Elizabeth Romero
San Francisco
Summary
CPA with extensive experience in financial management, specializing in budgeting, audit, and compliance within nonprofit and healthcare sectors. Successfully led accounting operations and improved internal controls, delivering timely financial reports and strategic insights to executive leadership.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Controller
San Francisco Zoo
San Francisco
04.2016 - Current
- Direct annual budgeting and forecasting processes and provide detailed variance analysis to executive leadership.
- Prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements and management reports.
- Managed month-end and year-end close processes, resulting in accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Lead all accounting operations including billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, inventory accounting, and revenue recognition.
- Strengthened internal controls through development and documentation of accounting policies and business procedures.
- Research and implement technical accounting guidance and compliance standards.
- Coordinated regulatory reporting, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
- Oversee financial transaction quality control and maintain accuracy of financial reporting.
- Support organizational leadership with financial analysis and strategic recommendations.
Accounting Manager
San Francisco Zoo
San Francisco
03.2012 - 04.2016
- Prepared financial statements, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and financial reporting packages for executive leadership and Board presentations.
- Managed month-end and year-end close activities, reviewing journal entries and schedules prepared by staff accountants to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Developed annual budgets and financial plans through detailed analysis and forecasting.
- Established and maintained accounting policies and operational procedures, streamlining processes to enhance overall financial governance.
- Ensured compliance with nonprofit regulatory requirements, overseeing annual audits and preparation of Form 990 tax returns, 1099 filings, and sales/use tax returns to maintain organizational integrity.
- Monitored and reconciled intercompany accounts and resolved variances.
Senior GL Accountant
Catholic Healthcare West
12.2007 - 10.2009
- Supervised month-end and year-end close processes across multiple facilities.
- Oversaw accounting for operating budgets, physician agreements, and loans to ensure financial compliance and reporting.
- Conducted balance sheet reconciliations, cash reconciliations, and variance analysis.
- Produced monthly financial statements, ad hoc reports, and regulatory filings.
- Delivered general ledger support services to enhance accuracy in regional healthcare finance operations.
- Executed process improvements that streamlined accounting procedures, reducing processing time and increasing accuracy.
- Assisted with internal and external audits and prepared audit schedules.
- Supervised and trained staff accountants while working within a large-scale GL system.
Senior Auditor
Lautze & Lautze
10.2005 - 12.2007
- Led financial statement audits through planning, budgeting, supervision, review, and reporting phases.
- Supervised, trained, and evaluated audit staff throughout engagements.
- Created internal control recommendations to enhance operational and financial efficiency.
- Conducted research on accounting and industry issues, presenting insights to senior management and partners.
- Served privately held businesses and nonprofit organizations across multiple industries.
- Prepared individual, corporate, and partnership tax returns using Pro Systems fx Tax.
- Delivered consulting and bookkeeping services for various clients.
Staff Accountant – Audit
Lautze & Lautze
01.2000 - 08.2005
- Compiled financial statements, audit reports, and actionable management recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
- Executed accounting services and conducted detailed financial audits to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Designed and implemented audit programs to evaluate accounting controls.
- Conducted internal control examinations resulting in improved financial operations.
- Acquired diverse industry experience across nonprofit, trucking, automotive dealership, real estate, and other sectors, enhancing audit expertise.
- Prepared corporate, partnership, and individual tax returns.
Accounting Intern
Elsener & Elsener LLP
01.1999 - 05.1999
- Prepared tax returns and maintained accurate bookkeeping records using QuickBooks and Pro Systems fx Tax.
- Assisted with audits, reviews, and compilations, ensuring compliance for clients across multiple industries.
- Supported month-end closing by preparing journal entries and reports.
- Processed invoices and managed accounts payable entries.
- Assisted with daily bookkeeping and reconciled financial records.
Accounting Assistant – Business & Finance
University of San Francisco
06.1998 - 01.1999
- Supported accounting operations, reconciliations, financial analysis, and grant accounting.
- Prepared journal entries and assisted with financial reporting and invoicing.
- Processed federal and state grant expense reports.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA01-1999
Skills
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Month-end close
- GAAP compliance
- Revenue recognition
- General ledger management
- Regulatory and tax compliance
- Cash flow management
- Variance analysis
- Intercompany reconciliations
- Board reporting
- Process improvement
- ERP platforms
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Nonprofit accounting
Certification
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), California Board of Accountancy, 94117
Timeline
Controller
San Francisco Zoo
04.2016 - Current
Accounting Manager
San Francisco Zoo
03.2012 - 04.2016
Senior GL Accountant
Catholic Healthcare West
12.2007 - 10.2009
Senior Auditor
Lautze & Lautze
10.2005 - 12.2007
Staff Accountant – Audit
Lautze & Lautze
01.2000 - 08.2005
Accounting Intern
Elsener & Elsener LLP
01.1999 - 05.1999
Accounting Assistant – Business & Finance
University of San Francisco
06.1998 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of San Francisco