Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
2010 Charles R. Chambers Memorial Award Winner
Timeline
Generic

Kevin Peterson

Port Matilda,PA

Summary

Dynamic financial leader with a proven track record at The Pennsylvania State University, enhancing cash flow management and financial reporting accuracy. Demonstrated integrity and customer focus while optimizing budgeting processes, resulting in improved profitability. Skilled in GAAP and variance analysis, driving strategic financial planning and fostering team productivity.

Financial professional with broad experience in financial management, strategic planning, and risk assessment. Proven track record in optimizing financial operations and driving growth while ensuring compliance. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability to changing needs, and delivering impactful results. Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and stakeholder communication. Dependable and results-oriented with commitment to excellence.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

ARL Financial Officer/Controller

The Pennsylvania State University
07.2010 - Current
  • Improved financial accuracy by implementing efficient budgeting and forecasting processes.
  • Increased profitability by optimizing investment portfolios and managing risk exposure prudently.
  • Managed complex M&A transactions, conducting thorough due diligence assessments to minimize risks associated with acquisitions or divestitures.
  • Played a pivotal role in securing external financing for important capital projects at optimal interest rates.
  • Strengthened internal controls, minimizing the potential for fraud or errors in the finance department.
  • Spearheaded system improvements to automate manual processes, increasing overall finance team productivity and reducing errors.
  • Assisted in the successful completion of annual audits, liaising effectively with external auditors and providing timely responses to all queries.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying up-to-date with changing financial rules and regulations, implementing necessary adjustments promptly.
  • Enhanced company''s cash flow position through diligent management of accounts receivable and payable.
  • Provided valuable insights to senior leadership through detailed analyses of market trends, competitor performance, and industry benchmarks.
  • Mentored junior finance staff members, fostering professional development through ongoing training opportunities and targeted feedback on performance improvement areas.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop sound business strategies that aligned with company objectives and drove revenue growth.
  • Conducted detailed scenario analysis on several key projects leading to better informed decisions from top management.
  • Instrumental in the development and implementation of a new financial reporting system, leading to improved transparency and easier access to critical financial data for key stakeholders.
  • Reduced operational expenses with a thorough analysis of departmental budgets, identifying areas for cost savings.
  • Worked closely with sales teams on pricing strategy implementation resulting in improved margins across all product lines.
  • Facilitated accurate financial reporting by implementing robust accounting policies and procedures, ensuring data integrity throughout the organization.
  • Championed process improvement initiatives within the organization leading to cost savings and increased efficiency.
  • Developed comprehensive financial models to support strategic decision-making and business growth.
  • Forecasted operating costs for scheduled projects by strategizing with other departments.
  • Established budgetary benchmarks and formulated financial management strategies by researching operating and historical financial records.
  • Managed [Number] team members across [Number] offices.
  • Created strategies to increase client revenue and reduce client spending.
  • Created year-end audit book for CPA firm to control and reduce audit costs and accurately prepared year-end financial statements.
  • Analyzed budgets, financial reports, and projections for accurate reporting of financial standing.
  • Managed essential personnel data and records using [Software].
  • Led financial planning and analysis by managing key metrics, analyzing data and providing support and insight for strategic planning.
  • Controlled $[Number] annual budget.
  • Synthesized financial and budgetary information to solve problems and develop alternative solutions.
  • Developed and transformed finance and operations team from transactional to analytical to provide enhanced business support.
  • Managed accounting-team data using [Software], entering and organizing payroll, adjustments and monthly accrual information.
  • Created analytical framework for identifying and developing financial growth opportunities.
  • Drafted reports for leadership for use in strategic planning and decision making.
  • Generated revenue and reduced costs by recommending innovative alternatives.
  • Developed reporting for executive financial reviews.
  • Assumed ownership of accounting, forecasting and strategic supply planning.
  • Developed annual budgets in collaboration with financial director.
  • Identified and investigated variances to optimize financial plans and forecasts.
  • Improved revenue compliance with corporate revenue standards.
  • Analyzed established fiscal parameters and organizational needs to develop approved annual budget of $[Amount].
  • Contributed to effective hiring process by interviewing applicants and making recommendations for best candidate to leadership.
  • Established new sales commission reporting and analysis for executive management.
  • Secured organizational integrity and service standards through development and implementation of [Number]-year vendor review program.
  • Improved accuracy of commission payouts with implementation of process improvements.
  • Used [Software] to manage employee payroll and benefits such as [Type] and [Type] programs.
  • Managed high volumes of financial activity in fast-paced, risk-based corporate environment.
  • Supported organizational expansion, establishing systems, and strategies for onboarding and accommodation of [Number] new employees.
  • Developed strategic plan for sale of group assets.
  • Developed and presented financial data, financial statements and variance narratives to Board of Directors and Board of Trustees.
  • Oversaw administrative staffing by recruiting, interviewing and onboarding new personnel.
  • Improved compliance by implementing new revenue recognition process for fixed-price arrangements and vendor-specific objective evidence accounting.
  • Managed team of [Number] finance and operations professionals, with day-to-day responsibility for contracting, order processing, forecasting, budgeting, reporting and analysis.
  • Proposed and achieved cost savings by reducing product return rates.
  • Developed system for [Type] sales collections and reporting, preparing monthly invoices.
  • Managed $[Amount] annual budget that grew [Number]% in [Number] years.
  • Drove process improvements and transformations to organization by leading [Software] implementation, streamlining selling, contracting, and order processes.
  • Led transformation of operational metrics, planning and systems for [Type] business model and revenue recognition.
  • Created and implemented effective accounting systems, best practices, and policies.
  • Built capacity-based forecast tools to inspect cost of service forecasting.
  • Improved supply chain processes by implementing cross-functional efforts in customer service and repair operations.
  • Oversaw implementation and maintenance of [Type] LAN system.
  • Developed and implemented client payment requirements and recovered $[Number] in debt from advertising sales.
  • Utilized complex economic principles to acquire resources, make pricing decisions, and expand business operations.
  • Checked payroll, vendor payments, commissions and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
  • Complied with established internal controls and policies.
  • Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.
  • Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
  • Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve accuracy of financial reporting.
  • Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
  • Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
  • Performed banking, business administration and financial tasks to guarantee five-star service for clients.
  • Utilized financial software to prepare consolidated financial statements.
  • Improved overall financial reporting by streamlining control processes and reporting structures.
  • Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.
  • Implemented and regularly reviewed financial controls to generate accurate and reliable financial data.
  • Established and checked coding procedures, monitored reports and updated internal files.
  • Evaluated and negotiated contracts to procure favorable financial terms.
  • Reviewed historical records, current operational data and forecasting information to identify and capitalize on system enhancement opportunities.
  • Created financial dashboards to provide insights into key performance indicators.
  • Designed and maintained financial models to identify and measure risks.
  • Conducted financial due diligence on potential investments and acquisitions.
  • Collaborated with C-level executives and stakeholders to develop long-term financial plans.
  • Created and managed financial models to evaluate corporate investments and acquisitions.
  • Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
  • Prepared balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
  • Managed payroll data entry and processing for [Number] employees to comply with predetermined company guidelines.
  • Provided treasury and cash management by overseeing reconciliation of banking activity, credit card processing, and sales tax returns.
  • Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages.
  • Followed up with delinquent accounts to obtain funds and reduce aging balances.
  • Mentored junior staff members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to professional growth and development.
  • Ensured compliance with tax regulations by managing the timely preparation and filing of all required returns.
  • Reduced month-end closing time by optimizing reconciliation procedures and improving collaboration between departments.
  • Provided insightful financial analysis to support executive team in making informed business decisions.
  • Streamlined annual audit process, working closely with external auditors to ensure accurate representation of company''s financial position.
  • Increased cash flow by diligently managing accounts receivable and implementing effective collection strategies.
  • Ensured timely financial statement preparation, allowing for better decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by streamlining accounting processes and implementing internal controls.
  • Optimized working capital management by reviewing inventory levels, payment terms, and cash conversion cycles.
  • Completed year-end close processes through effective supervision financial functions and regular treasury transactions.
  • Managed budgeting process, aligning departmental budgets with organizational goals and monitoring performance against targets.
  • Led cross-functional teams in the implementation of new accounting software, improving overall efficiency within the finance department.
  • Accurately completed financial statement audits and thoroughly reviewed results.
  • Prepared detailed variance analyses on a monthly basis, enabling more effective tracking of actuals versus forecasted figures.
  • Collaborated with other functional areas to develop integrated solutions for complex business challenges related to finance operations.
  • Mitigated risk by implementing internal controls and safeguards for revenues and expenditures.
  • Supported program managers in providing procedural training on finance and accounting.
  • Introduced internal controls to monitor critical areas of financial control and devised [Type] corrective actions to address risks or deficiencies.
  • Created and distributed reports on internal and external finances, audits, and budgets.
  • Improved financial decision-making, providing executive team with detailed reports and analysis on financial performance.

Financial Officer

College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University
07.1999 - 07.2010
  • Streamlined financial operations for increased efficiency by consolidating financial systems and databases.
  • Improved financial accuracy by implementing efficient budgeting and forecasting processes.
  • Increased profitability by optimizing investment portfolios and managing risk exposure prudently.
  • Managed complex M&A transactions, conducting thorough due diligence assessments to minimize risks associated with acquisitions or divestitures.
  • Responsible to the Assistant Controller-University Financial Officers for multi-fund budget and expenditure control for $23 million in general funds and $50 million in research funds. Represent the Corporate Controller in fiscal matters of the college. Interpret and enforce budget policies. Advise and assist with financial planning and analyses. Provide high level of customer service to the Dean and the college’s 5 departments and 2 major research institutes. Promote process improvement by eliminating many no-value-added processes. Train faculty and staff on the various IBIS reporting tools (FIT and Data Warehouse using MS Access). Serve on various college and university-wide committees.

Financial Officer III, Eberly College of Science

The Pennsylvania State University
07.1998 - 06.1999
  • Played a pivotal role in securing external financing for important capital projects at optimal interest rates.
  • Strengthened internal controls, minimizing the potential for fraud or errors in the finance department.
  • Spearheaded system improvements to automate manual processes, increasing overall finance team productivity and reducing errors.
  • Assisted in the successful completion of annual audits, liaising effectively with external auditors and providing timely responses to all queries.
  • Responsible to the Assistant Controller-University Financial Officers for multi-fund budget and expenditure control for nearly $33 million in general funds. Represented the Corporate Controller in fiscal matters of the college. Interpreted and enforced budget policies. Advised and assisted with financial planning and analyses. Provided high level of customer service to the Dean and the college’s 8 departments.

Education

The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
05-1989

Skills

  • Integrity and trustworthiness
  • Customer focus
  • Cash flow management
  • Credit analysis
  • Financial reporting and analysis
  • Budgeting and financial management
  • Process implementation
  • GAAP
  • Budget analysis
  • Expense control
  • Budget forecasting
  • Variance analysis

Accomplishments

  • Won the “Charles R. Chambers Award” in 2010.
  • Won the “College of EMS Outstanding Staff Award” in 1996.
  • Developed [Number] new productivity measurement tools through an enterprise-wide financial reporting effort.

2010 Charles R. Chambers Memorial Award Winner

Nominated by the Controller's Office Peers, Award is given annually to the staff member recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the Office of Finance organization and University community.

Timeline

ARL Financial Officer/Controller

The Pennsylvania State University
07.2010 - Current

Financial Officer

College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University
07.1999 - 07.2010

Financial Officer III, Eberly College of Science

The Pennsylvania State University
07.1998 - 06.1999

The Pennsylvania State University