Howard Cates
Malvern,PA
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
President
Universal Financial Solutions, LLC
01.2004 - 12.2015
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
- Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
Partner
Tran Source Logistics
06.2001 - 09.2014
- Provided outstanding service to all individuals, promoting effective, and lasting business relationships.
- Achieved successful client outcomes by identifying and addressing their unique needs and goals.
- Stayed informed on industry developments and market trends to gain competitive advantage.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
Vice President of Finance
Zany Brainy
01.1994 - 05.2001
- Ensured timely and accurate financial reporting, maintaining full compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Conducted thorough due diligence for potential acquisitions, minimizing risks associated with mergers or acquisitions activity.
- Lead the financial team in preparing for and completion of public stock offering on the NASDAQ exchange.
- Controlled accounting operations and oversaw transactions related to payroll, financial reporting, payables and receivables.
- Collaborated with executive leadership team to develop and implement innovative financial strategies for growth.
- Managed relationships with external auditors to ensure timely completion of audits without significant findings or adjustments.
- Negotiated favorable terms for debt financing, reducing interest expense while maintaining strong credit ratings.
- Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
Divisional Controller
Hecht's - A Division Of May Department Stores
06.1983 - 01.1994
- Managed divisional cost accounting, general ledger, payroll and cash management.
- Mentored junior finance professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the division.
- Reduced operating costs with thorough expense analysis and identification of cost-saving opportunities.
- Prepared monthly management reports that clearly communicated divisional financial performance results to executive leadershipteams.
- Provided financial guidance during mergers and acquisitions activities, contributing to successful business integration efforts.
- Maintained successful control environment for timely and accurate completion of account reconciliations.
- Managed budgets, assets, portfolios, accounts payable, and receivable and general financial reporting procedures.
- Managed daily financial functions in collaboration with accounting and payroll personnel.
- Provided treasury and cash management by overseeing reconciliation of banking activity, credit card processing, and sales tax returns.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Finance
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA06.1983
Skills
- Leadership Team Building
- Organizational Leadership
- Financial Management
- Cost Control
- Risk Mitigation
- Integrity and ethics
- Contract Negotiation
- Budget Management
Timeline
President
Universal Financial Solutions, LLC
01.2004 - 12.2015
Partner
Tran Source Logistics
06.2001 - 09.2014
Vice President of Finance
Zany Brainy
01.1994 - 05.2001
Divisional Controller
Hecht's - A Division Of May Department Stores
06.1983 - 01.1994
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Finance
Drexel University
Similar Profiles
Tetiana MaksymchukTetiana Maksymchuk
Accounts Payable Representative/Utility Specialist at Phambills LLC/Terra Financial Solutions LLCAccounts Payable Representative/Utility Specialist at Phambills LLC/Terra Financial Solutions LLC
Johnathan GastonJohnathan Gaston
Owner & Operator at G&L Financial Solutions LLC d.b.a. BizBookzOwner & Operator at G&L Financial Solutions LLC d.b.a. BizBookz
DAN GOLDSTEINDAN GOLDSTEIN
Client Success Manager at Donnelley Financial Solutions LLCClient Success Manager at Donnelley Financial Solutions LLC
MOLLY FITZPATRICKMOLLY FITZPATRICK
Senior Director of Demand Generation at PrimePaySenior Director of Demand Generation at PrimePay
Jack Henry LeeJack Henry Lee
Sales Associate at Plato's ClosetSales Associate at Plato's Closet