Deserre Cook
Bradenton,FL
Summary
Accomplished, results-driven accounting and financial executive leader with more than 20 years of progressive experience in operations management, financial reporting and analysis, wealth management, tax and estate planning and mergers and acquisitions. Extensive background with high net worth individuals and privately held companies. Skilled in due diligence and integration of acquisitions. Strong qualifications in developing and implementing financial controls and processes in addition to productivity improvements, and change management. Proven team builder and catalyst creating new business opportunities. Possess solid leadership, communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport with all levels of staff and management. Talented financial leader well-versed in accounting principles and regulations. Motivated to keep company financial operations compliant, accurate, and cost-effective. Ready to bring 20+ years of experience and take on challenging new role. Skilled Controller bringing 20+ years of experience working with multiple organizations. Proven leadership and successful in leading teams in achieving financial goals. Accomplished in working with executive leaders to develop business, financial and growth strategies. Public / Private/ SEC
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Controller
Custom Home Builder
2023.11 - Current
- Cost Accounting, Progress Billing, WIP, NTO, Lien Releases, Partial/Final, AIA Financial Reporting GAAP, Budgeting, Forecasting, HR, Payroll
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare monthly financial documents and general account management.
- Prepared balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
- Managed payroll data entry and processing for 15 employees to comply with predetermined company guidelines.
- Reviewed documents and data to give accurate presentations and forecasts to upper management.
- Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages.
- Ensured compliance with tax regulations by managing the timely preparation and filing of all required returns.
- Provided insightful financial analysis to support executive team in making informed business decisions.
- Implemented cost-saving measures, identifying inefficiencies and reallocating resources to achieve optimal results.
- Completed complete software conversion from Gemini to Enterprise Solutions and Builder Trend.
Staff Accountant
CPA Firm-Bradenton, FL
2022.11 - 2023.11
- Staff Accountant for local CPA Firm
- Tax Preparations: 1040, 1120, 1120S, 1065, 990, Sales Tax, Property Tax
- Client Accounting Bookkeeping and Write UP
- Thompson Reuters
- Ultra Tax
- CS Professional Suite
Controller
UNIVERSAL WINDOW SOLUTIONS, LLC-Sarasota, FL
2017.03 - 2022.11
- Controller for Specialty Construction Contractor: $300 Million Revenues
- Cost Accounting, Progress Billing, WIP, NTO, Lien Releases, Partial/Final, AIA Financial Reporting GAAP, Budgeting, Forecasting, HR, Payroll
- Oversee AR, AP, Purchasing
- Tax 1120S/1065 940,941, RT-6, Property, Tangible
- Cash Management, SOPs, Internal Controls, Sales Tax, Insurance (Corporate and Benefits)
- Negotiated company contracts: Vendors, Subcontractors, Op Ex/Capital Leases, Vehicles, Phones, IT
Director of Accounting
BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE-Bradenton, FL
2020.09 - 2021.09
- Fund Accounting: 501 c-3 Endowment, Unrestricted, Temp Restricted, Restricted
- Financial Reporting (FASB), Cash Management, Budgets, Forecasts
- Oversee AP, AR, Payroll, HR
- Manage and Account for Operating and Capital Projects
- Grant Management: County, State, Federal: Application, Compliance, Pay Requests, NMTC
- Manage Insurance: GL, D&O, WC, Commercial
- Audit and Taxes: 941, RT-6, 990, Property, Sales Tax
Controller
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley-Sapphire, NC
2019.09 - 2020.09
- GAAP Accounting: Non-profit, Social Clubs: 501 c-7
- Full Financial Responsibilities for a 400 member-owned Golf and Country Club
- Statement of Position, Statement of Activities, Cash Flow, FA, KPI, Ad Hoc Reports
- Club Inventory, Fixed Assets: Acquisition and Disposal
- Produce Monthly Member Statements, Oversee: Payroll, AR, AP
- Reported to Board and Finance Committee
- Assisted COO with Budget and Forecasting
- Participate with External Audits and Tax Filing Form 990
Comptroller
RABUN GAP NACOOCHEE SCHOOL-Rabun Gap, GA
2018.07 - 2019.08
- On-profit, 501 c-3, Private preparatory boarding school
- Comptroller in the Business Office of Budget and Finance
- Fund Accounting, Endowments, Restricted, Temp Restricted, Unrestricted Funds
- Full Financial Reporting, Budgets, Forecasting, Account Reconciliations, Payroll, Benefits, HR, Manage Cash Flow, Bank / Credit Card, Fixed Asset Management
- Procurement of Assets Oversee: AP, AR
- Participate in Fund Raising Events
- Assisted as needed: Lunchroom monitoring, Serve in the Student Center/Bookstore
- Prepare/Assist with Audit, Tax 990
- Blackbaud: Financial Edge, Raisers Edge, Quickbooks Enterprise Solutions
Controller
BEAR LAKE RESERVE, LLC-Tuckasegee, NC
2016.01 - 2017.02
- (INTERIM - DURING CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP- CONTRACT)
- Country Club and Residential Rental Property Management with HOA
- Full Financial Reporting: Budget/Forecasting, AP, AR, Member Statements, Inventory
- FOH/BOH
- Payroll Processing, HR-New Hire and Benefits Administration: 941, 940, RT6, W2, 1099, 1120
- Manage Operations of Staff including Executive Chef, FOH, BOH, Activities Director, Marina, Banquets and Housekeeping.
Finance Manager
SOARING WINGS FRANCHISE-Largo, FL
2015.09 - 2015.12
- Short Term Contract Position - Privately Owner Restaurant Franchise
- Full Financial Reporting Responsibilities for 25 Restaurants, Corp Headquarters, and Advertising Units
- 7 Direct Reports: Staff Accountants, PR, HR, AP, AR
- Cost Accounting: New Store Construction: Lease Build Out/NOC, Lien Releases, NTO, % Completion, WIP
Tax Analyst II
DRAKE SOFTWARE-Franklin, NC
2014.06 - 2015.06
- Federal and Personal Tax Preparation
- Worked with multiple state DOR, monitored changes to state tax regulations - advised software engineers of changes for upcoming tax year updates to the software
- Software Testing
Controller
The Edwards Group-Saint Petersburg, FL
2006.06 - 2013.12
- Multiple entities owned by The Edwards Group: Mortgage Investors: Mortgage Refinancing for US Veterans and their families
- Edwards Family Foundation: 501 c-3: Fund Accounting: Financials, PR, Tax 990
- Champion Auto Sales: Financial Management
- Used Auto Sales - Auction
- Crystal Palms Beach Resort Luxury Hotel: Construction and Accounting
- The Club at Treasure Island: 900 Member, 85 Employees, 45 Slip Marina
- Full Financial Responsibilities: For Profit and Non-Profit,Consolidated Financial Reporting, HR, Payroll, Benefits Administration
- Insurance: WC, General Liability, Property, Commercial Insurances
- Audits, Budgets, Forecasting, Financial Analysis, Sales Tax, CAFÉ 125 Plan, AFLAC, 401-K Contributions/Match, SOP, Internal Controls, Credit/ Collections, Capital Expenditures, FA/Depreciation
- Tax: 1120S, 1065, 990
- Provided Accounting Direction and Analytical Support to all Departments as required.
Education
MASTER OF ACCOUNTING -
ST. LEO UNIVERSITY
Saint Leo, FL05.2016
BACHELOR OF ARTS in ACCOUNTING -
ST. LEO UNIVERSITY
Saint Leo, FL10.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Music Performance - French Horn
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL06.1989
Skills
- Public / Private / Non-Profit / SEC
- Cash Flow Management
- Internal Controls
- Financial Forecasting
- Journal Entries
- Bank Reconciliation
- General ledger accounting
- Month-end reporting
- Closing procedures
- Financial Reporting
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Inventory Auditing
- GAAP
- Tax Preparation
- Preparing financial statements
- ERP Systems Expertise
Certification
- Certified Quickbooks Pro Advisor
- Certified Bookkeeper
CPA Candidate
Currently testing
Industryexperience
- Manufacturing
- Real Estate Development
- Construction
- Condo-Hotel
- Country Clubs
- Hospitality
- F&B
- Professional Sports
- Franchise Accounting
- Financial Services
- 501 C(3) Private Foundations
- Service Sector
- Entertainment
- Public Accounting
Personal Information
Title: Controller / CFO/ Tax/ Accounting
I enjoy performing with the Sarasota Pops Orchestra and the Tampa Bay Symphony
French Horn
Timeline
Controller
Custom Home Builder
2023.11 - Current
Staff Accountant
CPA Firm-Bradenton, FL
2022.11 - 2023.11
Director of Accounting
BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE-Bradenton, FL
2020.09 - 2021.09
Controller
The Country Club of Sapphire Valley-Sapphire, NC
2019.09 - 2020.09
Comptroller
RABUN GAP NACOOCHEE SCHOOL-Rabun Gap, GA
2018.07 - 2019.08
Controller
UNIVERSAL WINDOW SOLUTIONS, LLC-Sarasota, FL
2017.03 - 2022.11
Controller
BEAR LAKE RESERVE, LLC-Tuckasegee, NC
2016.01 - 2017.02
Finance Manager
SOARING WINGS FRANCHISE-Largo, FL
2015.09 - 2015.12
Tax Analyst II
DRAKE SOFTWARE-Franklin, NC
2014.06 - 2015.06
Controller
The Edwards Group-Saint Petersburg, FL
2006.06 - 2013.12
MASTER OF ACCOUNTING -
ST. LEO UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF ARTS in ACCOUNTING -
ST. LEO UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts - Music Performance - French Horn
Florida State University
- Certified Quickbooks Pro Advisor
- Certified Bookkeeper
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