MELISSA WHORMS
P. O. Box
Summary
To leverage over 18 years of public sector experience in accounting, administration, project management, and strategic leadership to contribute to the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage as Assistant Chief Officer. Committed to driving operational excellence, policy development, and effective project delivery while fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability to support the Ministry’s mission of empowering youth, preserving culture and heritage, and promoting national well-being.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Acting Assistant Chief Officer
Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage
06.2023 - Current
- Provide strategic guidance and advice to the Chief Officer and Senior Management team
- Assist with budget preparation for capital projects, commissions, grants, and the Youth Services Unit.
- Contribute to the development of national and internal policies
- Oversee the facilities management team in capital projects, maintenance of all facilities, and fleet administration.
- Administer Grants and monitor allocated budget
- Serve as Ministry Representative on the National Sports Commission, National Youth Commission, and other boards as directed
- Draft cabinet papers and provide research for Parliamentary Questions
- Prepare performance agreements and assessments of subordinate staff
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders
- Collaborate with Communications team on the drafting of press releases, Minister's speeches and developing a communication plan for the respective areas of responsibility
- Act as Deputy Chief Officer as needed
Acting Deputy Chief Officer
Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage
06.2021 - 04.2023
- Provide strategic oversight of the Youth Services Unit and Department of Sports, ensuring alignment with the Ministry’s overarching strategic goals.
- Offer guidance and support to the Director of Sports and Head of the Youth Services Unit to enhance programme delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Administer and manage thirty-five youth and sports purchase agreements, ensuring accountability, value for money, and measurable outcomes.
- Oversee the Ministry’s grants programme, ensuring transparent and equitable distribution of resources.
- Provide governance and administrative support to the National Youth Commission and National Sports Commission to strengthen collaboration and policy alignment.
- Support initiatives aimed at advancing youth development and enhancing community engagement across the Cayman Islands.
- Act as Chief Officer when required
Acting Chief Financial Officer
Ministry of Community Affairs
04.2020 - 06.2021
- Prepared Budget in consultation with the Chief Officer.
- Managed day to day operations of the Finance team.
- Supervised Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Financial Administrator, and Accounts Officer I.
- Managed the Ministry’s bank accounts to ensure timely deposits and bank reconciliations are completed.
- Prepared quarterly financial statements.
- Liaised with relevant parties regarding potential capital works to ensure value for money.
- Monitored budgetary/appropriation compliance by Departments & providing feedback to Chief Officer.
- Monitored Statutory Authority and Non-Government Organizations on performance agreement and deliverables.
- Liaised with vendors to transition to e-billing and online payment.
- Ensured departments are up to date with their revenue billing from the delivery of outputs.
- Managed the month-end reporting process.
- Ensured Seamen applications received and approved are entered into the system on time.
- Provided strategic financial advice to the Chief Officer as requested.
- Lead finance team under extraordinary circumstances (COVID19, remote working, the resignation of Chief Financial Officer).
- Reviewed/Updated/Implemented internal controls to ensure they are operating effectively.
- Maintained Fixed Asset Register
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Ministry of Community Affairs
07.2013 - Current
- Managed the day-to-day accounting functions of the core Ministry.
- Prepared payment batches and liaise with Treasury over cheque runs.
- Supervised accounts receivable functions to ensure that all cash receipts received at the Ministry are accounted for in a timely and accurate manner.
- Maintained and reconciled the IRIS ledger.
- Maintained payroll records for all Ministry staff.
- Assisted the Chief Financial Officer in preparation of the annual budget, annual reports, financial accounts
- Provided strategic support to Chief Officer, Deputy Chief Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Heads of Department.
- Implemented consistent tendering standards, procedures, and contract management in the Ministry and its Departments.
- Served as CFO designate on Housing Repairs Committee for four months.
- Managed and coordinated maintenance and capital works projects.
- Liaised with Non-Governmental output suppliers over funding, budgetary, and reporting requirements.
- Supervised Accounts Officer and Financial Administrator, and completed performance agreements/appraisals on time.
- Ensured that the day-to-day operations comply with the Public Management and Financial Law, Financial Regulations, and the Public Service Management Law.
- Assisted Chief Financial Officer in managing fixed asset records and ensuring all disposals and additions are accounted for.
- Processed departmental monthly revenue billings to Cabinet.
- Assisted the Chief Financial Officer in drafting Cabinet Papers.
- Act as Chief Financial Officer as required.
Financial Administrator
Ministry of Community Affairs, Youth & Sports
04.2007 - 01.2015
- Carried out the day-to-day processing of financial transactions such as Accounts payable and Accounts Receivable promptly.
- Assisted the Deputy Chief Financial Officer in the preparation of the annual budget and annual reports.
- Maintained payroll records for staff and actioned any payroll and deduction changes where necessary.
- Prepared monthly billing to Cabinet and ensure outputs agree to the amounts appropriated.
- Assisted the Deputy Chief Financial Officer in the management of cash flows for the Ministry.
- Assisted the Deputy Chief Financial Officer in monitoring budgetary and appropriation compliance by Departments.
- Liaised with Statutory Authorities and non-governmental output suppliers over funding, budgetary and reporting requirements.
- Processed expense claims, travel claims, and any other transactions relating to the core Ministry.
Staff Accountant
Assurance & Advisory, Deloitte
01.2005 - 03.2007
- Assisted senior auditors in the preparation of financial statements.
- Developed and provide training for the new staff accountants on sign off procedures.
- Prepared audit budgets.
- Drafted minutes and prepare client meeting agendas.
- Performed a full spectrum of audit testing of cash, investments, salaries, incomes, fixed assets, payables, and other accounts for various industries such as hedge funds, banking, and non-profit entities.
- Reviewed internal controls of the client and provide recommendations to audit senior for review.
- Attended Professional and development courses as required.
Part-Time/Full-Time Administrator
Internal Finance, Deloitte
08.2001 - 06.2003
- Assisted Financial Controller with monthly management reports, analysis of accounts and historical, and special reports.
- Accounts Payable – processed invoices to ensure timely payment.
- Accounts Receivable – processed cash receipts for deposit daily.
- Maintained filing system
- Assisted Financial Controller during summer internships with cheque requests, bank deposits, wire transfers, and filing systems.
Education
Master’s Degree - Business Administration
University of Phoenix
01-2013
Certified Human Behavior Consultant -
Leadership Institute of America
01-2007
Bachelors of Science - Accounting
University of South Florida
01-2004
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Effective Oral and Written Communication
- Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
- Budget Preparation & Oversight
- Time Management
- Procurement & Contract Management
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
Accomplishments
- Appointed as Chair for Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cayman Programme 2025-2026
- Appointed by Cabinet to the Guardian Ad Litem Panel (2020-2026)
- Public Accounts Committee recognition for unqualified opinion (2018)
- Assisted CFO in achieving the first Government unqualified audit opinion (2014)
- Chief Officer Award (2014)
- Secretary of the Credit Union Supervisory Committee – (2012/2013)
Certification
April 2025
Certificate in Master the Mic, Public Speaking - Caribbean Master Class
February 2025
Certificate in Train the Trainer in Strategic Planning
November 2024
Accredited Mediator - Society of Mediators
June 2021
Certificate in Leadership Cayman Programme - Chamber of Commerce
August 2019
Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management - ILM
June 2017
Certified Procurement Fraud Control Specialist - Certified Information Security
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
- Strategic Planning
- Mediation and Conflict Resolution
- Public Speaking
- Level 3 International Leadership and Management
- Anti-Fraud Training – CIG
- Certificate of Introduction to Change Management
- CIPS: Negotiating and Contracting in Procurement & Supply
- CIG -Bonfire & Orbiddder Procurement Training
- Change Management
- Being a Leader People want to follow
- Communication in the Workplace
- The Value and Price of being Ethical
- Role of the CFO
- Implementing Risk Management in your Organization
- Project Management
- Internal Control
- Implementing Performance Measurement in the Public Sector
- Organizational Change
- Caring for your Customers
- Appraisal Interviewing
- Do or Delegate
- Decision Making
Affiliations
- Stephanie Azan | Cayman Islands Monetary Authority | Deputy Head of Onsite Inspection | (345) 916-4698
- Dr. Shion O'Connor | Institute for Essential Care | Founder & Clinical Psychologist |(345) 325-7556
- Perry Powell | Deputy Chief Officer | Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development|(345) 925-8679
Timeline
Acting Assistant Chief Officer
Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage
06.2023 - Current
Acting Deputy Chief Officer
Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage
06.2021 - 04.2023
Acting Chief Financial Officer
Ministry of Community Affairs
04.2020 - 06.2021
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Ministry of Community Affairs
07.2013 - Current
Financial Administrator
Ministry of Community Affairs, Youth & Sports
04.2007 - 01.2015
Staff Accountant
Assurance & Advisory, Deloitte
01.2005 - 03.2007
Part-Time/Full-Time Administrator
Internal Finance, Deloitte
08.2001 - 06.2003
Master’s Degree - Business Administration
University of Phoenix
Certified Human Behavior Consultant -
Leadership Institute of America
Bachelors of Science - Accounting
University of South Florida