Financial Controller with over 25 years of experience in driving successful financial transformations. Expertise in manufacturing and professional service organizations. Skilled in collaborating with team members and clients to ensure maximum results and productivity.
As the Director of Accounting at Golden Platter Foods, Inc., I oversee a wide range of financial operations. My responsibilities include preparing journal entries and reconciling all balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance. I conduct various audits, such as Workers' Compensation and Bank Audits, and manage year-end closing processes. Additionally, I manage payroll submissions and quarterly Newark Payroll Tax filings. I have established a month-end close checklist to streamline processes and supervise a team of four, ensuring their tasks are completed accurately and on time. I manage weekly payables, wire submissions, critical vendor analysis, and 3PL inventory reconciliations to maintain financial integrity and operational efficiency.
In my role as Interim Controller at Triangle Home Fashions, I played a crucial part in the recovery of sales and financial data following a ransomware attack. I established month-end cutoff procedures and authored standard operating procedures for revenue recognition and accounting processes. Implementing a chargeback trend analysis by customer and category, I held bi-weekly meetings to ensure team alignment. I was responsible for the collection of past-due receivables and conducted month-end GP analysis by customer. Coordinating physical inventory for the fiscal year-end and authorizing payments to overseas factories were also key aspects of my role. Additionally, I prepared payroll journal entries, month-end closing entries, and financial statements, while supporting the year-end audit process.
As an Independent Consultant for Legacy Brands, I implemented comprehensive financial processes to ensure completeness and accuracy. I contacted key suppliers and customers to verify 2018 financial activity and corrected AP and AR trial balances. I issued year-end financial statements to external accountants and banks and created daily, weekly, and monthly accounting procedures. My HR duties included recruiting and payroll processing. I developed SAP queries for balance sheet and P&L account analysis, issued monthly internal financials, and created spend reports for savings identification. By converting the company to a PEO, I achieved significant savings on Workers' Compensation and health insurance. I also collaborated with the VP of Operations to develop metrics and overhead rates, supporting production through detailed inventory analysis.
During my tenure as an independent consultant, I analyzed and streamlined financial systems for various clients. I recommended the outsourcing of payroll systems, leading to significant cost savings. I implemented expense reporting and tracking systems, and assisted in the preparation of financial statements. My efforts reduced overtime costs through the implementation of production scheduling systems. Additionally, I negotiated with vendors to achieve reduced price points for procurement services and products.
As CFO/Controller at Universal Preserv-A-Chem, Inc., I led the implementation of a new ERP system, enhancing operational efficiency. I built and maintained relationships with accountants, bankers, lawyers, benefit providers, and insurance professionals. I was involved in union negotiations and benefit administration, and played a key role in negotiating and managing various financing arrangements. My efforts improved credit terms with vendors and customers, and included negotiating with contractors and service providers. I reviewed orders for margin discrepancies, managed payroll processing, and prepared and presented financial statements and analyses.
In my role as Controller at Kerry Ingredients & Flavors, I provided accurate financial and statistical data to support management's decision-making. I reduced on-hand inventory by 20% through strategic meetings with purchasing, supply chain, and commercial controllers. I led the Profit Improvement Program, identifying cost reduction opportunities and efficiency savings in collaboration with production, maintenance, and quality departments. I handled TTB reconciliation and submission, served as gatekeeper for third-party administrators of accounts payable, and monitored liquid extraction batches for accurate costing. Additionally, I prepared the annual budget and projections, and reconciled capital projects to ensure budget adherence.
As an Independent Consultant with Robert Half Management Resources, I assisted clients in establishing robust policies and procedures. I documented the Controller's position, outlining daily, weekly, and monthly duties to streamline the closing process. I monitored the issuance of purchase orders and audited their conformity to company policies. Additionally, I reviewed sales orders and investigated margins to ensure financial accuracy and efficiency.
As Controller at Ward Products, LLC, I implemented annual financial planning and projections, developed operating budgets, and achieved $500,000 in annualized cost savings. I established a new credit and collection procedure, reducing days outstanding from 60 to 45 days and improving cash flow by $200,000 per month. I coordinated new project start-ups and tracked revenue versus expense, achieving a minimum 25% return on investment for all projects. I negotiated with key suppliers to extend payable terms to 90 days, resulting in a $300,000 increased cash flow. As a management team member, I oversaw all financial systems and procedures, including inventory control, purchasing, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
In my earlier role at Hershey Foods, I established month-end closing procedures, prepared month-end journal entries, financial statements, cash flows, and all required supporting schedules. I coordinated periodic and perpetual inventories of finished goods, raw, and packaging materials. I implemented a new standard cost system and installed the JD Edwards general ledger and financial analysis package.