Amber Couleas
College Grove
Summary
Experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 20 years of experience in financial analysis, reporting, and management in public and private sectors. Skilled in optimizing financial processes, ensuring accurate reporting, and aligning financial operations with company goals. Known for providing valuable consultation to executive teams, offering strong financial acumen, expertise in ERP implementation, and dedication to precision and results.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ERP Financial Analyst
Caterpillar Financial Services
01.2021 - Current
- Supported Oracle EBS implementation through system design, testing, and deployment, ensuring alignment between accounting processes and system functionality.
- Maintained reporting accuracy during the transition, including configuration to facilitate both US GAAP and local statutory reporting requirements for an EU-based division.
- Aligned accounting processes with Oracle EBS financial modules during transition from a legacy system.
- Supported full project lifecycle, including requirements gathering, development, testing, and deployment.
- Acted as liaison between accounting and IT, translating financial requirements and advising on system functionality.
- Configured system settings, converted financial data, and developed custom extensions to meet accounting requirements.
- Provided post-implementation support by resolving functional issues in collaboration with business teams.
- Led integration and testing of the Accounts Payable module, validating system accuracy and data flow during transition.
- Reconciled financial data between legacy and new systems to ensure accuracy and continuity during system migration.
- Prepared US GAAP financials in USD while maintaining local GAAP records in an EU-based division to meet international reporting requirements.
Accountant (Part-Time)
The Refuge Center for Counseling
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Provided part-time accounting support for a nonprofit mental health organization, managing routine financial operations while modernizing processes and advising leadership through periods of growth and disruption, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Played a key role in securing emergency funding and transitioning operations to a remote model.
- Assisted executive leadership with forecasting the pandemic’s impact on cash flow, profitability, and expenses.
- Helped modernize payment and reconciliation processes to improve efficiency.
Accountant (Part-Time)
Structural Engineering & Inspections, LLC
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Managed all core accounting functions for a growing engineering firm while working part-time to remain professionally active.
- Responsibilities included financial reporting, payroll, tax filings, and vendor compliance.
- Maintained accurate records across multiple entities and ensured timely processing of financial transactions with a strong focus on detail and regulatory compliance.
- Produced monthly and annual financial statements and managed payroll processing.
- Maintained financial records and ensured regulatory compliance for multiple entities.
Controller
Security Seed and Chemical
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Led the transformation of the accounting function for a rapidly growing agricultural company, evolving it from a minimal structure into a fully developed, audit-ready department.
- Partnered closely with the owner and executive leadership team as a trusted advisor, driving financial strategy, internal controls, and operational efficiency during a period of significant growth and structural change.
- Built and managed a high-performing accounting and HR team across multiple regional locations, overseeing hiring, training, and performance management to support the company’s rapid growth.
- Implemented formal accounting procedures to improve accuracy, internal controls, and operational consistency. This included establishing structured close processes, enhancing reconciliation practices, formalizing payroll and tax reporting, and improving documentation and recordkeeping standards.
- Strengthened the company’s credit and collections processes to support growth and improve cash flow, including securing flexible credit arrangements and enhancing communication with sales and leadership to manage outstanding receivables more proactively.
- Designed and led a company-wide budgeting process, collaborating with department heads across all locations to improve financial planning, enhance forecasting accuracy, and support data-driven decision-making.
- Prepared the organization for its first formal financial review and subsequently a full audit, resulting in a clean opinion from an independent public accounting firm.
- Played a key leadership role in the company’s transition to a fully employee-owned ESOP, managing coordination across legal, financial, and operational teams from initial planning through successful implementation.
Senior Staff Accountant
Home Decorators Collection, a division of Home Depot
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Performed core accounting functions and supported financial reporting during the company’s acquisition by Home Depot.
- Reduced monthly close process from 15 days to 2 by streamlining workflows.
- Partnered with IT to design and implement customized financial reports integrated with new POS software.
- Contributed to financial analysis and due diligence during acquisition and refinancing.
Staff II Accountant
Ernst & Young, LLP
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Gained foundational experience at a Big 4 accounting firm, supporting audit and assurance engagements for clients across healthcare, nonprofit, and manufacturing sectors.
- Developed skills in financial statement analysis, internal controls, and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced, team-driven environment.
Education
Master of Professional Accountancy -
Murray State University
01.2003
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Murray State University
01.2002
Skills
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- ERP Systems Implementation (Oracle EBS)
- Month-End Close
- Compliance and internal controls
- Intercompany Accounting
- ESOP Administration
- Data Reconciliation
Certification
- Certified Public Accountant
- State of Tennessee | License #20441
Leadership & Board Service
- Board of Directors, Security Seed & Chemical, Inc.
- 2015 – 2019
- Provided strategic financial guidance during the company’s ESOP buyout and acquisition planning. Collaborated with legal and advisory teams to support ownership transition and long-term succession planning.
Timeline
ERP Financial Analyst
Caterpillar Financial Services
01.2021 - Current
Accountant (Part-Time)
The Refuge Center for Counseling
01.2019 - 01.2020
Accountant (Part-Time)
Structural Engineering & Inspections, LLC
01.2013 - 01.2019
Controller
Security Seed and Chemical
01.2007 - 01.2012
Senior Staff Accountant
Home Decorators Collection, a division of Home Depot
01.2004 - 01.2007
Staff II Accountant
Ernst & Young, LLP
01.2003 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Murray State University
Master of Professional Accountancy -
Murray State University
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