Melissa Wadsworth

About Melissa Wadsworth

As a results-driven senior leader with an MBA from St. John’s University, I bring over a decade of expertise in financial services, operations, and accounting. My career began at KPMG, where I honed my skills in audit, specializing in banking and financial services. From 2013 to 2017, I developed a strong foundation in risk management, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting.Since 2017, I’ve been with Cenlar FSB, where I’ve taken on diverse leadership roles, each aimed at driving efficiency, reducing operational costs, and transforming processes. Previously serving as Vice President, Controller in Finance & Accounting, I reported directly to the Chief Financial Officer and oversaw financial reporting and controls. Currently, as Vice President and head of the Special Assets Center of Competency within Operations, I report to the Chief Operating Officer and manage financial operational risks across ten departments: Claims, Default Accounting, Invoice Management, Client Billing, Reconciliation, Bank Operations, Payment Services, Payoff Services, and ACH Management. My passion lies in change and transformation. I thrive on simplifying complex problems, fostering innovation, and delivering actionable solutions that improve operational performance. Leveraging my audit and accounting expertise, I approach challenges with a fresh perspective, breaking down barriers and streamlining processes to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Experience

1. Vice President, Special Assets

   Cenlar Fsb

   Oct 2024 — Present

   As the Head of the Special Assets Center of Competency at Cenlar FSB, I oversee ten key departments: Client Billing, Invoice Management, Reconciliation, Claims, Bank Operations, Payment Services, Payoff Services, Cash Operations, ACH Management, and Default Accounting. My team is responsible for protecting Cenlar’s and its partners’ financial interests by managing receivables, resolving unique loan conditions involving cash, monitoring distressed loans with heightened credit and financial risks, reconciling loan and bank balances, and ensuring accurate and compliant collection and distribution of funds. We focus on safeguarding assets, mitigating risks, and delivering financial accuracy for our stakeholders.

Education

• St. John's University, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business

  Master of Business Administration (MBA), Public Accounting

  2012 — 2013

• St. John's University, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Accounting

  2008 — 2012