Laura Sawyer

Experience

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  Investors Security Company, Inc.

  Mar 2007 - Jun 2009

  Operations and Compliance Associate

  Processed new mutual fund and annuity business, ensuring completeness, compliance, and correct documentation.Monitored and enforced continuing education requirements for Registered Representatives.Assisted Compliance Officer with annual Registered Representative compliance inspections.Created & implemented more efficient procedure for collection and recording of trade blotters. Served as a point of contact to all Representatives regarding compliance questions and documentation requirements for non-brokerage business. Show less

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  SunTrust Bank

  Jun 2009 - Sept 2010

  Financial Service Representative III

  Assisted clients with every aspect of customer service, from new account openings, service requests, maintenance on existing accounts, and online access. Worked closely with the branch's financial advisor to uncover potential investment opportunities and client relationship growth.Prospected for new business in addition to prospecting existing clients for new product and service offerings.Used spreadsheets to create reports detailing daily contact, progress, and results to branch and area managersEnsured compliance with internal controls, operational procedures and risk management policies.Responsible for retaining and growing a $10,000,000 portfolio of client assets.Nominated for the bank's Licensed Banker program.Managed branch inventory and procurement; ensuring critical document supply ,up-to-date resources, and adherence to budget. Show less

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  Monarch Bank

  Feb 2011 - Jul 2016

  Finance Department- Served as project manager for a new A/P and General Ledger Platform implementation. Troubleshooting any issues and exploring any new enhancements or deficiencies.- Implemented a paperless accounts payable process and approval workflow.- Automated daily manual entries saving time and reducing errors.- Responsible for assisting in the preparation and filing of the quarterly 10Q and the annual 10K. - Worked closely with the Business Intelligence department to deliver select information from the financial statements to interested parties.- Maintained and delivered a monthly deposit report to senior executives for review.- Income statement, balance sheet, and budget report writing for senior management as well as other departments in formats based on their needs.- Attended quarterly ALCO meeting, and recorded minutes.- Responsible for publishing, and keeping current, department-wide policies and procedures. Show less Finance Department- Responsible for receiving accounts payable items and coding to respective general ledgers according to company policy.- Researched and resolved any billing discrepancies between vendors and the responsible parties.- Issued and distributed 1000+ expense checks and ACH payments monthly, and maintained check registers.- Performed research and resolved any billing discrepancies between vendors and the responsible parties.- Ensured proper approval for fixed assets and company expenditures.- Responsible for the preparation and timely filing of monthly sales and use tax returns for VA and NC.- Reconciled multiple correspondent bank and general ledger accounts daily and/or monthly to unveil and resolve any discrepancies or omissions, and made journal entries as necessary.- Daily cash management between the Federal Reserve Bank and correspondent accounts to allow for daily expected cash requirements.- Provided information and reports as requested by State and Federal audits.- Reviewed daily financial statements to ensure accuracy- Compiled monthly deposit reports, by region, for review by senior management- Participation in the decision and implementation of a new company wide Accounts Payable and General Ledger Platform. - Led the training efforts for the new A/P and GL Platform across multiple departments including developing training materials, as well as one on one instruction. - Facilitated chart of accounts overhaul and conversion to the new Platform, which required complex excel spreadsheets and historical financial data to be mapped to the new chart of accounts and formatted into the new platform in accordance with Bank Regulatory Procedures. Show less

  • Bank Officer Project Specialist

    Apr 2014 - Jul 2016

  • Accounting Specialist

    Feb 2011 - Apr 2014
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  504 Capital Corporation

  Jan 2016 - now

  504 Capital Corporation is a non-profit corporation formed to promote commercial and industrial growth throughout Virginia, NC, DC, & MD. We serve as a resource for small businesses in need of permanent financing to acquire fixed assets. 504 Capital is certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide permanent financing through the SBA 504 Loan program. We provide long term financing at competitive interest rates for the purchase of fixed assets including land, buildings, and heavy equipment.Underwrite and package loan applications according to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Standard Operating Procedures governing the 504 Loan Program. Analyze financial statements and tax returns to determine a small business’s eligibility, and repayment ability of a proposed SBA 504 loan. Identify, request and analyze documents required from lenders and business owners to complete the application process. Work closely with third party lenders to educate them about the program and help their borrower obtain SBA loan approval. Review and evaluate loan applications, appraisals and environmental reports, organizational documents and credit reports in accordance with SBA credit policies. Participate in annual and interim audits to ensure adherence to company policies, and SBA regulation. Show less

  • Chief Credit Officer

    Jan 2024 - now

  • Underwriter

    Jan 2016 - Jan 2024