Arlene Spiers
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
A dedicated finance and operations professional with over 17 years of comprehensive experience in accounts receivable/payable, general ledger accounting, payroll administration, human resources, and grant management.
Adept at streamlining processes and leading teams in both private and public sectors, I bring a proven track record of problem-solving, fiscal responsibility, and effective cross-functional collaboration.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Financial & Budget Management
• Payroll Administration & Tax Compliance
• Accounts Receivable/Payable
• Grant Research & Administration
• Human Resources & Employee Relations
• Process Improvement & Strategic Planning
• Vendor & Contract Management
• Team Leadership & Training
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
United Indian Health Services, Arcata, CA
United Indian Health Services (UIHS) provides a comprehensive model of rural health care and preventative programs for all age groups.
Grant Analyst | 2022 – Present
• Identify, evaluate, and manage grant opportunities to expand financial resources and program impact. • Oversee the complete grant lifecycle, ensuring compliance and timely reporting for all active projects. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align funding strategies with organizational goals.
Payroll Specialist | 2017 – 2022
• Administered payroll for 250+ employees, ensuring accurate and timely processing of paychecks. • Managed quarterly state payroll tax payments and maintained accurate leave balances. • Recorded general ledger entries and resolved complex payroll discrepancies, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
• Conducted new employee orientations to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
Lake Washington School District, Redmond, WA
Serving the community between Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains, this district is committed to educational excellence.
Office Manager, Rosa Parks Elementary | 2013 – 2014
• Served as the primary liaison for parents and community members, maintaining a welcoming and organized school environment.
• Directed daily administrative functions, including office processes, budget management, and AR/AP operations.
• Coordinated school events and managed the principal’s calendar, ensuring efficient scheduling and communications.
South Bay Union School District, Eureka, CA
A K-8 district serving diverse communities, committed to fostering educational achievement and community engagement.
Business Manager | 2007 – 2013
• Developed and managed a $10M budget with a strategic three-year forecast; presented financial plans to the school board and faculty.
• Supervised vendor relationships, ensuring adherence to contract terms and prompt invoice reconciliation. • Oversaw government grant processes by monitoring accounts receivable, managing bank reconciliations, and ensuring appropriate fund utilization.
• Led human resources functions including payroll processing, benefits management, new employee orientation, and policy compliance audits.
Humboldt County Office of Education, Eureka, CA
This countywide organization supports 31 school districts, delivering quality education to approximately 18,000 students.
Principal Account Technician, Payroll | 2005 – 2007
• Processed payroll for over 300 county employees, ensuring compliance with state payroll tax regulations. • Maintained accurate records of sick leave, vacation, and other employee balances. • Executed general ledger entries and managed quarterly tax payments to uphold financial integrity.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
• AA Business and Accounting - College of the Redwoods, Eureka CA
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Continuous training in financial systems, payroll software, and leadership management. • Regular participation in workshops and seminars focused on process improvement and public sector financial management.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Proficient in accounting and payroll software
• Advanced MS Office Suite
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities