Manuel Aragon

Manuel Aragon, Tax Preparation, Advisory Planning, and Accounting

Financial Controller, Aveno Antiguo, Inc.

My tenure at Aveno Antiguo, Inc. represented a unique opportunity to build a company’s financial foundation from the ground up. Joining the nascent organization in February 2016, I was instrumental in establishing the financial infrastructure necessary for its growth, ultimately contributing to a revenue increase to $770,000 by October YTD 2017. This role demanded a multifaceted approach, encompassing strategic financial planning, meticulous accounting, and comprehensive operational oversight.

Company Startup and Financial Foundation:

My initial focus was on creating a robust financial blueprint to guide the company's introduction and subsequent growth. This involved developing detailed cost models to accurately project expenses and revenue streams. I meticulously constructed a comprehensive chart of accounts, laying the groundwork for all future accounting functions. The creation of customer and supplier databases was also a critical task, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and facilitating efficient transactions.

Contract management was another vital aspect of my role. I authored and reviewed numerous contracts and agreements, ensuring the company’s interests were protected and that all legal obligations were met. I also developed all cost models associated with the corporation, providing a clear understanding of the financial implications of various business decisions.

Operational and Financial Management:

From the outset, I was responsible for building, tracking, and managing all Accounts Receivable (A/R), Accounts Payable (A/P), Human Resources (HR), and payroll accounts. This involved setting up and maintaining multiple bank accounts, ledgers, lines of credit, and cash management systems to support day-to-day operations. I implemented rigorous financial controls to ensure accuracy and transparency in all transactions.

A significant achievement was the successful training of a new Manager of Operations, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage the company's operational activities. This transition allowed me to focus more strategically on financial planning and analysis.

Payroll Management:

Payroll management was a critical function, especially during the company's startup phase. Initially, I established and maintained records for a staff of 14 employees, operating on a 1099 payroll system for the first 12 months. This required meticulous attention to detail to ensure accurate and timely payments.

In April 2017, I executed a seamless transition to a W-2 payroll system, a significant milestone that required setting up all necessary state and federal accounts. This involved managing bi-weekly payroll, calculating and remitting payroll taxes, and completing all monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements.

Financial Controller, Select New Mexico

In my role as a Financial Controller, I was responsible for a wide range of financial and operational functions, ensuring the company’s compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and driving efficiency across various departments.

Operational Excellence and Financial Reporting:

A core responsibility was ensuring all company accounting functions adhered to GAAP. This involved producing accurate and timely monthly balance sheets and profit and loss statements, as well as annual financial reports. I conducted a comprehensive three-year internal company audit of over 100 General Ledger (GL) accounts, demonstrating my commitment to financial integrity.

Furthermore, I compiled a full three-year financial portfolio of the corporation, which was published to multiple external observers. This required meticulous data collection, analysis, and presentation skills, showcasing my ability to communicate complex financial information effectively.

Accounts Receivable Management:

My oversight of accounts receivable involved managing over 40,000 sales transactions annually. I implemented multiple auditable sales processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy. I also managed more than 550 revolving credit accounts, maintaining a bad debt rate of less than 1%.

I conducted thorough credit checks, history reviews, and account audits to establish appropriate payment terms with all customers. This involved extensive bank account reconciliations using multiple banking suites. I was responsible for posting all cash payments, petty cash, daily deposits, and managing multiple receivables and credit lines.

To streamline billing systems and improve accounting functions, I implemented processes such as electronic document management and collaborated with the IT support team. I also executed high-volume data entry tasks, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Accounts Payable Management:

I managed weekly payables to over 100 vendors, ensuring timely and accurate payments. This included running weekly check runs with a complete company breakdown, including cash on hand and upcoming payables schedules. I developed comprehensive company budgets with weekly projections and sales team goals. Additionally, I approved and managed all purchase orders, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints.

Human Resources Management:

My responsibilities extended to human resources, where I conducted multiple employee interviews, hires, layoffs, and quarterly and annual reviews. I managed all HR needs for a staff of 27 employees, including administering and implementing the existing health benefits package.

I was responsible for managing all personnel-related documentation, including I-9s, W-2s, W-4s, and driver’s licenses. I also managed all company-required documents, such as general liability, collision, recall, and workers’ compensation. I audited historical records and implemented new recordkeeping processes to improve efficiency and compliance.

Payroll Management:

Payroll management was a critical function, involving setting up and managing all employee withholdings, deductions, insurances, 401(k), and garnishments. I processed bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accurate and timely payments. I also completed all bi-weekly tax filings and disbursements.

Quarterly tax reports, including 940, 941, SUTA, FUTA, and unemployment insurance, were prepared and submitted. I also completed all year-end documentation, including W-2s and 1099s. I managed all state and federal accounts, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.