehicle Systems
- Management & Training of Technicians
- Federal DOT Inspections
- Managed Daily Operations of Automotive/Heavy-Duty Service Center
- Coordinated Scheduling and Workflow for Service Appointments and Drop Offs
- Trained Staff on Best Practices and Customer Service Standards
- Implemented Safety Protocols and Maintained Compliance with Regulations
- Reviewed Service Reports to Identify Process Improvements
- Recruitment/Retention of Technicians
- Bookkeeping
- Preparation of Sales & Use Tax Returns
- Handled Customer Inquiries and Resolved Service-Related Issues Efficiently
- Maintained Inventory of Tools, Parts, and Equipment for Effective Operations
- Advised Customers on Proper Vehicle Care Techniques after Completion of Repairs
- Management/Oversight of Price Point on Customer Jobs
- Source/Order Customer's Parts for Jobs
- Assisted in Resolving Warranty Claims Between Customers and Manufacturers
- Monitored Worker Skills and Training to Correctly Delegate Assignments for Maximum Performance
- Developed and Maintained Effective Relationships with Vendors to Ensure Cost-Effective Repairs for Customers
- Analyzed Repair Orders to Identify Trends in Vehicle Issues, Parts Usage, and Labor Costs
- Prepare and Analyze all Company Financial Statements
- Gain and Retained Customer Base of 200 Customers
- Created Marketing Plans for the Service Department to Attract more Customers
- Analyzed Business Performance Data and Forecasted Business Results for Upper Management
- Oversee Sales Growth, Grew Sales 20k Collectively
- Reviewed Invoices from Suppliers to Ensure Accuracy before Payment was Made
- Processed Company Payroll and Payroll Reporting per all Federal and State Income Tax Agencies
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
Lenoir-Rhyne University
05.2013
Associate's degree - Pre Psychology
Mitchell Community College
12.2009
High school diploma -
Bandys High School
05.2003
Skills
- Data Collection & Research
- PHMSA Compliance
- DOT Driver Compliance Management
- ATF Compliance
- Technical Support
- Microsoft Office
- Pyrotechnics
- Financial Report Writing
- Forecasting
- Production Planning/Marketing
- Team Management
- Marketing
- Administrative Experience
- Human Resources
- Retail/Wholesale Sales
- Dispatching
- Contract Negotiation
- Automotive/Heavy-Duty Repair & Maintenance
- Distribution/Warehousing Center
- Account Analysis
- Financial Statement Preparation
- Payroll Processing
- General Ledger Accounting
- Project Management
- Inventory Management
- Asset Management
- Photography
- Technical Accounting
- Tax Accounting
- Income Statement Preparation
- Financial Analysis
- Hand Tools
- Tractor-Trailer Repair & Maintenance
- Public Accounting
- ATF Responsible Person
- Executive Administrative Support
- Management & Leadership
- Phone Etiquette
- Productivity Software
- Diesel Engine Repair
- Bank Reconciliation
- Purchase Orders
- Accounting Systems
- Proofreading
- Analysis Skills
- Project Leadership
- Cash Management
- Project Scheduling
- Recruiting
- OSHA
- Corporate Accounting
- Governmental Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Construction Accounting
- ERP systems
- Customer Service
- Office Management
- Attention to Detail
- Data Management
- Customer Retention
- Contract Negotiations
- Organizational Skills
- Data Entry
- Bookkeeping
- Delivery Driver
- Governmental/Civil Contracts
- Events Management
- Inside/Outside Sales
- Budgeting
- Contract Management
- Pricing
- Adobe Acrobat
- Hazmat Materials Handling & Transportation
- Corporate/Individual Tax Preparation
- Multiline Phone System
- Employment & Labor Laws
- Financial data management
- Balance Sheet Creation
- Hospitality
- Personal Assistant Experience
- Financial Record Maintenance
- Account Reconciliation
- Manual Transmission Experience
- Quickbooks Desktop/Online
- Welding
- Email Marketing
- Customer Acquisition
- Cold/Warm Calling
- Logistics Coordination
- Permitting Compliance
- Project Budgeting
- Account Management
- Service Order Processing
- Effective Communication
- Problem Solving
- Recordkeeping
- Analytical thinking
- Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution
- Organization and Time Management
- Android
- External/Internal Audit Procedures
- Financial Concepts
- Databases
- Employee Relations
- Cost Accounting
- Balance Sheet Reconciliation
- Google Suite
- Remote Office Availability
- GAAP
- Task Prioritization
- Quickbooks Expertise
- Sales Growth Strategies
- Attention to Detail
- Buildertrend
- Mitchell On Demand
- Automotive Scanner Diagnostics
- Automotive/Heavy-Duty Systems Diagnostics
- Engine Diagnostics
- General Ledger Accounting
- Audit Support
- Nonprofit Accounting
- Strategic Planning
- Year-End Close
- Analytical research
- Budget Analysis
- Variance Analysis
- Cashflow Processes
- Inventory Oversight
- Pyrotechnic Design
- Business Planning
- Social Media Management
- Entrepreneurial Personality
- Policy/Program Development
- Staff Development
- Change Management
- Hiring and Onboarding
- Multitasking Capacity
- Schedule Management
- Effective Leader
Certification
- Driver's License, 01/01/26, 11/01/31, NC 22054291
- NC 1.3g Professional Fireworks Display Operator, 06/01/25, 06/01/28, NCOSFM #3400
- VA 1.3G Aerial Pyrotechnic Display Operator, 06/01/24, 07/01/27
- ASE Certification, 07/01/17, 12/01/22
- Aftermarket Parts
Additional Information
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Awards
- 03/01/26, Inductee to Marquis Who's Who in America
- 04/01/13, NCACPA Scholarship Award Winner
Timeline
Cost Accountant
Pinnacle Construction, LLC
07.2025 - Current
Automotive Service Advisor
L&A South Tire & Auto
07.2024 - 04.2025
President
Art Wonders by The Pyro Lady LLC
09.2023 - Current
Pyrotechnic Display Operator
Gosnell Pyrotechnics
07.2023 - Current
Pyrotechnician
Rozzi's Famous Fireworks
09.2022 - Current
Treasurer
Carolina Pyros Inc.
07.2018 - 04.2023
President
Hale Artificier Inc.
04.2018 - 07.2023
Automotive Service Manager
Locklin's Garage Inc.
01.2006 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Associate's degree - Pre Psychology
Mitchell Community College
High school diploma -
Bandys High School