Melissa Costa
Westfield,MA
Summary
Results-oriented, skilled Bookkeeper and Accounting professional with over 20 years’ experience looking for a position within a growing organization. Precise and detail oriented with extensive bookkeeping, accounting and payroll knowledge. Self-motivated individual with proven ability to utilize analytical skills and strict attention to detail to all projects and assignments in order to complete in timely manner.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Accountant
Bay Path University - Contract
04.2025 - Current
- Oversaw Cambridge College acquisition project.
- Conducted reconciliation of fiscal year 2024/2025 payments and refunds in transition phase.
- Administer semester-based spreadsheets detailing tuition and financial obligations to BPU.
- Managed Payables efficiently while covering for manager on leave.
- Assisted controller with year-end financial audits.
Payroll Bookkeeping Specialist
GMI, Gregory Manufacturing Inc
01.2024 - 04.2025
- Ensured precise documentation of 65 employee hours and PTO with Checkwriters.
- Managed onboarding documentation and benefits enrollment.
- Performed monthly reconciliation of Main and PR checking accounts.
- Executed month-end balancing of General Ledger.
- Managed and monitored all outgoing vendor payments.
- Restructured customer service process, ensuring quicker response times.
Senior Accounts Payable & Receivable Specialist
DFF Corporation
07.2022 - 11.2023
- Coordinate everyday responsibilities of finance staff.
- Provided weekly forecasting reports to controller and essential management teams.
- Generated AP aging reports to prioritize vendor payments based on allocated funds.
- Maintained open communication with vendors regarding unexpected payment issues.
- Resolved discrepancies in pricing and quantity using the 3-point matching system.
- Collaborated with department heads to rectify incorrect orders.
- Verified payment transactions through bank and ERP systems for proper processing.
- Checked unbilled and unreceived reports for shipment and delivery accuracy.
- Researched and posted debits and credits accurately.
- Facilitated payment processing by setting up ACH and wire accounts.
- Monitored departmental emails to ensure timely responses within 24 hours.
Accounts Receivable/Collections
Smith Wesson
03.2017 - 12.2019
- Gained trust and addressed complex situations to prevent loss of key accounts.
- Compiled comprehensive reports on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis to track sales figures and client data.
- Resolved disputes and answered questions related to discrepancies.
- Created and preserved accurate documentation of client accounts.
- Improved cash flow management by optimizing accounts receivable collections and negotiating favorable payment terms with vendors.
Customer Support Supervisor
Diana's Bakery
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Directed team efforts to fulfill service targets and improve customer satisfaction.
- Built strong connections with cross-functional staff to streamline service operations.
- Researched and resolved discrepancies in order processing with department leaders.
- Managed large volumes of orders via multiple communication channels.
- Developed and implemented best practices to streamline operations.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current product offerings.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
Accounts Receivable
Braman Termite and Pest Control
09.2001 - 05.2015
- Corresponded with accounts on past due balances, resolving disputes and questions and other discrepancies
- Set up an maintained all client account records
- Performed daily and monthly billing, cash applications and collections
- Coordinated all payroll activities for over 75 employees
Education
Enrico Fermi High-school
Enfield, CTSkills
- Bookkeeper
- Bank Reconciliation
- Payroll Management
- Effective Time Management
- Conflict Resolution & De-escalation
- Cash Management
- Invoicing & Payment Transaction
- Team Leadership
- Account Management
- Interpersonal Communication
- Excel, SAP, DOS, Sage, ERP
- Checkwriters
- Audit support
- Account reconciliation
- Monthly / quarterly / year end reports
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- General ledger accounting
- Financial reporting
Finance
- Westfield, MA 01085
- Melissacosta73@yahoo.com 860-614-4691
Timeline
Staff Accountant
Bay Path University - Contract
04.2025 - Current
Payroll Bookkeeping Specialist
GMI, Gregory Manufacturing Inc
01.2024 - 04.2025
Senior Accounts Payable & Receivable Specialist
DFF Corporation
07.2022 - 11.2023
Accounts Receivable/Collections
Smith Wesson
03.2017 - 12.2019
Customer Support Supervisor
Diana's Bakery
08.2015 - 01.2017
Accounts Receivable
Braman Termite and Pest Control
09.2001 - 05.2015
Enrico Fermi High-school
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