Caren Decker
Saipan,MP
Summary
Finance professional with extensive background in financial analysis and management. Known for driving process improvements and implementing strategic financial planning. Reliable team player with focus on collaboration and adaptability to changing business needs.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Owner
Marianas Accounting & Professional Services, LLC
06.2023 - Current
- Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
- Provide accounting services to several different companies and industry types, such as, bookkeeping, sales tax filings, payroll and payroll reporting, financial statement preparation, business tax filings and consultations regarding cash management and recommendation strategies on reducing daily costs.
- Tax preparation for individuals
Controller
Achugao Services, LLC
12.2021 - 06.2023
- Responsible for maintaining and reporting on the financial records of MP Holdings, LLC, Mariana's Entertainment, LLC, Silk Road Corporation, Guam Greyhound, Bridge Aina Le'a, and Perlas Courte Condominiums. Oversee a team of 4 accountants and collaborated with various departments to improve efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting.
- Reduced errors in financial and payroll reports by 20% through implementation of new processes and controls which includes, timely submission of financial statements to management.
- Implemented a revenue audit process for companies to reduce exposure/risk.
- Collaborated with the tax department to identify and amend several years of various tax reports to be compliant.
Vice President of Compliance and Gaming/Revenue Audit
Imperial Pacific Resort
09.2019 - 07.2020
- Promoted to streamline Compliance Department and created a program for high-risk patrons/players. Assumed Compliance Department along with previous Casino Controller functions.
- Responsible for the entire compliance function of the organization including all gaming compliance filings and training, including Title 31 due diligence and filings with FINCEN (CTRs and SARs).
- Synchronized, monitored and tracked the necessary annual compliance-related training for the property, as required (AML/Title 31 and BSA).
- Ensured that departmental operating procedures were developed and assisted in the implementation and training of compliance-related audit recommendations and management responses.
Casino Controller
Imperial Pacific Resort
10.2015 - 09.2019
- Recruited to prepare for transition from a temporary casino to a permanent casino. Responsible for ensuring all gaming related activity/revenue is accurately accounted and reported to regulatory agencies.
- Transitioned to new casino with no major issues and implemented new procedures/controls along with the new gaming system (Bally to IGT).
- Reviewed strengths and weaknesses of Cage, Credit, Count Room, Slots, Table Games and recommended changes to improve operations and to allocate resources as they related to Revenue Audit and Accounting.
- Prepared and analyzed daily transactions/reports to ensure compliance with Department of Taxation, Commonwealth Casino Commission and Department of Commerce; developed and implement recommendations.
Compliance Director
Double Eagle Hotel and Casino
10.2013 - 07.2014
- Director of the casino Compliance Program, functioning as an independent and objective body that reviewed and evaluated compliance issues.
- Responsible for preparing compliance checklists, attribute worksheets and compliance reports summarizing each non-compliant issues during the semi-annual review period.
- Ensured management and employees were in compliance with the ICMP's, Rules and Regulations of the Colorado Division of Gaming, including all internal policies and procedures.
Floor Shift Manager
Double Eagle Hotel and Casino
04.2013 - 10.2013
- Managed employees to ensure the protection of company assets and integrity while maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and guest services.
- Responsible for the operation of casino floor, security/surveillance, cage, drop, players club, restaurant and bar.
- Ensured all departments and personnel were in compliance with federal, state, and municipal laws, including the Colorado Limited Gaming Act, Colorado Limited Gaming Regulations, Colorado Internal Control Minimum Procedures, including all internal company policies and procedures.
Controller
Johnny Nolon's Casino
03.2009 - 07.2011
- Directed the financial affairs of the casino and prepared financial analysis of the operations including interim and annual reports with supporting schedules for managements' guidance.
- Interfaced Division of Gaming's required reports with third party gaming system vendor to comply with new requirements of the Division of Gaming. First casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado to integrate/comply.
- Restructured accounting and revenue audit systems to meet regulatory requirements for 24 hour gambling.
- Analyzed monthly financials with an aim to control costs and managed company's accounts payable.
Controller
Wild Horse Casino
08.2007 - 11.2008
- Hired to bring reliability to the accounting and auditing departments and to improve relations and compliance with the Division of Gaming. Ensured the integrity of all financial records produced by accounting, auditing, payroll, cage and count team.
- Worked closely with agents of the Colorado Division of Gaming to ensure all reports were prepared on time and accurately.
- Established and implemented standards of excellence, policies and procedures, and goals for the accounting and auditing department to function more efficiently.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to reduce operating costs by 20%.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Accounting
University of Phoenix
Colorado, USA01.2001
Skills
- US GAAP
- Data Analysis
- AML compliance knowledge
- Title 31
- BSA
- Cash Management
- General Ledger
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Payroll
- Revenue Audit
- Compliance
- Budget
- QuickBooks
- Oracle
- Business Works
- Peachtree
- MS-Office
- Oasis
- Bally
- IGT
STRENGTHS
- Asset Protection: Developed and implemented asset tracking procedures. This reduced unnecessary purchases and controlled leakage.
- Cash Management: Identified several incidents of theft with managing tight cash movement controls.
- Process Improvement: Identified inefficiencies in accounting processes and implemented solutions leading to a 20% increase in efficiency.
- Attention to Detail: Ensured accuracy in financial statements and supporting schedules leading to successful completion of internal and external audits.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Successful Gaming Software Conversion: Completed a gaming software conversion that directly impacted Revenue Audit and Accounting processes.
- CNMI Department of Finance Training: Designed in-depth training on how money flows from the placement of a bet on a slot machine or table game through the reporting of revenue on the monthly Business Gross Revenue Tax Return. Conducted the training with CNMI Department of Finance.
Timeline
Business Owner
Marianas Accounting & Professional Services, LLC
06.2023 - Current
Controller
Achugao Services, LLC
12.2021 - 06.2023
Vice President of Compliance and Gaming/Revenue Audit
Imperial Pacific Resort
09.2019 - 07.2020
Casino Controller
Imperial Pacific Resort
10.2015 - 09.2019
Compliance Director
Double Eagle Hotel and Casino
10.2013 - 07.2014
Floor Shift Manager
Double Eagle Hotel and Casino
04.2013 - 10.2013
Controller
Johnny Nolon's Casino
03.2009 - 07.2011
Controller
Wild Horse Casino
08.2007 - 11.2008
Bachelors of Science - Accounting
University of Phoenix