Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Audrey Lester

Canton

Summary

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in SEC reporting and technical accounting. Skilled in compliance and process optimization, effectively collaborating with stakeholders to enhance financial communication and reporting accuracy. Committed to mentoring high-performing teams to achieve strategic goals.

Overview

41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director External Reporting

Ferrellgas
Remote
11.2021 - Current
  • Led preparation of SEC filings and benefit plan reporting.
  • Collaborated with Investor Relations on earnings releases to communicate financial performance.
  • Presented quarterly results to the Audit Committee and prepared quarterly internal reporting packages.
  • Ensured adherence to GAAP and SEC disclosure requirements across all reporting activities.
  • Served as liaison with auditors, upper management, and SEC counsel for effective communication.
  • Supervised and mentored three direct reports within a five-member reporting team.
  • Monitored control framework and optimized processes to improve efficiency.
  • Analyze and develop accounting treatment and implementation.

Senior Manager - SEC Reporting

McKesson
Alpharetta
10.2019 - 11.2021
  • Prepared SEC filings and supported proxy review processes.
  • Collaborated with global business unit leaders to monitor and report restructuring initiatives.
  • Standardized reporting procedures using style guides to enhance consistency.
  • Revamped XBRL process, decreasing processing time by 75%.
  • Interacted with legal teams, auditors, and upper management to ensure compliance.

Manager SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting

Chart Industries
Ball Ground
03.2019 - 10.2019
  • Oversaw preparation of SEC reports and Earnings Releases.
  • Supervised two accountants in Reporting, and two in Fixed Assets.
  • Created technical accounting memos.
  • Prepared stock-based compensation entries and disclosures.

Director of Financial Reporting

CBL & Associates Properties
Chattanooga
12.2011 - 02.2019
  • Directed SEC reporting processes.
  • Supervised four accountants, enhancing efficiency in Reporting and Fixed Assets.
  • Managed implementation of revenue recognition and lease accounting guidance, including whitepapers, training and control development.
  • Collaborated with Investor Relations on Earnings Releases and Non-GAAP disclosures.

Senior Accountant

Otelco
Oneonta
10.2008 - 12.2011
  • Reviewed accounting entries and reconciliations for six accountants across New England.
  • Supervised accounts payable and payroll operations, managing three direct reports.
  • Led Microsoft Great Plains ERP implementation as Project Manager.
  • Conducted acquisition analyses to assess potential business opportunities.
  • Prepared SEC reports to ensure compliance with regulations.

Interim Controller

Abc Polymer Industries
Shelby
05.2008 - 10.2008
  • Developed system-generated financial statements utilizing Microsoft Dynamics Navision.
  • Created processes for efficient management of monthly close activities.
  • Resolved accounting variances and established reconciliations to enhance accuracy.

Audit Senior

KPMG
Birmingham
12.2004 - 12.2005
  • Supervised audits of public entities, including manufacturing and insurance sectors.
  • Conducted compliance audits for universities to meet NCAA and grant requirements.

Payment Processing Manager/Senior Accountant

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Hoover
06.1998 - 11.2004
  • Managed 19 salaried and hourly employees to optimize team performance.
  • Ensured timely processing of daily payments totaling $25 million, meeting all cash deposit deadlines.
  • Completed monthly closings and corporate reporting with precision.
  • Recognized for expertise in Performance Management while engaging with company visitors to explain processes.

Audit Senior

Ernst & Young
Birmingham
03.1997 - 06.1998
  • Conducted audits of both public and private healthcare organizations, ranging from regional hospitals to major public filers.
  • Documented and tested internal controls to verify operational effectiveness.

Audit Senior/Audit Associate

Coopers & Lybrand
Birmingham
01.1995 - 03.1997
  • Conducted audits for manufacturing, healthcare, real estate, and governmental sectors.
  • Evaluated internal controls to identify compliance gaps and enhance operational integrity.

Budget Officer

United States Air Force
Wichita
06.1985 - 11.1989
  • Delivered monthly fund status briefings to base commander and senior leadership.
  • Coordinated budget development processes, reviewing inputs for accuracy and compliance.
  • Supervised three military staff and one civilian staff to enhance operational effectiveness.
  • Created a comprehensive budget analyst training program to improve team capabilities.

Education

MAc. - Masters of Accountancy

University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, AL
01-1995

Skills

  • SEC reporting and technical accounting
  • Team building and performance management
  • ERP implementation
  • Attention to detail

Certification

CPA (Alabama) License 6751

Timeline

Director External Reporting

Ferrellgas
11.2021 - Current

Senior Manager - SEC Reporting

McKesson
10.2019 - 11.2021

Manager SEC Reporting and Technical Accounting

Chart Industries
03.2019 - 10.2019

Director of Financial Reporting

CBL & Associates Properties
12.2011 - 02.2019

Senior Accountant

Otelco
10.2008 - 12.2011

Interim Controller

Abc Polymer Industries
05.2008 - 10.2008

Audit Senior

KPMG
12.2004 - 12.2005

Payment Processing Manager/Senior Accountant

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
06.1998 - 11.2004

Audit Senior

Ernst & Young
03.1997 - 06.1998

Audit Senior/Audit Associate

Coopers & Lybrand
01.1995 - 03.1997

Budget Officer

United States Air Force
06.1985 - 11.1989

MAc. - Masters of Accountancy

University of Alabama At Birmingham
Audrey Lester