CHRISTOPHER WITTE
Stafford,VA
Summary
Versatile accounting professional with a career of 16 years distinguished by management and analysis of various stages of accounting cycle processes and administrative functions, leading a diverse workforce of up to 40 direct and indirect reports, development of first and second level managers, conducting internal audits as well as hosting external audits with a track record of consistent improved benchmarked success. Accomplishments have encompassed providing solutions transforming accounting and reporting routines from previously established ways of working to new organizationally centralized processes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Financial Officer
Department of Veterans Affairs
02.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: National Cemetery Administration, Finance Service
- Website: [not provided]
- Demonstrate strong analytical skills through daily, weekly and monthly reviews of aged obligations, payables, advances, unapplied deposits and receivables, communicating persistent follow-up with appropriate personnel as needed
- Provide user-friendly solutions to improve efficiency, accountability, and accuracy of data entered in the financial system including the creation of tools utilized daily to monitor and track reconciliations and accounting deviations
- Developed a set of tools adapted to the new financial system which created an interactive process for communicating, tracking, reporting, and measuring performance of undelivered orders for use by all relevant personnel, including the field as well as the District, Finance, Budget, and Contracting Offices
- Created the Unreconciled Charge Transaction Reporting Excel tool and Reconciliation Notebook Access Database which allowed for complete Finance Operations measurement and follow up on aging unreconciled charges in IFAMS, improving overall compliance with purchase card policy requirements of timely reconciliations and submission of receipt documentation
- Created a Trial Balance Analysis reporting tool to measure, analyze, and document findings for quarterly year-over-year differences
- Provide technical expertise and guidance for analysis of financial statements
- Developed the Unprocessed Documents Tracking Access Database to assist Finance Operations with monitoring and follow up for aging unprocessed documents in IFAMS
- Standardized the Cash Deposit log and introduced a new analysis of Gift and Recycling funds received over a five-year history
- Created a tool to reconcile commitments between ECMS and IFAMS to ensure discrepancies between the two systems are identified and followed up timely
- Developed a Lease Data submission form for the Budget Office
- During transition to the new financial system and structure, enabled the centralization of the purchase card process by taking the initiative to independently design and develop an interactive dynamic pdf form to be used as a method of communication from field staff to the Finance Office for data entry
- Developed a database and workflow process which improved CAATS purchase card reconciliation efficiency for the field from an average of 14 days to 8 days
- Received a performance appraisal overall rating of Outstanding for four consecutive years (2019-2022) with recognition as Exceptional in all categories
- Consistently execute NCA’s vision of ensuring no veteran ever dies by providing superior customer service, support, and financial guidance to field staff
- Analyze and research converted data to ensure a smooth transition into the new financial accounting system
- Process owner for database management, quality control, and production of office financial reports
- Mentor to fellow Accountants and Accounting Technicians, contributing to their training and development
- Successfully transitioned multiple processes from the Accountant role down to the Accounting Technician role
- Conduct monthly quality assurance audits of data in the CAATS/FMS financial system and identify areas of opportunity
- Research discrepancies and reconcile general ledger accounts
- Identified as Subject Matter Expert (SME) of Finance Operations and designated as a primary testing agent for the new IFAMS program, offering feedback and suggestions for improvement of the system prior to the transition to go-live
- Support the Financial Management Business Transformation (FMBT) program by providing input towards decision making, participate in trainings, act as change champion, provide data and analysis, and record tutorials in preparation for the transition
- Work with the field to establish and maintain proper documentation supporting obligations for Inter-Agency and Intra-Agency Agreements (IAA)
- Ensure a smooth annual close process by working to clear all reconciliations, aged orders, aged obligations, expense transfers, and properly accounting for accruals
- Participate in site visits to conduct Organizational Assessment & Improvement (OAI) reviews, ensuring stations maintain internal controls as well as meet operational standards
- Successfully completed courses in Internal Control & Fraud Prevention, Prompt Payment Act, Technology & Transformation, Enterprise Risk Management, USSGL, Federal Appropriations Law, and GAO Green Book
- Experienced in the use of financial systems including IFAMS (Momentum), Power BI, CAATS, FMS, IPPS, FRS, FCM/RSD and IPPS
- National Cemetery Administration, Finance Service
- Website: [not provided]
Accountant
Department of Veterans Affairs
06.2018 - 02.2023
- Company Overview: National Cemetery Administration, Finance Service
- Website: [not provided]
- Demonstrate strong analytical skills through daily, weekly and monthly reviews of aged obligations, payables, advances, unapplied deposits and receivables, communicating persistent follow-up with appropriate personnel as needed
- Provide user-friendly solutions to improve efficiency, accountability, and accuracy of data entered in the financial system including the creation of tools utilized daily to monitor and track reconciliations and accounting deviations
- Developed a set of tools adapted to the new financial system which created an interactive process for communicating, tracking, reporting, and measuring performance of undelivered orders for use by all relevant personnel, including the field as well as the District, Finance, Budget, and Contracting Offices
- Created the Unreconciled Charge Transaction Reporting Excel tool and Reconciliation Notebook Access Database which allowed for complete Finance Operations measurement and follow up on aging unreconciled charges in IFAMS, improving overall compliance with purchase card policy requirements of timely reconciliations and submission of receipt documentation
- Created a Trial Balance Analysis reporting tool to measure, analyze, and document findings for quarterly year-over-year differences
- Provide technical expertise and guidance for analysis of financial statements
- Developed the Unprocessed Documents Tracking Access Database to assist Finance Operations with monitoring and follow up for aging unprocessed documents in IFAMS
- Standardized the Cash Deposit log and introduced a new analysis of Gift and Recycling funds received over a five-year history
- Created a tool to reconcile commitments between ECMS and IFAMS to ensure discrepancies between the two systems are identified and followed up timely
- Developed a Lease Data submission form for the Budget Office
- During transition to the new financial system and structure, enabled the centralization of the purchase card process by taking the initiative to independently design and develop an interactive dynamic pdf form to be used as a method of communication from field staff to the Finance Office for data entry
- Developed a database and workflow process which improved CAATS purchase card reconciliation efficiency for the field from an average of 14 days to 8 days
- Received a performance appraisal overall rating of Outstanding for four consecutive years (2019-2022) with recognition as Exceptional in all categories
- Consistently execute NCA’s vision of ensuring no veteran ever dies by providing superior customer service, support, and financial guidance to field staff
- Analyze and research converted data to ensure a smooth transition into the new financial accounting system
- Process owner for database management, quality control, and production of office financial reports
- Mentor to fellow Accountants and Accounting Technicians, contributing to their training and development
- Successfully transitioned multiple processes from the Accountant role down to the Accounting Technician role
- Conduct monthly quality assurance audits of data in the CAATS/FMS financial system and identify areas of opportunity
- Research discrepancies and reconcile general ledger accounts
- Identified as Subject Matter Expert (SME) of Finance Operations and designated as a primary testing agent for the new IFAMS program, offering feedback and suggestions for improvement of the system prior to the transition to go-live
- Support the Financial Management Business Transformation (FMBT) program by providing input towards decision making, participate in trainings, act as change champion, provide data and analysis, and record tutorials in preparation for the transition
- Work with the field to establish and maintain proper documentation supporting obligations for Inter-Agency and Intra-Agency Agreements (IAA)
- Ensure a smooth annual close process by working to clear all reconciliations, aged orders, aged obligations, expense transfers, and properly accounting for accruals
- Participate in site visits to conduct Organizational Assessment & Improvement (OAI) reviews, ensuring stations maintain internal controls as well as meet operational standards
- Successfully completed courses in Internal Control & Fraud Prevention, Prompt Payment Act, Technology & Transformation, Enterprise Risk Management, USSGL, Federal Appropriations Law, and GAO Green Book
- Experienced in the use of financial systems including IFAMS (Momentum), Power BI, CAATS, FMS, IPPS, FRS, FCM/RSD and IPPS
- National Cemetery Administration, Finance Service
- Website: [not provided]
Staff Planning Coordinator – Payroll Accounting/ Budget Manager
IKEA Home Furnishings
03.2017 - 06.2018
- Company Overview: Website: [not provided]
- Received nomination for 2017 Manager of the Year
- Expert technical consultant in operational human resources planning and decision making driven by the financial impact of workforce management
- Responsible for reconciliation of the accounting of worked hours to the appropriate budget allocations
- Maintained worked hours accounts and account data
- Created labor budgets for each account dimensioned to a fluctuating sales pace
- Developed strategic solutions to work within budgets and meet company expectations
- Analyzed planned vs actual budget results and secured upcoming forecasting for resource allocation
- Compiled and analyzed data using MS Excel to review for trends and opportunities for financial improvements
- Prepared financial reports in accordance with FASB standards and presented findings to management
- Performed reviews to evaluate business process performance and made recommendations for improvement
- Reconciled accounting transactions pertaining to wages
- Researched and investigated abnormal discrepancies within the general ledger and various financial reports
- Conducted audits with attention to detail to ensure compliance with company policies
- Responsible for payroll and overall pay practice adherence to law and policy
- Facilitated scheduling for over 300 employees
- Website: [not provided]
Administration Manager – Accounting & Internal Controls Manager
IKEA Home Furnishings
10.2014 - 02.2017
- Company Overview: Website: [not provided]
- Supervisor of Accounting and IT staff with the responsibility of recruitment and performance management, including preparing and delivering performance plans
- Manager of the whole accounting cycle (journaling business events to presenting financial statements) for a business exceeding $100 million in annual sales
- Power of Attorney with authority to approve all company spending on contracts and purchase cards
- Conducted internal control audits and quality assurance reviews by analyzing accounting data against FASB standards to identify areas of improvement in processes
- Implemented policy and procedure solutions to streamline and standardize processes, creating transparency and reducing waste
- Verified accuracy and completeness of accounting data through daily reconciliations of transactions and subsidiary general ledger balances within the financial system
- Managed the purchase order process and accounts payable balances
- Managed the classification of all accounting transactions according to the common chart of accounts, within GAAP
- Reconciled all outstanding obligations by following up with vendors and invoices to determine obligation status
- Managed invoice coding and payment certification process through the financial AP system, Basware
- Analyzed invoices for accuracy and followed up on discrepancies with various offices and external vendors
- Processed manual check payments for payroll and vendor payment
- Maintained AP documentation standards, reconciling invoices to PO’s and work orders
- Reconciled monthly accounting records for various general ledger accounts, researched abnormal balances and irregular activity
- Managed the general ledger through the electronic system, CODA
- Analyzed financial data and researched discrepancies
- Reclassified inaccurate data through journal posting to the general ledger
- Managed the locations purchase card issuance, use, and reconciliation of purchase card charges
- Authorizer of purchase orders for contracts – insured sufficient funding was available, accounting was correct, and insured contracts were in accordance with relevant laws and within organizational policy
- Oversaw month-end accounting and accrual close-out process to ensure accurate financial statement reporting
- Presented financial information, including a performance analysis, to senior leaders on a regular basis
- Partnered with the Operations Manager to review P&L reporting
- Established and maintain exceptional business relationships with vendors and contractors
- Website: [not provided]
Front Line Manager – Staff Accountant and Customer Experience Manager
IKEA Home Furnishings
04.2012 - 09.2014
- Company Overview: Website: [not provided]
- Manager of 40 Customer Service employees including first level managers with the responsibility of recruitment and performance management, including preparing and delivering performance plans
- Accountable for sales revenue reporting, reconciling and reporting on variances with planned vs actual performance
- Reconciled budget allocations and monitor monthly expenses
- Input transactions through journalizing and utilization of the financial accounting system
- Reconciled general ledger balances on a regular basis
- Researched and resolved abnormal balances and significant financial fluctuations
- Reported on account and budget balances, reporting on performance to senior leadership
- Assisted with the accounting close-out process to ensure proper financial reporting
- Recruited, hired and trained management and associate level staff
- Prepared and delivered development plans and performance evaluations
- Website: [not provided]
Assistant Manager – Customer Experience & Sales Manager
Modell’s Sporting Goods
11.2010 - 03.2012
- Company Overview: Website: [not provided]
- Manager of 25 employees with the responsibility of recruitment and performance management
- Worked with P&L to identify areas of opportunity to improve sales and reduce costs
- Prepared daily sales reports
- Processed weekly payroll
- Website: [not provided]
Front Line Team Leader – Bookkeeping and Customer Experience Manager
IKEA Home Furnishings
05.2008 - 10.2010
- Company Overview: Website: [not provided]
- Manager of 20 Customer Service employees with the responsibility of recruitment and performance management, including preparing and delivering performance plans
- Daily bookkeeping of all transactional activity
- Prepared daily sales reconciliation for accounting department approval
- Website: [not provided]
Warehouse Coordinator – Customer Service Supervisor
IKEA Home Furnishings
06.2007 - 04.2008
- Company Overview: Website: [not provided]
- Shift supervisor leading warehouse team to top performance
- Ensured warehouse was clean, stocked and ready for customers
- Website: [not provided]
Assistant Manager – Customer Service Supervisor
Firestone Complete Auto Care
07.2006 - 05.2007
- Company Overview: Website: [not provided]
- Manager of 10 employees
- Provided customer service to help build business
- Coordinated invoice payment
- Processed weekly payroll
- Website: [not provided]
Education
BA - Music with Concentration in Industry
05.2005
Skills
- Management
- Mentorship
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
- Adobe
- Electronic accounting systems
- IFAMS (Momentum)
- Power BI
- CAATS/FMS
- Basware
- CODA
- Analytical skills
- Solutions-oriented approach
- Effective communication
- Influencing management decisions
- Building business relationships
- Behavior management
- Attention to detail
- Organization
Leadershipcompetencies
Established track record for influencing broad audiences to buy into process change implementation, Effective business consultant and mentor guiding financial decision making to a team of Accountants, Accounting Technicians, and Budget Analysts, Recognized for the ability to achieve goals through strong relationship building skills, Served as ambassador and change champion in various capacities for multiple complete structural and financial reorganizations, Enabled organizations to adapt to new ways of working by providing solutions to be applied under new business models, Established efficient processes using accounting data and leveraged enhanced analytical tools to implement robust financial reporting for leadership, driving enhanced strategic decision making, Developed accounting policies and procedures and contributed to SOP writing to standardize best practices in accordance with FASB, Created multiple tools for organization-wide use in various programs including Microsoft Excel, Access, SharePoint, InfoPath, Adobe Pro and LiveCycle Designer to improve efficiency, organize and analyze data, report findings, and implement solutions leading to overall improved financial compliance, Recognized as a top performer for contributions in leading a location with a staff of over 300 through a complete organizational restructure
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer - Department of Veterans Affairs
02.2023 - Current
Accountant - Department of Veterans Affairs
06.2018 - 02.2023
Staff Planning Coordinator – Payroll Accounting/ Budget Manager - IKEA Home Furnishings
03.2017 - 06.2018
Administration Manager – Accounting & Internal Controls Manager - IKEA Home Furnishings
10.2014 - 02.2017
Front Line Manager – Staff Accountant and Customer Experience Manager - IKEA Home Furnishings
04.2012 - 09.2014
Assistant Manager – Customer Experience & Sales Manager - Modell’s Sporting Goods
11.2010 - 03.2012
Front Line Team Leader – Bookkeeping and Customer Experience Manager - IKEA Home Furnishings
05.2008 - 10.2010
Warehouse Coordinator – Customer Service Supervisor - IKEA Home Furnishings
06.2007 - 04.2008
Assistant Manager – Customer Service Supervisor - Firestone Complete Auto Care
07.2006 - 05.2007
Monmouth University - BA, Music with Concentration in Industry
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