Lorena Castro, CPA
Youngsville
Summary
Experienced with financial analysis and budgeting, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Utilizes knowledge of accounting software and financial regulations to streamline processes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Restricted Accountant, Financial Services
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
01.2025 - Current
- Initiated the budget process, recorded and monitored the budget for restricted funds.
- Managed restricted funds, including approval of requisitions, direct pay requests, travel requests, Personnel Action Forms.
- Monitored financial activity and prepared adjusting entries as needed.
- Reviewed expenditures to ensure compliance with underlying authorization of the particular general restricted fund.
- Collaborated with department heads to align spending with strategic objectives.
- Monitored actual spending against approved budgets to identify variances and recommend corrective actions when needed.
- Partnered with CFO to create and revise annual budgets for restricted funds.
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
- Completed year-end close processes through effective supervision and collaboration.
General Accountant, Financial Services
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
03.2018 - 12.2022
- Reconciled key General Ledger Accounts.
- Processed interdepartmental charges.
- Verified appropriate authorizations and provided access to Banner Finance System.
- Processed payroll deduction for noncompliant purchases made through LaCarte Purchasing card.
- Monitored Chrome River feeds and corrected errors to allow posting of journal vouchers.
Casual Labor and Student Worker
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
01.2015 - 03.2018
- Performed data entry of Athletic Encumbrances and Foundation Warrants.
- Processed of Travel Requests for the University.
- Processed of Tuition Waivers for Graduate Assistants and other students.
Graduate Assistant
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Developed the department website and performed regular maintenance on it.
- Performed data entry and verified scholarships and tuition waivers.
- Assisted in Departmental Cashiers and Accounts Payable vendor runs.
- Developed the Departmental Employee Manual.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA01.2017
Master in Business Administration MBA - Business Administration and Management
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette01.2014
Bachelor in Science - Industrial and Business Administration
UNITEC
Honduras01.2005
Skills
- Proficient in Excel, Banner ERP
- Budget management
- Fluent in Spanish
- Financial reconciliation
- General ledger maintenance
- Fund management
- Interdepartmental transactions
- Expense tracking
Certification
CPA – Certified Public Accountant, State Board of Certified Public Accountants of Louisiana, 2021
Languages
English
Spanish
Timeline
General Restricted Accountant, Financial Services
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
01.2025 - Current
General Accountant, Financial Services
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
03.2018 - 12.2022
Casual Labor and Student Worker
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
01.2015 - 03.2018
Graduate Assistant
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
01.2013 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Master in Business Administration MBA - Business Administration and Management
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Bachelor in Science - Industrial and Business Administration
UNITEC