Mark Knowles
About Mark Knowles
Mark Knowles is a Senior Accountant at Operation HOPE, where he has worked since 2019. He has extensive experience in accounting, having held various positions in organizations such as the Special School District of St. Louis County and Robert Half.
Work at Operation HOPE
Mark Knowles has served as a Senior Accountant at Operation HOPE since 2019. In this role, he is responsible for leading the annual insurance renewal process, which includes various types of insurance such as Liability, Errors & Omissions, Crime, and Workers Compensation. He prepares and reviews over 130 departmental and new development project budgets, which total over $20 million. Additionally, he assists in agency audits, including single audits and 401k audits, by providing necessary schedules and support documentation.
Previous Experience in Accounting
Before joining Operation HOPE, Mark Knowles worked as a Financial Accountant at the Special School District of St. Louis County from 2014 to 2017. He also served as an Accounting Consultant at Robert Half from 2018 to 2019. His early career included an internship as an Accounting Intern at the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce in 2011 and a role as an Accounts Receivable Clerk at the Special School District of St. Louis County from 2011 to 2014.
Education and Expertise
Mark Knowles earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he studied from 2013 to 2016. Prior to that, he obtained an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Accounting from Southwestern Illinois College, completing his studies from 2008 to 2011. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in accounting and financial management.
Skills and Responsibilities
In addition to his primary responsibilities, Mark Knowles tracks and reconciles the release of net assets for multi-year pledges. He is cross-trained in Accounts Payable, enabling him to provide assistance in that area when necessary. His diverse skill set and experience in various accounting functions contribute to his effectiveness in his current role.