Resume

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Decisive, self-motivated, and results-oriented management professional with over 10 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, analysis, auditing, and consulting, adding value for companies. Strong background in planning, business start-up, and real estate. Demonstrates exceptional analytical skills, training, and negotiation abilities. Ability to effectively communicate financial and other pertinent information to executive staff and other internal and external customers. Ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and systems with technical proficiencies in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; Quickbooks; CompuTrust; Internet; and other software.

NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

Integral part of a corrective action team formed and recruited by the Governor’s Office to overhaul and resurrect the managerial and accounting functions of the Department of Veterans’ Services that had accounting/management concerns for over a decade.
Started and managed a successful real estate brokerage which included activities such as organization of the business entity, negotiation of the commercial financing for our offices, and creation of all accounting policies and records. Expanded business from 3 agents to 40 agents.
Successfully negotiated multi-million dollar contracts.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Jason W. Cleland, CPA, PLC: Owner (2007-Present)

Castillo, Fictum & Cleland, CPA’s, PLC: Owner (2004-2007)

Jason W. Cleland, CPA: Sole Proprietor (2002-2004)

Prepare probate annual accountings for filing with the Superior Court for conservators, trustees, power of attorneys, and personal representatives
Provide internal control, accounting procedure, and general accounting consulting services
Perform forensic accounting and communicate results

Noviello & Cleland, CPAs, PLC: Owner (2009-Present)

Reviewed fiduciary accountings filed with the Superior Court in Maricopa County by Guardians/Conservators, Trustees, Personal Representatives to ensure accountings are consistent with Court Probate Accounting Guidelines
Prepared Court minute entries for judicial officers’ review

CPA Advantage Realty, LLC: Broker (2004-Present), Controller/Owner (2002-2007)

Consult with clients on their real estate needs and provide business advice to assist in their decision making process
Assist home buyers with the purchase and financial analysis of real estate including preparing contracts, contract negotiation, reviewing loan options that are optimal for the buyers’ situation, and reviewing the entire escrow process
Assist home sellers with the marketing and the selling of their homes
Overall authority for the financial operation of CPA Advantage Realty, LLC including budget preparation and administration; annual tax return preparation accounting; financial statements; depreciation schedules; bank account reconciliations; payroll and related tax reports; accounts payable and purchasing
Performed cash flow analysis (ROI) for prospective investment properties
Assisted clients in IRC Section 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges
Managed the day to day operations of entire brokerage, including supervision of 35-40 agents and brokers
Developed and implemented accounting internal control policies and procedures; and accounting records
Developed initial business plan for new company and obtained financing for real estate and equipment acquisitions

Dan Schwartz Realty, Inc: Real Estate Salesperson (2001-2003)

Consult with clients on their real estate needs and provide business advice to assist in their decision making process
Assist home buyers with the purchase and financial analysis of real estate including preparing contracts, contract negotiation, reviewing loan options that are optimal for the buyers’ situation, and reviewing the entire escrow process
Assist home sellers with the marketing and the selling of their homes

Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services: Asset Manager (1998-2001)

Prepared annual Fiduciary Division Expendable Trust financial statements
Developed and maintained internal control procedures over client assets in excess of $20 million
Performed bank and Arizona State Treasurer account reconciliations
Prepared and reviewed annual client financial statements (Probate Accountings)
Invested client monies into various financial instruments
Acquired and disposed of client real estate
Arizona Office of the Auditor General: Financial Auditor I (1997-1998)
Planned financial and federal audits and developed audit programs
Analyzed accounting system controls and presented results to clients
Evaluated and tested reliability of financial data
Analyzed changes in revenues, expenditures, and balance sheet accounts in financial statement line items
Performed audit test work in compliance with applicable federal and state policies and regulations

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL

Bachelor of Science, Accountancy, Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, Arizona May 1997
Dean’s Honor List 1995-1997
Beta Alpha Psi, National Honorary Accounting Fraternity
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Arizona State Board of Accountancy, #11722-E, 2001-Present
Certified Fiduciary, 1999-2002
Member, Arizona Fiduciaries Association (AFA), 2007- Present
Real Estate Associate Broker/Salesperson Licenses, 2001-Present