Kelly Ray
Chicago,IL
Summary
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 roles.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Consultant
IT & Consulting - (Confidential)
01.2023 - 02.2024
- Focused Efforts to create a new entity for an existing global company.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
Lead IFRS 16 Project
Global Retailer - WH Smith
03.2022 - 09.2022
- I was a member of the Salo / RSM Team on this project.
- Performed Contract Review and Extraction using a variety of software including MRI ProLease
- Interfaced with cross-functional department heads and auditors to advise and create new policies associated to the lease portfolio
- Analyzed historical lease journal entries in Great Plains to submit any necessary modifications based on the IFRS 16/ASC 842 Standard to the accounting team
- Reviewed software solutions for the reporting of both IFRS 16 and ASC 842
- Created Standard Operating Procedures for system-wide procedures associated to the lease portfolio in Great Plains, MRI, and ProLease
- Performed Variance Analysis and additional finance schedules associated to the lease standard
- Managed the operational expectations of the lease team and created month-end checklists
- Streamlined cross-functional reporting for leases to corporate headquarters
- Collaborated with UK team on creating the financial reporting for the $60M IFRS 16 lease budget.
- Maintained quality assurance standards while managing large-scale projects, resulting in significant reductions in defects and rework.
- Facilitated clear communication between internal departments, ensuring all parties remained aligned on goals throughout the duration of each project.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality projects within budget and on schedule.
- Reduced project completion timeframes through strategic resource allocation and efficient task delegation.
- Oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
- Contributed to the development of company-wide project management strategies, resulting in more streamlined processes and increased productivity.
- Developed comprehensive project plans that clearly outlined objectives, timelines, budgets, risks, and success metrics for all stakeholders.
- Partnered with project team members to identify and quickly address problems.
- Updated customers and senior leaders on progress and roadblocks.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering professional growth and increasing overall team efficiency.
- Planned, executed, and controlled assigned projects, ensuring work performed complied with contractual requirements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of various project components.
- Met with manager weekly to provide detailed project report and milestone updates.
Independent Consultant
Chemical Manufacturer - US Alco
01.2021 - 06.2021
- I Was a member of the Riveron team for this project
- PM on Merger and Acquisition System Implementation in Great Plains
- Worked with the accounting team to create Standard Operating Procedures for existing process
- Collaborated with operations teams in new entities to understand their existing process
- Developed mapping for each entity based on their existing software, including products such as Great Plains and QuickBooks
- Troubleshot a custom accounting product connected with an API to Great Plains
- Resolved issues in a custom software to alleviate pain points for the accounting team
- Collaborated with accounting team and consulting team to implement new entities into Great Plains.
- Led training sessions for client staff members to improve skillsets and enhance overall performance.
- Researched latest market trends to provide current knowledge to clients.
- Improved organizational structures within client companies by implementing best practices in management techniques.
- Supported clients with business analysis, documentation, and data modeling.
- Streamlined business processes for clients by identifying inefficiencies and implementing effective solutions.
- Integrated technology and business operations to identify targeted solutions to customer issues.
- Mentored junior consultants within the team, contributing to their professional development and growth as independent consultants themselves.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and collaboration.
- Implemented practices and procedures to reduce expenditures and increase savings.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
Independent Consultant
IT & Financial Services (Confidential)
- Consult on Year End, Budgeting, and ASC 606 Financial Analysis
- Deadline driven management and collaboration with finance team of year end close process which included detail GL account review
- Annual budget preparation in collaboration with C-Suite for operational, headcount, revenue recognition, leases, and capital expenses
- Variance analysis and accurate forecast preparation associated to ASC 606.
- Supported clients with business analysis, documentation, and data modeling.
- Streamlined business processes for clients by identifying inefficiencies and implementing effective solutions.
- Integrated technology and business operations to identify targeted solutions to customer issues.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and collaboration.
Independent Consultant
Home Services - Homex
01.2020 - 07.2020
- Created their ASC 606 white paper, ASC 606 disclosure in a very short turn-around time collaborating with RSM.
- Handled confidential customer business and operational information.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams remotely to ensure holistic project success.
- Created and developed detailed work plans to meet business priorities and deadlines.
- Prepared presentations to explain revisions, enhancements and process improvements of organization's systems and programs.
- Created an ASC 606 compliance checklist using guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board
- Performed contract review for entities
- Interfaced with the operations team and auditors
- Collaborated with the accounting team for proper recording of the adoption impact
- Drafted the Disclosure for the consolidated annual financial statement
- Created a consolidation implementation from Great Plains to Workday Adaptive Insights for 3 Countries, Seven Entities, and 10 Departments
- Improved organizational structures within client companies by implementing best practices in management techniques.
- Supported clients with business analysis, documentation, and data modeling.
- Mentored junior consultants within the team, contributing to their professional development and growth as independent consultants themselves.
- Integrated technology and business operations to identify targeted solutions to customer issues.
- Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationship for future business opportunities.
- Managed system mapping, integration testing, drafting of standard operations and training modules for
Independent Consultant
Health Services - ConceiveAbilities
- Project Lead System Implementations and Ad Hoc
- Thorough contract review and onboarding of team for ASC 606 Adoption
- System Implementation for Payroll in Rippling
- Collaborated with accounting department regarding numerous outstanding ad hoc projects associated to the balance sheet and income statement.
- Aligned closely with business owners and employees to gather information and gain operational insight.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results.
- Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Independent Consultant
Public Relations - Edelman
- Member of ASC 606 Implementation Team of Edelman's more than 60 offices world wide.
- Analyzed contracts for ASC 606 and revenue recognition resulting in a $250M P&L Gross Up
- Determined Conclusions specific to the contract review and documented for reporting purposes.
- Researched latest market trends to provide current knowledge to clients.
- Supported clients with business analysis, documentation, and data modeling.
- Streamlined business processes for clients by identifying inefficiencies and implementing effective solutions.
- Integrated technology and business operations to identify targeted solutions to customer issues.
- Mentored junior consultants within the team, contributing to their professional development and growth as independent consultants themselves.
- Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationship for future business opportunities.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
Independent Consultant
Data Risk Management Company - Omnivere
- Collaborated with the CFO during their Divestiture Process
- Analyzed the existing accounting processes utilizing Sage Intacct
- Worked with accounting team members to allocate resources for a seamless divestiture
- Performed financial reporting and misc
- Ad hoc projects.
- Supported clients with business analysis, documentation, and data modeling.
- Streamlined business processes for clients by identifying inefficiencies and implementing effective solutions.
- Mentored junior consultants within the team, contributing to their professional development and growth as independent consultants themselves.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and collaboration.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing tailored solutions to their unique business challenges.
- Handled confidential customer business and operational information.
Independent Consultant-Controller & Implementation
National Membership Organization (Confidential)
- Worked organization-wide to facilitate accurate controls and accounting practices
- Managed the System Implementation for IMUS and Great Plains
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures for the entire organization including +7500 memberships nationwide
- Implemented a Payroll Solution with mobile app capabilities
- Created SOPs for the different modules
- Developed training and process share-out.
- Led training sessions for client staff members to improve skillsets and enhance overall performance.
- Improved organizational structures within client companies by implementing best practices in management techniques.
- Supported clients with business analysis, documentation, and data modeling.
- Streamlined business processes for clients by identifying inefficiencies and implementing effective solutions.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Mentored junior consultants within the team, contributing to their professional development and growth as independent consultants themselves.
Independent Consultant
Health Services - Wolters Kluwer
- Was brought in to fill in for the Controller role during a merger and acquisition. As things developed, my skills were directed to the system implementation.
- Supported program managers in providing procedural training on finance and accounting.
- Supported merger and acquisition activities through due diligence efforts and post-acquisition integration.
- Worked with both internal and external users to create detailed financial reports.
- Reviewed contracts financially impacting company and counseled executive leaders on impact contracts would have on company operations.
- Managed the Implementation from Sage Mas500 to Great Plains with a direct upload from Softrax to Great Plains
- Created the SOPs for the accounting process and trained team members
- Reduced month end close by 12 days each month.
- Reduced month-end closing time by optimizing reconciliation procedures and improving collaboration between departments. The implementation resulted in a day 3 consolidated upload to the Netherlands. They had been closing the books in 15 days prior to the implementation.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to professional growth and development.
- Accurately completed financial statement audits and thoroughly reviewed results.
- Contributed to long-term strategic planning initiatives by providing valuable input on financial projections and feasibility studies.
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
- Led cross-functional teams in the implementation of new accounting software, improving overall efficiency within the finance department.
Independent Consultant
Research - Dscout
09.2014 - 06.2016
- Accounting Manager and Interim COO
- Created and managed a custom SaaS and Professional Services reporting system
- Oversaw all aspects associated to the GL
- Implemented an ASC 606 revenue recognition process
- Ran financial schedules for budgeting and cashflow
- Functioned as Interim COO for 9 months.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Oversaw all treasury, business administration and financial management to guarantee five-star service for clients and position the company for future rounds of funding.
- Developed and maintained system of internal controls to prevent fraud and abuse.
- Streamlined month-end closing procedures resulting in reduced processing time without compromising accuracy or completeness of the reports generated.
- Optimized cash flow management through careful analysis of accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory levels, and working capital requirements.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
Chief Financial Officer
One4Graphics, Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2008
- Oversaw financial operations and business development
- Performed financial management consulting for clientele
- Managed and maintained professional services agreements
- Formulated and maintained vendor relations
- Acted as liaison between supply chains
- Procured new technology solutions.
Accounting Manager
Urban Search Realty
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Managed financial operations for three separate entities
- Provided technology solutions for financial reporting during condo association development
- Oversaw staffing resources for accounting projects
- Filed appropriate tax documents for all entities.
Senior Accountant
Kane, McKenna and Associates
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Managed financial operations
- Facilitated all securities compliance reporting and communications
- Worked with NASD, auditors, and technology firms to create, update, and implement regulatory procedures for The Patriot Act and Sarbanes Oxley
- Oversaw all budgeting and year-end bonus allocations
- Acted as a member of the Technology Committee.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in International Business -
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Skills
- Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Business Central
- Sage Intacct
- QuickBooks
- Salesforce
- MRI Lease Accounting Software
- Excel
- Word
- Harvest
- Workday Adaptive Insights
- Softrax Revenue Recognition Software
- Oracle
- SAP Concur
- Certify
- ProLease
- P&L Management
- SaaS and Professional Services
- Business Process Improvement
- KPI's & Business Metrics
- Revenue Recognition
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting
- Team Development
- Outcome Accountability
- Client Engagement
- Mentoring and Developing Staff
- Procurement & Contract Negotiation
- US GAAP, IFRS, SOX
Timeline
Independent Consultant
IT & Consulting - (Confidential)
01.2023 - 02.2024
Lead IFRS 16 Project
Global Retailer - WH Smith
03.2022 - 09.2022
Independent Consultant
Chemical Manufacturer - US Alco
01.2021 - 06.2021
Independent Consultant
Home Services - Homex
01.2020 - 07.2020
Independent Consultant
Research - Dscout
09.2014 - 06.2016
Accounting Manager
Urban Search Realty
01.2004 - 01.2005
Senior Accountant
Kane, McKenna and Associates
01.2002 - 01.2004
Chief Financial Officer
One4Graphics, Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2008
Independent Consultant
IT & Financial Services (Confidential)
Independent Consultant
Health Services - ConceiveAbilities
Independent Consultant
Public Relations - Edelman
Independent Consultant
Data Risk Management Company - Omnivere
Independent Consultant-Controller & Implementation
National Membership Organization (Confidential)
Independent Consultant
Health Services - Wolters Kluwer
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in International Business -
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
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