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Gwen Lawhorn

Managing Director

Unclaimed Property

ROLE

As Managing Director, Gwen oversees DMA’s Unclaimed Property compliance team, which includes annual compliance efforts, audit and voluntary disclosure agreement (VDA) support, and state research. She has a vast knowledge of the mechanics of unclaimed property recognition, due diligence, and reporting processes and procedures. Gwen stays current with state legislative and administrative changes to ensure accuracy in all areas of unclaimed property compliance. She also assists clients with navigating the complexities associated with unclaimed property audits and state VDA programs to negotiate successful financial results.

 

EXPERTISE

25+ years in accounting, indirect tax, and unclaimed property; 7 years with DMA

 

  • Leads professional service teams and client engagements
  • Extensive experience in developing unclaimed property compliance processes, procedures, communications, and organizational structure for holders of all sizes
  • Proven record of delivering successful results on unclaimed property audits and VDAs
  • Previously served as a Tax Manager for an international retailer and manufacturer with oversight of various indirect taxes such as sales and use tax, personal property tax, business licenses, and annual report filings
  • Experience with performing accounting functions such as forecasting, accruals, and reconciliations under GAAP and IFRS guidelines

JURISDICTIONS

All US states, districts, and protectorates | All Canadian provinces

 

INDUSTRIES

Automotive | Banking & Financial Services | Data Centers | Distribution | Energy & Utilities | Entertainment | Healthcare | Insurance | Manufacturing | Pharmaceuticals | Retail | Wholesale

 

TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft Office Applications | AUPTC and other unclaimed property solutions | SAP® | Oracle® | Sage® | Peoplesoft | Microsoft Dynamics

 

EDUCATION / CREDENTIALS

  • Bachelor of Arts, Accounting and Business Management – Wilmington College
  • Member, Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization (UPPO)
  • Completed UPPO’s Basic and Intermediate Tiers for Unclaimed Property Certificate Programs
  • Regularly attends seminars pertaining to Unclaimed Property
  • Featured speaker for DMA educational forums