Melissa Van Heurn
Woodstock,ON
Summary
Accomplished accounting professional with expertise in QuickBooks and tax preparation, honed at Horseshoe Tax & Bookkeeping Services. Demonstrated ability to streamline processes, reducing month-end closing time.. Proactive and adaptable, skilled in full-cycle accounting and fostering vendor relationships to enhance financial accuracy and operational efficiency. Strong ability to collaborate within a team or work independently.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Bookkeeper - Remote
Norfolk Shredding
10.2022 - Current
- Prepared monthly bank reconciliations to ensure accurate representation of company''s financial position.
- Reviewed and filed financial documents, coded accounting entries for data processing, and posted daily receipts and payments in QuickBooks in accordance with all corporate protocols.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable activities, maintaining vendor relationships and positive cash flow.
- Established QuickBooks accounting system to reflect accurate financial records.
- Completed tax forms and filings for HST, payroll and payroll year end's in compliance with legal regulations.
- Completed payroll for employees and maintained detailed records of procedures.
- Generated detailed financial reports for management review, facilitating informed decision making.
Controller - Onsite & Remote
Airvent Metal Products
01.2015 - Current
- Ensured timely financial statement preparation, allowing for better decision-making and strategic planning.
- Completed year-end close processes through effective supervision financial functions and regular treasury transactions.
- Followed up with delinquent accounts to obtain funds and reduce aging balances.
- Reduced month-end closing time by optimizing reconciliation procedures and improving collaboration between departments.
- Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages.
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
- Ensured compliance with tax regulations by managing the timely preparation and filing of all required returns.
- Prepared balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
- Managed payroll data entry and processing for 30 employees to comply with predetermined company guidelines.
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by streamlining accounting processes and implementing internal controls.
- Optimized tax filing processes, resulting in timely submissions and minimizing liabilities.
- Managed outstanding balance amounts by evaluating reports and determining collection statuses.
Head Bookkeeper
Horseshoe Tax & Bookkeeping Services
05.2005 - Current
- Provide full cycle bookkeeping, accounting & payroll services.
- Oversee accounts payable functions, negotiating favorable payment terms with vendors to minimize costs and maximize operational efficiency.
- Implemented cost-saving measures in daily operations by analyzing expenditures and recommending budget adjustments as needed.
- Facilitated smooth year-end closing procedures by coordinating with external auditors and providing necessary documentation for accurate reporting purposes.
- Enhanced financial accuracy by reconciling accounts, identifying discrepancies, and correcting errors in a timely manner.
- Streamlined bookkeeping processes by implementing efficient accounting software (Sage 50, QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online) and organizing financial records.
- Monitored bank account balances closely, transferring funds between accounts as needed to optimize cash management strategy outcomes.
- Developed strong working relationships with external partners, such as banks and tax authorities, to facilitate efficient financial operations.
- Trained junior bookkeeping staff members on proper accounting techniques, promoting consistency and adherence to established policies throughout the department.
- Managed payroll functions for several companies, ensuring timely payment processing and compliance with tax regulations.
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes for multiple clients to drive financial accuracy.
- Assist companies in setting up digitalized books and bringing their accounts and tax obligations current.
- Effectively communicated with clients about payment needs and kept updated, detailed and accurate ledgers.
Income Tax Specialist
Horseshoe Tax & Bookkeeping Services
05.2005 - Current
- Maintained strict compliance with all federal, provincial, and local tax laws while preparing client returns.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of clients, delivering high-quality service and fostering long-term relationships.
- Streamlined tax preparation processes for increased efficiency and accuracy.
- Identified potential tax savings opportunities for clients by conducting thorough reviews of their financial records.
- Prepared accurate and timely federal, provincial, and local income tax returns for individuals and businesses.
- Coordinated with external auditors during annual review process answering questions addressing concerns.
- Conducted ongoing professional development activities to stay current with changing industry trends, legislation, rules, regulations affecting taxation practices.
- Assisted clients in reducing tax liabilities through strategic financial planning.
- Utilized tax software to prepare returns and meet deadlines.
- Prepared written responses or tax return amendments to resolve CRA notices.
- Responded to inquiries and handle audits from CRA and other tax authorities.
- Assist with filing forms for the Disability Tax Credit, Old Age Security and other forms.
Education
DFA - Tax Services Specialist™ - Taxation
Knowledge Bureau
Winnipeg, MBDFA - Bookkeeping Specialist™ - Accounting
Knowledge Bureau
Winnipeg, MBDiploma - Accounting And Finance
Toronto School Of Business
BrantfordDiploma - Computer Programmer Analyst
Lambton College of Applied Arts And Technology
SarniaDiploma - Applied Bookkeeping Accounting
Mohawk College
Hamilton, ON01-2006
Skills
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- MS office expert
- MS Office, Quickbooks, QuickBooks Online & Sage 50,
- Full-cycle accounting
- Cloud accounting
- Payroll processing, administration & remittances
- Bookkeeping
- Superior attention to detail
- Tax Preparation (Profile, TaxCylce, Tax Prep/CCH iFirm)
- Audit preparation
- Proactive and Self-motivated
- Adaptability and flexibility
Languages
English
German
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- DFA - Income Tax Specialist™, DFA - Bookkeeping Specialist™, RWM™ - Horseshoe Tax & Bookkeeping Services - 2025 to present
Timeline
Bookkeeper - Remote
Norfolk Shredding
10.2022 - Current
Controller - Onsite & Remote
Airvent Metal Products
01.2015 - Current
Head Bookkeeper
Horseshoe Tax & Bookkeeping Services
05.2005 - Current
Income Tax Specialist
Horseshoe Tax & Bookkeeping Services
05.2005 - Current
DFA - Tax Services Specialist™ - Taxation
Knowledge Bureau
DFA - Bookkeeping Specialist™ - Accounting
Knowledge Bureau
Diploma - Accounting And Finance
Toronto School Of Business
Diploma - Computer Programmer Analyst
Lambton College of Applied Arts And Technology
Diploma - Applied Bookkeeping Accounting
Mohawk College