Austin J. Peal
Gainesville,GA
Summary
Finance professional with extensive background in financial analysis and management. Known for driving process improvements and implementing strategic financial planning. Reliable team player with focus on collaboration and adaptability to changing business needs.
Forward-thinking team leader skilled at operating departments efficiently to meet goals. Successful background matching employees with roles for maximum performance. Proactive and hardworking individual focused on continuous operational improvement.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Finance Manager
Cottrell, Inc
01.2023 - Current
- Directs and coordinates bi-yearly inventory management
- Reviewed documentation and identified financial discrepancies where applicable.
- Streamlined month-end close process, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving data accuracy.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, federal tax regulations; timely filing of all required documents, mitigating potential penalties or fines.
- Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations.
- Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional development and strong team dynamics.
- Optimized cash flow with diligent monitoring of accounts receivable and payable.
- Processed invoices and contacted appropriate parties for timely payment receipt.
- Monitored budget and revenue trends, compiling reports for company leadership to inform decision-making.
- Negotiated favorable terms with vendors, resulting in significant cost savings for the company.
- Strengthened internal controls through regular audits and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Delivered comprehensive financial training programs for non-finance managers, enhancing cross-functional understanding and collaboration.
- Streamlined internal audit process, enhancing efficiency and reducing discrepancies.
- Developed financial models for new business opportunities, supporting strategic expansion and portfolio diversification.
Assistant Controller
Cottrell, Inc
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Oversaw the accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring timely payments and collections while maintaining strong vendor relationships.
- Simplified complex financial data through clear presentations, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions.
- Enhanced financial accuracy by streamlining accounting processes and implementing effective internal controls.
- Identified areas for cost savings by performing thorough expense analysis and recommending adjustments as needed.
- Participated in special projects, including system implementations and process improvements, leading to increased efficiency within the finance department.
- Supported annual audit process by coordinating efforts with external auditors to ensure efficient completion within deadlines.
- Optimized company tax strategy by collaborating with tax advisors to identify opportunities for reduced tax liabilities while remaining compliant with regulations.
- Developed comprehensive budgeting process for timely and accurate financial forecasting, leading to better decisionmaking.
- Worked with both internal and external users to create detailed financial reports.
- Managed outstanding balance amounts by evaluating reports and determining collection statuses.
- Supported program managers in providing procedural training on finance and accounting.
Warranty Coordinator
Cottrell, Inc
01.2015 - 01.2022
- Ensured compliance with all relevant laws and regulations regarding product warranties while protecting company interests.
- Collaborated with technicians to ensure accurate diagnosis and repair of product issues under warranty.
- Coordinated effectively with sales teams on pre-warranty inquiries from potential clients.
- Actively tracked performance metrics related to warranties regularly, leading initiatives aimed at achieving or surpassing established targets consistently over time.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions for warranty-related services.
- Demonstrated exceptional attention-to-detail when reviewing claim documentation before making eligibility decisions.
- Reduced warranty claim processing time by streamlining communication between departments and clients.
- Participated in cross-functional meetings to discuss ongoing warranty matters and develop strategies for continuous improvement in customer service quality.
- Analyzed data on recurring product issues, providing valuable insights for future design improvements and reducing overall warranty expenses.
- Developed comprehensive reports for management, highlighting warranty trends and potential improvements.
- Educated customers on proper maintenance and care practices to minimize warranty claims and improve product longevity.
Part Sales Account Executive
Cottrell, Inc
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Managed sales cycle to maintain solid customer base.
- Mastered and constantly improved sales prospecting, follow-up and upsell processes.
- Expanded company presence within the market by attending trade shows, conferences, and networking events.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns promptly to maintain strong client relationships.
- Increased sales revenue by establishing and nurturing long-term client relationships.
- Engaged in daily cold calls in-person and via telephone and followed up with small business prospects monthly to verify pipeline sufficiency.
- Developed and implemented database sales tracking, enabling improved understanding of product profitability and inventory needs.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently through strategic planning and execution.
- Attained deep and thorough knowledge of company's products and solutions to help accomplish mutual success and partnership between buyer and seller.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts to ensure consistent customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Leveraged CRM to collect, organize, and manage sales data and customer information.
- Trained, coached, and mentored new sales associates for maximum performance.
- Met existing customers to review current services and expand sales opportunities.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
Carrier Account Executive
GTO 2000
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving service issues promptly and professionally.
- Communicated customer complaints, requests, and feedback to company management for swift resolution.
- Achieved high levels of punctuality and reliability in meeting scheduled pick-up and delivery times.
- Loaded and secured items in trucks to avoid damage to parcels during delivery.
- Provided exceptional customer service through effective communication with clients at every stage of the process.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, providing excellent customer service and support.
- Maintained accurate records of shipments, ensuring proper tracking and timely delivery.
- Performed regular maintenance checks on vehicles, ensuring safety and reliability in all weather conditions.
- Managed logistics operations, coordinating with suppliers to ensure smooth deliveries and inventory management.
- Assisted in the development of policies and procedures to improve overall operations quality.
- Collaborated closely with dispatchers to optimize routing plans based on real-time updates from drivers on road conditions or delays.
Logistics Manager
K&B Transportation Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Planned and routed freight to efficiently maximize cost per load
- Maintained a working relationship with the customers to schedule pickup and delivery appointments
- Managed regulatory DOT compliance
- Developed time management skills to ensure that drivers maintain a 99% on time delivery rate
- Monitored each driver daily to make sure they comply with federal regulations
- Managed drivers daily and weekly spending
- Dispatched and routed drivers daily
Office Manager
Joyful Creations
01.2003 - 01.2007
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
- Served as a liaison between upper management and staff members, facilitating open channels of communication to address concerns or issues promptly.
- Handled sensitive employee and client information with utmost confidentiality, maintaining trust and integrity.
- Managed scheduling and coordination of all office meetings to ensure smooth operations and minimal conflicts.
- Provided comprehensive administrative support to senior management, enabling them to focus on strategic decision-making.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Accounting
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA01.2016
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
University of North Georgia - Mike Cottrell College of Business
Dahlonega, GA01.2007
Skills
- Budget forecasting
- Financial budgeting
- Customer satisfaction
- Internal controls
- Financial management
- Financial analysis
- Strategic planning
- Regulatory compliance
- Skilled in Windows Suite
- Cash flow management
- Financial modeling
Certification
- SAIL Certificate - Supervisor and Industry Leadership, Lanier Technical College, Workforce Strategies Group LLC, and the Georgia Mountains MFG Sector Workforce Development Strategy
- Executive Certificate in Financial Modeling, UGA Terry College of Business
Timeline
Finance Manager
Cottrell, Inc
01.2023 - Current
Assistant Controller
Cottrell, Inc
01.2022 - 01.2023
Warranty Coordinator
Cottrell, Inc
01.2015 - 01.2022
Part Sales Account Executive
Cottrell, Inc
01.2014 - 01.2015
Carrier Account Executive
GTO 2000
01.2013 - 01.2014
Logistics Manager
K&B Transportation Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2013
Office Manager
Joyful Creations
01.2003 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
University of North Georgia - Mike Cottrell College of Business
Master of Business Administration - Accounting
Brenau University
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