Mark VanDero, MBA

In my role as Accounting Services Manager, I drove the Business Office that managed $82M annual budget, including financial planning, A/P & A/R, general ledger, cash management, grant funds, procurement, student accounts, asset management, reporting, and budget preparation. Key Contributions: • Utilized and maintained Munis Enterprise Resources Planning Software for decentralized district; developed standardized accounting controls, ensured database integrity, and trained end users. • Implemented new electronic document management system, revamped financial reporting system, and developed new districtwide financial policies, fixed asset policies, student accounting procedures, and user manuals. • Researched and implemented cash controls for district sites, and launched districtwide point-of-sale system that improved collections and financial transaction transparency. • Cultivated new relationships and refined procurements efforts to identify opportunities to obtain quality products at more competitive prices; efforts resulted in securing 40% savings in specified categories. • Researched, procured, and introduced new procurement card program that offered simplified payment options and provided annual rebate to district. • Directed consolidation of school textbook and library book management systems, and provided ongoing system support. • Streamlined and improved processes, drove software updates, and provided monthly professional development for users.

In this role, I created and posted monthly journal entries, executed monthly closing entries, produced financial statements, and reconciled daily cash flow statements and monthly bank statements. Key Contributions: • Delivered exemplary customer service, and embraced difficult challenges related to special needs accounts such as community housing projects and properties owned by MEB executives. • Identified need to improve communications with district managers and site-level personnel, initiated training program to enhance internal customer service, and provided training for site staff on financials and policies.

During this time frame, I supervised 25 Board-Certified Cosmetology Teachers and 8-10 administrative staff. I led efforts to meet all goals of national private post-secondary schools system by providing leadership to students, staff, and clients. I also managed financial aid, controlled costs, administered payroll, managed leads and starts, and maintained enrollment. Key Contributions: • Ensured compliance with Federal Student Aid Regulations, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, AZ State Board of Cosmetology, and Pima County Health Code. • Served on Executive Director training committee; trained and mentored new Executive Directors across Arizona. • Transitioned school from independent ownership to Empire Education Group national standards and policies. • Pursued community involvement to provide students with additional personal and professional opportunities.

I managed multimillion-dollar budgets for up to 20 Homeowners Associations concurrently in this role. I also oversaw capital projects and educated Board of Directors on financial matters and legal obligations. Key Contributions: • Collaborated with HOA Board of Directors to create and update policies and procedures specific to each HOA aimed at improving transparency for homeowners and streamlining association operations. • Piloted “PODS” team-based approach to HOA management, previously untested by management, which was intended to enhance both internal and external customer service.

In my earlier career, I launched and operated a successful full-service commercial swimming pool management company.

Completed additional graduate coursework to be eligible to pursue CPA.