Steve Bauers
Lincoln
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in budget management and team oversight. Skilled in strategic planning and process improvement, successfully aligning departmental goals with organizational objectives to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Administrator
Nebraska Department of Education
Lincoln
03.2020 - Current
- Provided strategic leadership for Office of Budget & Grants Management, aligning operations with State Board of Education goals.
- Oversaw accounting systems, ledgers, financial reports, and grant administration close-out activities.
- Established quality control processes and assisted with office strategic planning initiatives.
- Reviewed and implemented federal and state laws regarding cash management and compliance standards.
- Developed operational efficiencies to enhance day-to-day operations across the department.
- Directed contract funding reviews, accounting practices, billing processes, and financial planning activities.
- Led staff in budget development and management for various offices and programs.
- Collaborated with agency leadership on compliance issues and effective operational decision-making.
Owner/Operator
Bauers Business Services Inc
Lincoln
05.2013 - Current
- Founded and managed all aspects of a financial services firm specializing in small business support.
- Delivered comprehensive monthly bookkeeping services for multiple small business clients.
- Managed end-to-end payroll processing, including calculations, disbursements, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Prepared and filed business and personal tax returns for clients.
- Provided financial guidance, budgeting, and forecasting support to small business clients.
- Oversaw daily business operations, including workflow optimization, process improvement, and technology implementation.
Director - Grants Management
Nebraska Department of Education
Lincoln
03.2020 - 03.2021
- Led subrecipient reimbursement requests to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements (EDGAR, 2 CFR Part 200), cost principles, and audit requirements.
- Provided guidance and support related to grant compliance, regulations, and financial standards.
- Identified grant and accounting issues, recommended actions, and ensured resolution.
- Consulted with and provided technical assistance to program staff, schools, educational service units, and subrecipients on fiscal requirements.
- Assisted grants reimbursement staff in administering grant funds; performed desk reviews of claims and financial reports for compliance.
- Revised, tested, and recommended improvements for the financial and reimbursement sections of the Grants Management System.
- Led hiring, supervision, and discipline of staff; conducted performance management, established annual goals, held check-in meetings, and completed appraisals.
- Promoted professional development and delegated work/projects appropriately.
- Served as liaison for state and federal auditors; prepared responses and reports to audit questions.
Assistant Director - Central Accounting
Nebraska Department of Education
Lincoln
06.2015 - 03.2020
- Provided direction and guidance for all central accounting areas, including payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
- Led central accounting staff in delivering customer service to internal and external stakeholders; prioritized and organized ticketing system requests.
- Processed bi-weekly payroll, including review, journal entries, data transfer, and verification of accuracy.
- Maintained policies and procedures for central accounting and payable activities.
- Coordinated contract management and payment database; processed and tracked contract payments.
- Pre-audited and monitored all grant payments.
- Served as system administrator for timekeeping and expense reimbursement systems.
- Provided leadership in hiring, supervision, and performance management, promoting professional development.
Central Accounting Associate
Nebraska Department of Education
Lincoln
09.2013 - 06.2015
- Collected money, wrote receipts, coded and posted transactions to proper accounts, and stored money for deposit with the State Treasurer.
- Entered, reviewed, and approved daily deposits and accounts receivable into the State Accounting System.
- Processed ACH and credit card payments, balanced receivables, and created journal entries for various payment systems.
- Assisted in bi-weekly payroll generation for NDE; reviewed and verified payroll for assigned teams.
- Performed pre-audit functions and processed payment/disbursement requests, ensuring timely claims processing.
- Provided technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders on fiscal matters.
Senior Accountant
Money Smarts Inc
Lincoln
03.2011 - 05.2013
- Managed all aspects of accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger entries, and month-end/year-end closing procedures.
- Prepared, analyzed, and presented monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
- Oversaw payroll processing for multiple clients, ensuring accurate calculations and timely payments.
- Prepared and filed business and personal tax returns for clients, ensuring compliance with all relevant tax laws and deadlines.
- Provided financial guidance to clients, including budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
Department Supervisor
Home Depot
Lincoln
04.2002 - 07.2011
- Supervised, trained, and motivated a team of associates to achieve department goals in sales, customer service, and operational excellence.
- Created and managed work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and efficient workflow.
- Delivered outstanding customer service by resolving issues, answering questions, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.
- Monitored inventory levels, conducted stock checks, and coordinated product ordering and replenishment.
- Enforced company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Accounting
Doane University
Lincoln, NESome College (No Degree) - Accounting
Southeast Community College
Lincoln, Nebraska, NESkills
- Governmental and non-profit accounting
- Budget management
- Grant compliance
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning
- Financial reporting
- Policy implementation
- Audit preparation
- Process improvement
- Stakeholder engagement
Timeline
Assistant Administrator
Nebraska Department of Education
03.2020 - Current
Director - Grants Management
Nebraska Department of Education
03.2020 - 03.2021
Assistant Director - Central Accounting
Nebraska Department of Education
06.2015 - 03.2020
Central Accounting Associate
Nebraska Department of Education
09.2013 - 06.2015
Owner/Operator
Bauers Business Services Inc
05.2013 - Current
Senior Accountant
Money Smarts Inc
03.2011 - 05.2013
Department Supervisor
Home Depot
04.2002 - 07.2011
Some College (No Degree) - Accounting
Doane University
Some College (No Degree) - Accounting
Southeast Community College