Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Experience
Systems & Applications
References
Timeline
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Brenda Lawson

Brenda Lawson

Tecumseh

Summary

35 years Seasoned Finance & Accounting Team Leadership across Industries, both National & International. Cost Savings, Revenue Optimization & Continuous Improvement Proven Success. Reorganization & Growth Process Streamlining Expert.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

International Controller

Hines Industries, Manufacturing, 20M
Ann Arbor
11.2023 - 04.2024
  • Analyzed financial data and generated accurate budgets, forecasts, and cash flows on a monthly basis.
  • Created financial reports, led full month-end close processes, and maintained an accurate general ledger, including journal entries and account reconciliations, in accordance with GAAP and IFRS.
  • Developed strategies to improve profitability by analyzing current trends in revenue and expenses.
  • Developed key performance metrics and dashboards which enabled management decision making based on real-time data.
  • Managed revenue cycle and optimized cash flows through strategic banking and cash handling initiatives.
  • Conducted comprehensive sales quoting and financial modeling to enhance sales team efficiency.

Finance & Accounting Consultant

Lawson LLC, Multiple Industries, 4-41M
Ann Arbor
10.2019 - 10.2023
  • Evaluated potential investments and acquisitions from a financial perspective and recommended appropriate action plans.
  • Managed the preparation of budgets, forecasts, cash flow analysis, trend analysis and other related activities.
  • Implemented the full month-end close process in order to meet tight deadlines.
  • Maintained the general ledger and chart of accounts, performed complex intercompany accounting functions such as journal entry preparation, account, contract & inventory, cost analysis, account reconciliations, and preparation of financial statements.
  • Reorganized finance and accounting departments and processes to improve efficiency and cut excess spending.

Director of Finance & Accounting

DTE Energy, Renewable Energy, 14B
Ann Arbor
02.2014 - 09.2019
  • Collaborated with Biomass subsidiary department heads to evaluate and develop detailed financial performance metrics, and identify opportunities using accurate budgets and forecasts, ensuring effective and timely collaboration with DTE Vantage leadership.
  • Directed revenue cycle management, optimized cash flows, investments, and coordinated audits.
  • Led comprehensive month-end close processes, intercompany transactions, overseeing the general ledger, journal entries, account reconciliations, and the timely preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and IFRS.
  • Directed and mentored the head accountant and all accounting personnel, optimizing team performance and operational effectiveness.

Director of Accounting & Finance

Lenawee Hospital Group, Healthcare, 700M
Adrian
12.2004 - 01.2014
  • Analyzed detailed financial reports for accurate budgeting and forecasting, collaborating with department heads to finalize financial targets across healthcare groups.
  • Led revenue cycle optimization and evaluated external contracts to ensure accurate accounting, while managing staff accountants, patient accounts, and payroll & benefit operations.
  • Directed extensive month-end close processes, account reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and journal entries to maintain the general ledger, and produce comprehensive consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
  • Implemented continuous improvement in existing processes related to accounting, finance, investment, and systems operations resulting in financial & operational optimization of resources.

Auditor & Systems Sales/Senior Implementation Specialist

Doeren Mayhew, CPA Firm, 72M
Troy
06.2002 - 11.2004
  • Verified financial records for accuracy and compliance, identifying potential fraud risks and recommending process improvements.
  • Analyzed and interpreted accounting records to prepare accurate financial statements and provide strategic advice.
  • Led sales and implementation of system conversions by reorganizing, streamlining, and customizing processes to meet unique business needs.

Education

MBA - Accounting And Finance

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI
06-2002

BBA - Accounting and Finance

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI
06-2002

Skills

  • Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis
  • KPI tracking & ROI delivery
  • Investment Management
  • Risk Mitigation
  • Cash Flow & Revenue Optimization
  • Budgeting & Forecasting Accuracy
  • Continuous Process Improvements
  • Consolidated Financial Statement Reporting
  • Variance/Trend Analysis
  • Full Month-End Close Cycle
  • General Ledger & Journal Entries
  • Account Reconciliations
  • Audit & Internal Controls Lead
  • Systems Implementation & Remote Mastery
  • Team Leadership
  • GAAP & IFRS Compliance

Additional Experience

International Director of Accounting, Raycon, Ann Arbor, MI, Manufacturing, 17B  1997-2002          
Regional Controller, Envotech, Ypsilanti, MI, Environmental Services, 21B 1987-1997

Controller, Lawson, LLC, Tecumseh, MI, Retail, Real Estate & Investments, 10M  1984-2024

Systems & Applications

Financial:  Accpac, AS400, Crystal Reports, Global Shop Solutions, Great Plains, Hyperion, JD Edwards, Lawson, Mas90, Microsoft Dynamics, Navision, NetSuite, Nutshell, Oracle, Peachtree, PeopleSoft, QuickBooks, Quicken, Rent Manager, Sage, SAP, Timberline, Workday, Xero, Yardi, Excel - vlookups, sum ifs, pivot tables, macros exposure, graphing, Lotus 1-2-3

Office:  Google Suite / Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite / 365, Outlook, MS Access, Clipchamp, Powerpoint, Word

Payroll & Tax:  ADP, Patriot, Paychex, Paycor, Paylocity, H&R Block, Intuit, TaxAct, Tax Slayer, Turbo Tax

Meetings:  Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom 

AI:  Chat GPT, Galaxy AI, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot

Other:  Amazon KDP, Amazon Seller Central, Box, Boxwood, ConstantContact, Cvent, Global Edge Solutions, iMIS, Multiview, Open Edge, SBA, Snipping Tool, SurveyMonkey

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

International Controller

Hines Industries, Manufacturing, 20M
11.2023 - 04.2024

Finance & Accounting Consultant

Lawson LLC, Multiple Industries, 4-41M
10.2019 - 10.2023

Director of Finance & Accounting

DTE Energy, Renewable Energy, 14B
02.2014 - 09.2019

Director of Accounting & Finance

Lenawee Hospital Group, Healthcare, 700M
12.2004 - 01.2014

Auditor & Systems Sales/Senior Implementation Specialist

Doeren Mayhew, CPA Firm, 72M
06.2002 - 11.2004

MBA - Accounting And Finance

Eastern Michigan University

BBA - Accounting and Finance

Eastern Michigan University

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