Karina Melendez
Bakersfield,CA
Summary
Results-driven Program/Project Analyst with 15+ years of experience in business administration and accounting operations at Southern California Edison. Proven ability to manage high-volume billing processes, analyze financial data, and lead process improvements that increase efficiency and accuracy. Strong communicator with bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, recognized for problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and delivering results under tight deadlines.
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
Work History
General Accounting Specialist
Southern California Edison/General Office
Rosemead, CA
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Reconciled costs for third-party projects, ensuring accurate final invoicing customer refunds in compliance with regulatory requirements (FERC & CPUC).
- Analyzed work order expenditures, validated data integrity, and recorded journal entries to support accurate financial reporting.
- Performed peer reviews for study and relocation billings, including journal entry validation and posting.
- Served as Grid Interconnection Billing and lead, providing guidance to cross-functional teams to ensure timely and accurate billing processes.
- Conducted monthly variance analysis, identified key drivers, and partnered with stakeholders to resolve discrepancies and improve forecasting accuracy.
- Led and participated in process improvement initiatives (Kaizen), increasing efficiencies and reducing errors.
- Collaborated with Plant Accounting and other business units to reduce aging work orders and improve financial tracking.
- Partnered with Capital Asset Accounting teams to streamline communication and improve operational efficiencies.
Program/Project Analyst
Southern California Edison
Rosemead, CA
01.2010 - 01.2022
- Analyzed construction expenditures and prepared claim billings and invoices for external customers.
- Processed over 15,000 claim billings while resolving discrepancies and improving customer satisfaction.
- Prepared and reviewed journal entries related to customer billing transactions.
- Conducted reconciliations and Monthly analysis of aging work orders, reducing backlog through cross-functional coordination.
- Developed and maintained complex Excel reports and databases to support decision-making and reporting needs.
- Led process improvement initiatives, increasing operational efficiencies and accuracy.
- Created and maintained procedures and training materials as a subject matter expert.
- Delivered monthly and quarterly reports to stakeholders and leadership.
Accounting Assistant
Southern California Edison
Rosemead, CA
2008 - 01.2010
- Processed invoices, non-purchase orders, and payment requests in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
- Researched and resolved invoice discrepancies using SAP systems.
- Reconciled and cleared $250M in vendor payments, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Generated daily operational reports to support project tracking and team productivity.
- Managed vendor accounts, resolving billing issues, and processed credit memos.
- Provided cross-functional support and backup for accounting team members.
Education
High School Diploma -
Huntington Park High School
Huntington Park, CACareer Enhancement -
Downey Adult School
Downey, CACareer Enhancement -
Bakersfield Adult School
Bakersfield, CASkills
- SAP & Financial Systems
- Billing & Invoicing
- Journal Entries & General Ledger
- Data Analysis & Reporting (Excel)
- Process Improvement (Kaizen)
- Variance Analysis
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Time Management & Multitasking
- Account Reconciliation
- Customer Service & Issue Resolution
Accomplishments
- Generated over 100M in billing revenue, boosting department output by 20%
- Recognized as a subject matter expert and process improvement leader
- Strong track record in customer issue resolution and stakeholder communication
- Proven ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple deadlines
Timeline
General Accounting Specialist
Southern California Edison/General Office
01.2022 - 01.2024
Program/Project Analyst
Southern California Edison
01.2010 - 01.2022
Accounting Assistant
Southern California Edison
2008 - 01.2010
High School Diploma -
Huntington Park High School
Career Enhancement -
Downey Adult School
Career Enhancement -
Bakersfield Adult School