Christopher Schmidt
Gainesville,FL
Summary
Detail-oriented finance and accounting professional with over 15 years of experience across manufacturing and construction environments. Proven ability to deliver accurate, timely month-end close, financial reporting, and compliance in high-pressure settings. Hands-on expertise spanning CFO, Controller, and accounting-level responsibilities, including financial planning and analysis (FP&A), budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, job cost and WIP accounting, general ledger management, internal controls, and executive-level reporting.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Finance | CFO (Hands-On)
Fabco-Air, Inc.
Gainesville, FL
05.2022 - Current
- Led enterprise-wide financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and controlling across manufacturing operations, integrating operational, commercial, and capital plans with standard costing and labor and overhead variance analysis
- Served as strategic finance partner to the GM and senior leadership team, translating operational drivers into financial outcomes and supporting decision-making
- Directed annual operating plans, rolling forecasts, long-range planning, and scenario modeling to support growth and risk management
- Developed driver-based financial models incorporating volume, mix, pricing, labor efficiency, overhead absorption, and capital investment assumptions
- Drove cash flow forecasting, working capital optimization, and liquidity planning with strong balance sheet discipline
- Led margin expansion and cost control initiatives using variance analysis, standard costing, and manufacturing KPIs at plant and consolidated levels
- Delivered executive-level and board-ready financial reporting on performance versus plan, identifying risks, opportunities, and corrective actions
- Maintained direct oversight of accounting operations, audit readiness, internal controls, and regulatory compliance, serving as the local compliance officer and ensuring ISO 9001:2015 adherence across manufacturing operations
- Built and led high-performing finance teams while maintaining hands-on oversight of ERP, planning, and reporting systems to ensure data integrity
Accountant & Bookkeeper (Part-Time)
Kaelyn Schmidt Design, LLC - Remote
Gainesville, Florida
06.2018 - Current
- Manage full-cycle accounting and bookkeeping using QuickBooks Online for a full-service interior design and remodeling firm, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, and bank and credit card reconciliations
- Perform job cost and construction accounting, tracking project costs, labor, and materials to support accurate profitability analysis
- Maintain work-in-progress (WIP) schedules, ensuring proper revenue and cost recognition across active remodeling projects
- Prepare monthly financial reports supporting cash flow management, project performance review, and business decision-making
- Support budgeting, expense tracking, and year-end readiness for tax preparation while maintaining strong internal controls and documentation standards
Director of Finance & Human Resources
Fabco-Air, Inc.
Gainesville, FL
01.2016 - 05.2022
- Led day-to-day finance and HR operations, including AP, AR, payroll, benefits administration, and financial reporting
- Oversaw and developed a team of finance and HR professionals, providing daily leadership and direction
- Directed all controlling activities, including budgeting, forecasting, standard costing, and labor and overhead variance analysis
- Supported month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial results
- Ensured compliance with company policies, labor regulations, and documentation standards across finance and HR
Accounting & Human Resource Manager
Fabco-Air, Inc.
Gainesville, FL
01.2011 - 12.2015
- Prepared financial statements, budgets, and supporting schedules for management reporting and decision support
- Performed account reconciliations and resolved discrepancies to ensure accurate and timely financial records
- Managed payroll, benefits, and insurance programs, ensuring compliance with company policies and labor regulations
- Maintained detailed financial and HR records to support audits, internal reviews, and management oversight
Assembly Technician / Machine Operator
Fabco-Air, Inc.
Gainesville, FL
01.2005 - 12.2010
- Developed strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and process adherence — foundational skills directly applicable to accounting accuracy.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration (Management & Accounting)
Florida Institute of Technology
01.2019
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Saint Leo University
01.2010
Skills
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Cash Flow Management
- Month-End & Year-End Close
- General Ledger Accounting
- Job Cost & WIP Accounting
- Construction & Manufacturing Accounting
- Financial Statement Preparation
- GAAP & Compliance
- Internal Controls
- Variance Analysis & Standard Costing
- Executive & Board Reporting
- QuickBooks & ERP Systems
- Team Leadership
Timeline
Director of Finance | CFO (Hands-On)
Fabco-Air, Inc.
05.2022 - Current
Accountant & Bookkeeper (Part-Time)
Kaelyn Schmidt Design, LLC - Remote
06.2018 - Current
Director of Finance & Human Resources
Fabco-Air, Inc.
01.2016 - 05.2022
Accounting & Human Resource Manager
Fabco-Air, Inc.
01.2011 - 12.2015
Assembly Technician / Machine Operator
Fabco-Air, Inc.
01.2005 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration (Management & Accounting)
Florida Institute of Technology
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Saint Leo University
Custom
References available upon request.