Ivan Fernandez, CPA
Lake Elmo,Minnesota
Summary
CPA with a strong background in corporate accounting, financial reporting, and US GAAP compliance. Leads general ledger management, month-end and year-end close, audit readiness, and internal controls while supporting staff development and accurate financial reporting.
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Controller
Lake Elmo Bank
Lake Elmo, MN
05.2025 - Current
- Maintained general ledger and chart of accounts, performed complex accounting functions such as journal entry preparation, account analysis, balance sheet reconciliation and preparation of quarterly financial statements.
- Prepared financial statements, balance sheets, and income reports for leadership review.
- Reviewed bank reconciliations, cash activity, and account balances for accuracy.
- Monitored accounts receivable and payable activity to ensure proper reconciliation of accounts.
- Supervised accounting workflows, payables, and receivables processing.
- Oversaw daily activities of staff members including hiring, training and evaluating personnel performance.
- Served as primary contact for external auditors throughout year-end audit process.
Corporate Accounting Manager
Bridgewater Bank
10.2023 - 05.2025
- Managed all general accounting functions for a $5 billion bank, ensuring accuracy, compliance with US GAAP, and a strong internal control environment
- Led financial reporting and internal controls, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, SOX regulations, and other relevant accounting standards
- Managed $50M+ ACL under CECL, ensuring accurate capital allocation and compliance with evolving regulations
- Provided technical accounting guidance on mergers & acquisitions and consolidations, facilitating seamless financial integration through due diligence activities
- Advised C-suite executives on provisioning & deprovisioning, optimizing credit risk and strategy
- Established and led SOC review process, improving vendor risk assessment and compliance protocols
- Mentored accounting staff, assisted with recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance support
Senior Corporate Accountant – Management Company
Castlelake, L.P.
11.2020 - 10.2023
- Prepared consolidated financial reports for a $26 billion private equity firm, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and international accounting standards.
- Managed month-end close process, including journal entries, variance analysis, reconciliations to ensure accurate financial reporting
- Forecasted weekly cash flow for $75M credit facility across 16 bank accounts in five countries to ensure liquidity and financial stability
- Coordinated external audits and regulatory filings, ensuring compliance with VAT and foreign subsidiary requirements
External Auditor
Ernst & Young LLP
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Performed substantive audit procedures and conducted financial ratio analysis to identify areas of risk
- Evaluated financial statements and internal controls to ensure compliance with GAAP standards
- Presented audit findings and recommendations to clients through detailed reports and presentations
Credit Analyst
Bridgewater Bank
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Analyzed credit requests and presented insights on loans up to $15M to executive leadership, facilitating informed decision-making
Education
B.S. - Finance & Accounting
University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management
Minneapolis, MN05-2018
Skills
- GAAP compliance
- SOX compliance
- Audit readiness
- GL Management & Reconciliations
- Budget Management
- M&A support
- Team Leadership & Development
Certification
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Active License #32057
Affiliations
- Board Member - Valley Outreach
Timeline
Controller
Lake Elmo Bank
05.2025 - Current
Corporate Accounting Manager
Bridgewater Bank
10.2023 - 05.2025
Senior Corporate Accountant – Management Company
Castlelake, L.P.
11.2020 - 10.2023
External Auditor
Ernst & Young LLP
08.2019 - 08.2020
Credit Analyst
Bridgewater Bank
05.2018 - 08.2019
B.S. - Finance & Accounting
University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management