Keith Watson
Severna Park,MD
Summary
Highly competent Corporate Controller with comprehensive experience in directing all aspects of accounting operations, overseeing budgeting, and developing internal control policies. Possess strong strategic planning skills and significant ability to work with senior management team to integrate finance function into daily operations. Notable success in significantly improving financial processes, enhancing productivity levels, and introducing process improvements. Known for leadership abilities and proficiency in streamlining financial management processes.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Controller
Maryland Jockey Club
Laurel, Maryland
10.1998 - Current
- Evaluated capital expenditure requests for cost effectiveness and return on investment potential.
- Coordinated and monitored the preparation of financial statements, budgets and forecasts.
- Assisted with the development of business plans for new projects or initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and standards relating to finance matters.
- Developed and implemented internal controls to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Provided guidance on accounting policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Lead team of accountants responsible for managing daily transactional activity within the general ledger system.
- Maintained relationships with banks, investors and other stakeholders in order to secure financing options when necessary.
- Provided support to external auditors during annual audit reviews.
- Created annual budgeting process including revenue forecasting models based on historical trends and industry analysis.
- Managed corporate cash flow by monitoring payments and collections activities.
- Prepared monthly financial reports to provide timely information on company performance.
- Collaborated with other departments to analyze product costs, labor costs, overhead expenses and inventory levels.
- Monitored auditing procedures, successfully eliminating full audits to compilation based upon consistent and efficient reports.
- Followed regulatory reporting procedures and gathered information for compilation of financial statements.
- Managed cash flows to optimize year-end tax benefits.
- Trained and mentored members of accounting department, improving each employee's individual skillset.
- Increased compliance rates from to by initiating strategic plan for contract audit procedures.
- Produced financial reports and audit documentation to facilitate internal and external auditing.
- Used US GAAP to shape technical accounting policies and procedures.
- Administered payroll for employees and oversaw corporate payroll reconciliation and tax activities.
- Successfully handled auditing procedures for variety of clients across vast number of industries in both public and private sectors.
- Oversaw month-end closing process, prepared financial statements and managed advanced reconciliations.
- Complied with SOX guidelines and developed policies to maintain compliance with other regulatory statutes.
- 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 company's financial reports and ancillary documentation in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Reorganized finance and accounting departments to improve efficiency and cut excess spending.
- Coordinated timely collections with appropriate project managers and customers to manage cash flow.
- Prepared and presented operational reports to senior management and executive teams.
- Implemented multiple software conversions, desktop setup, and staff training.
- Collaborated with program leaders and staff to provide education and training on finance and accounting procedures.
- Executed periodic budgeting and modeling to project monthly cash requirements.
- Developed complex P&L reports to inform stakeholders.
Education
Certified Public Accountant - Business Accountancy
Maryland Board of Public Accountancy
Baltimore, MDBachelor of Science - Accounting
Towson University
Baltimore, MDSkills
- GAAP
- Month-end and year-end closings
- Budget administration
- Risk management
- Cash flow management
- General ledger management
- Pricing and costing
- Fixed asset management
- Audit coordination
- Internal control management
- Payroll administration
- Debt management
- Financial forecasting
- Accounts payable management
- Account reconciliation
- Intercompany transactions
- Cost accounting
Timeline
Corporate Controller
Maryland Jockey Club
10.1998 - Current
Certified Public Accountant - Business Accountancy
Maryland Board of Public Accountancy
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Towson University
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