Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Awards
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Generic

MARIA SANCHEZ

Fredericksburg,VA

Summary

18 Years of experience in government contract and grants auditing. 15 Years of general accounting experience. Proficient in EZ Quant, statistical sampling, Deltek, Costpoint, Unix, Caseware, Jamis, Counterpoint, Sage, QuickBooks, RealWorld, and SAP. Strong knowledge of the DCAA Contract Audit Manual (CAM), Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), DFARs, NASA FAR Supplements, and Uniform Guidance. Expert in interpreting and applying appropriate federal, state, and local government laws and regulations regarding grant contracts and administration. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Fully bilingual Defense Contract Audit Institute (DCAI) Training, Experienced Audit Manager with a strong background in audit management. Led successful audits by implementing comprehensive risk assessments and ensuring regulatory compliance. Demonstrated attention to detail and analytical skills in identifying and mitigating financial discrepancies.A Hardworking Audit Manager with 14 years of experience with CPA firms. Results-driven with specialized knowledge of SEC reporting. Dynamic team player with a history of managing teams of up to 10 auditors.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Audit Manager

Booth Management Consulting, LLC
04.2016 - Current
  • Oversee subordinate employees on designated projects. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training staff; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints while resolving issues.
  • Performed supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
  • Facilitate the definition of project missions, goals, tasks, and resource requirements; resolve or assist in the resolution of conflicts within and between projects or functional areas; develop methods to monitor project or area progress; and provide corrective supervision if necessary.
  • Performed accounting, estimating and purchasing systems audits to ensure compliance with FAR, CFR, CAS and other government regulations.
  • Examined accounting books and records and auditees' policies and procedures to determine whether they were current, accurate, and complete.
  • Reviewed contractors' financial statements and financial control environment.
  • Provide management over a portfolio of clients and deliver high-quality audit and assurance services, including preparing and reviewing audit plans and work.
  • Achieved team and individual budgets and performance objectives.
  • Manages project financials, including budgets, timely billing and collection and variance recognition.
  • Maintain the highest technical and professional standard.
  • Provide additional help and guidance to clients on a consultancy basis.
  • Identify business process risks
  • Develop testing methodologies to evaluate the adequacy of controls
  • Document the results of the evaluations
  • Develop recommendations and reports based on audits and present these ideas to senior management
  • Formulate professional development and educational plans for junior staff members
  • Plan and allocate resources and individuals in accordance with skills and schedules
  • Reviews of high-level deliverables across projects.
  • Implement engagement review and quality assurance procedures in accordance with our methodology to ensure profitable and successful consulting engagements as measured by regional goals and customer satisfaction.
  • Develop and deliver audit/plans encompassing all the details of a project to the team members.
  • Establish project and individual team performance goals and strategies for achieving those goals
  • Identify both internal and external resources, whether financial or human, required to successfully complete the project.
  • Regularly evaluate project progress to achieve targets by identifying mistakes promptly.
  • Implement and enforce the company’s Quality Control Plan and develop a specific quality control plan for a project where applicable.
  • Develop and implement an effective internal communication strategy to ensure communication at all management levels within the team.
  • Prepare reports, conduct analyses, create spreadsheets, and compile data as requested by a Principal or Partner.
  • Review and approve timesheets, expense reports, etc., for assigned staff.
  • Performed Indirect Cost Rate audits, AASHTO Guide-compliant CPA Workpaper Reviews, Final Cost audits and internal control tests for US Department of Transportation contracts with Georgia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, and the District of Columbia Department of Transportation.
  • Identified key and non-key controls as designated on fiscal process risk control matrices, identifying significant risks not previously identified by process owners, and producing final written reports on findings.
  • Performed peer reviews of government contractor audits to ensure compliance with auditing standards, FAR, and CAS requirements.
  • Reviewed audit workpapers and reports for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to applicable government audit protocols.
  • Conducted quality assurance reviews of audits of government contractors to validate conclusions and support audit integrity.
  • Evaluated audit documentation for compliance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and agency guidelines.
  • Managed a team, providing them with the necessary support, guidance, and resources to achieve their goals.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for team members and provided resources during the evaluation discussions to support their growth within the company.

Assurance Senior Associate [Government Contracting Group]

Cohn Reznick
09.2015 - 04.2016
  • Serve as the engagement lead on specific client accounts
  • Take responsibility for pre-engagement planning, execution, and final deliverables
  • Develop detailed engagement work plans
  • Illustrate budgets and schedules
  • Actively participate in proposals
  • Manage a team of staff associates, including interns, while providing regular performance coaching and feedback
  • Gain the respect and confidence of the CRZ team through effective client management, timely and accurate communication, and clear and concise direction and leadership.
  • Develop testing methodologies to evaluate the adequacy of controls
  • Document the results of the evaluations
  • Develop recommendations and reports based on audits and present these ideas to senior management
  • Formulate professional development and educational plans for junior staff members
  • Quality Control review of risk assessment of the government contract audits working papers, and approved the risk assessment to proceed with the fieldwork phase.
  • Conduct a quality control review of the fieldwork phase of the government contract audit working papers and discuss findings and recommendations with the auditor.
  • Prepare reports, conduct analyses, create spreadsheets, and compile data as requested by a Principal or Partner.

Senior Auditor

MH Miles Company
03.2014 - 09.2015
  • Performed Indirect Cost Rate audits, AASHTO Guide-compliant CPA Workpaper Reviews, Final Cost audits and internal control tests for US Department of Transportation contracts with Georgia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, and the District of Columbia Department of Transportation.
  • Identified key and non-key controls as designated on fiscal process risk control matrices, identifying significant risks not previously identified by process owners, and producing final written reports on findings.
  • Conducted AASHTO quality control review as subcontractor of the Department of Transportation.
  • Performed internal controls and compliance audits of the VA Department of Transportation, as a subcontractor.
  • Performed peer reviews of government contractor audits to ensure compliance with auditing standards, FAR, and CAS requirements.
  • Reviewed audit workpapers and reports for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to applicable government audit protocols.
  • Conducted quality assurance reviews of audits of government contractors to validate conclusions and support audit integrity.
  • Evaluated audit documentation for compliance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and agency guidelines.

Senior Auditor

Tichenor & Associates/Subcontractor of KPMG
03.2011 - 03.2014
  • Perform Financial and Compliance audits in accordance with Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and SOX. Including Incurred Cost Audits, Purchasing System Audits, and Accounting System Audits.
  • Review standard audit programs and plans, previous audit reports, working papers, and audit guidance to plan assignments.
  • Conduct risk assessment analysis, including a review of internal controls and fraud assessments, to evaluate the risk associated with each audit.
  • Prepare sampling plan, audit working papers, and spreadsheets for transaction testing.
  • Made financial analysis to determine the nature of the variances noted.
  • Perform tests and examinations of contractors’ records, cost representations like invoices, public vouchers, etc, internal controls, policies, and procedures to assure compliance with accounting principles and applicable government regulations and contract provisions.
  • Made audit determinations as to the accuracy of the contractor’s books and records, reasonableness, allowability, and allocability of cost to specific contracts, validity of labor, other direct costs and indirect costs.
  • Drafted lead working papers and audit reports with audit findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Participate in entrance and exit conference meetings with contractor personnel to discuss and present findings or resolve material audit issues identified.
  • Manage a team, providing them with the necessary support, guidance, and resources to achieve their goals.

Senior Auditor

Defense Contract Audit Agency
07.2007 - 12.2010
  • Conducted risk assessments and oversaw performance and compliance audits, including Incurred Cost, Floor checks, Accounting System, Billing System, Estimating System, Disclosure Statement Adequacy and Compliance, and CAS 405 audits.
  • Supervised and coached junior auditors by providing guidance and training.
  • Lead and manage audit projects, ensuring that tasks are assigned and completed effectively.
  • Collaborated with other teams and coordinated with external auditors when necessary.
  • Performed risk assessment and identified risk areas within contractor operations and financial systems.
  • Internal control assessment is used to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and recommend improvements if necessary.
  • Ensured compliance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book).
  • Prepared audit reports that include findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Present audit findings to management and other stakeholders.
  • Provide financial advice to procurement officials.
  • Serve as liaison with the procurement government agencies' officials.
  • Analyzed contractor data using automation tools.
  • Developed and maintained client relationships.

Accounts Payable and Billings Accountant

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
03.2004 - 06.2007
  • Verify accuracy, approval, and proper coding of invoices.
  • Match invoices with purchase orders and receiving reports (3-way match).
  • Enter invoices into the ERP system (SAP).
  • Schedule and process weekly or monthly payment batches (check, ACH, wire).
  • Prioritize payments based on due dates and discounts (e.g., 2/10 net 30 terms).
  • Maintain vendor master data (bank info, tax IDs, contact details).
  • Resolve discrepancies and respond to vendor inquiries.
  • Reconcile AP subledger to the general ledger.
  • Analyze aging reports and take corrective actions.
  • Ensure compliance with SOX controls and company policies.
  • Maintain proper documentation for audits and FDA inspections.
  • Generate invoices for product sales, services, or clinical trial-related billing.
  • Ensure accuracy of pricing, quantity, and contract terms.
  • Monitor accounts receivable aging.
  • Follow up with customers for payment status.
  • Ensure proper revenue recognition under GAAP
  • Work with the finance department to defer or accrue revenue as needed.
  • Process chargebacks and rebate submissions from distributors, PBMs, or government programs (Medicaid, 340B).
  • Reconcile returns and credits due to pricing disputes.
  • Investigate payment discrepancies, unapplied cash, and credits.
  • Work with customer service or sales teams to resolve issues.
  • Support the finance department during the annual audit process and inventories.
  • Provide guidance to implement corrective action plans based on audit results.
  • Interface with the supply chain to ensure accurate costing and billing of shipped goods.

Education

BA - Business Administration

Universidad Central De Bayamon
Bayamon, Puerto Rico
05.2001

Master's Degree -

Universidad Central De Bayamon
Bayamon, Puerto Rico
05.2006

Skills

  • Proficient in English and Spanish
  • Proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP, EZ Quant (Stat sampling), Unix, Counterpoint, Jamis, QuickBooks, Sage, Real-world, and Deltek GCS
  • Proficient in navigating FDA, DEA, and CMS guidelines
  • Excellent knowledge of the DCAA Contract Audit Manual (CAM), FAR, DFAR, DEAR, CAS, CFR, AASHTO guide, NASA FAR Supplements, DOI regulations, AMS Guidance, and OMB Circular A-122
  • Financial statement review
  • Audit documentation
  • Client relationship management
  • Risk assessment
  • Employee development
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Risk management
  • Performance improvement
  • Root-cause analysis
  • Audit management
  • Corrective action implementation
  • Audit planning
  • Internal controls
  • Report preparation
  • Process mapping
  • Regulatory compliance
  • SOX compliance
  • Management consulting
  • Internal audit administration
  • Developing internal controls
  • Annual audit plans
  • Sarbanes-oxley compliance
  • Staffing management
  • Audit presentation
  • Documentation analysis
  • Compliance improvement
  • Audit facilitation
  • Controls optimization
  • Annual review
  • Ethical standards
  • Analyzing financial statements
  • Internal control policies
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Reliability
  • Journal entries
  • Excellent communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Bookkeeping and reconciliation
  • Organizational skills
  • Active listening
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Decision-making
  • General accounting
  • Team building and leadership
  • Microsoft office
  • Team management
  • Account reconciliation processes
  • Accounts payable
  • Balance sheets
  • Financial statements
  • General ledger accounting
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Analytical thinking
  • Employee training
  • Document recordkeeping
  • Professionalism
  • Accounting software systems
  • Accounting records analysis
  • Account reconciliation
  • Workload management
  • Strategic planning
  • Staff training

Accomplishments

  • Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.
  • Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
  • Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
  • Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
  • Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.

Awards

DCAA Performance Award, Prepared and succeeded in a pilot project to audit the contractor’s estimating system., Identified significant findings and questioned costs on different audits for DoD, MBTA, DOT, and USAID., Reduced significantly indirect rates to the government., Materially decreased several contractors' cost proposals to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Affiliations

  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
  • Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants

Languages

Spanish
Full Professional

Timeline

Audit Manager

Booth Management Consulting, LLC
04.2016 - Current

Assurance Senior Associate [Government Contracting Group]

Cohn Reznick
09.2015 - 04.2016

Senior Auditor

MH Miles Company
03.2014 - 09.2015

Senior Auditor

Tichenor & Associates/Subcontractor of KPMG
03.2011 - 03.2014

Senior Auditor

Defense Contract Audit Agency
07.2007 - 12.2010

Accounts Payable and Billings Accountant

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
03.2004 - 06.2007

BA - Business Administration

Universidad Central De Bayamon

Master's Degree -

Universidad Central De Bayamon
MARIA SANCHEZ