Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Melanie Rainault

Wonder Lake,IL

Summary

Seasoned Financial Management and Human Resource professional with proven expertise in accounting processes, systems oversight and compliance reporting. Knowledgeable about AP/AR, contract administration, budgeting and all other aspects of successful financial operations. Talented team builder and supervisor with expertise to develop and maintain consistent, accurate, and legal accounting structures.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Finance and Human Resources

Novation Industries
McHenry, IL
04.2021 - Current
  • Created and enforced company-wide controls regarding revenue and expenses in concerted effort to protect organization's assets.
  • Directed the preparation of tax returns ensuring accuracy and timely filing deadlines are met.
  • Created reports analyzing current projects' profitability against projected targets.
  • Monitored compliance with accounting regulations and procedures.
  • Assisted senior management in developing strategies for improving overall financial performance of the organization.
  • Mentored junior staff members in accounting practices and principles.
  • Created financial management mechanisms to minimize financial risk to business.
  • Analyzed actual financial results to budget, preparing variance reporting to functional groups.
  • Created and updated financial reports on frequent basis to present information to leadership teams.
  • Reviewed contracts related to finance activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Developed invoicing systems and internal controls to boost billing efficiencies.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and developments affecting organizational finances.
  • Maintained regular performance appraisals for subordinates through verbal, written and on-going review programs.
  • Evaluated budget plans and current costs to project trends and recommend updates.
  • Raised capital by building partnerships with investors and maintaining strong stockholder relationships.
  • Provided guidance on capital expenditure projects to ensure they meet company objectives.
  • Built financial models to allocate resources, forecast cash and investment needs and make capital budgeting decisions.
  • Worked closely with other departments such as marketing, sales, production, providing advice on how best to achieve their goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
  • Managed relationships with tax authorities, bankers and auditors.
  • Managed budgeting processes for multiple departments or divisions within an organization.
  • Established internal controls by preparing policies and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
  • Analyzed complex financial data sets to provide insights into business performance patterns over time.
  • Completed month-end and year-end closings, kept records audit-ready and monitored timely recording of accounting transactions.
  • Compiled and analyzed financial information to prepare entries to accounts, such as general ledger accounts, documenting business transactions.
  • Evaluated existing systems of control and made recommendations for improvement where necessary.
  • Conducted reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities.
  • Worked with regulatory representatives to complete accurate filings and maintain compliance.
  • Compiled operational and risk reports detailing financial metrics to help management make proactive decisions.
  • Checked payroll, vendor payments and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
  • Planned and completed group projects, working smoothly with others.
  • Maintained schedule of class assignments to meet deadlines.
  • Understood and followed oral and written directions.
  • Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
  • Collaborated with others to discuss new opportunities.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Maintained open communication with team members and stakeholders, resulting in successful project outcomes.

Director of Finance and Human Resources

Industry Elite Services / Restoration Authority
Naperville, IL
06.2019 - 03.2021
  • Created and enforced company-wide controls regarding revenue and expenses in concerted effort to protect organization's assets.
  • Directed the preparation of tax returns ensuring accuracy and timely filing deadlines are met.
  • Created reports analyzing current projects' profitability against projected targets.
  • Assisted senior management in developing strategies for improving overall financial performance of the organization.
  • Mentored junior staff members in accounting practices and principles.
  • Created financial management mechanisms to minimize financial risk to business.
  • Reorganized finance and accounting departments to improve efficiency and cut excess spending.
  • Advised executive leadership team on investment opportunities that could maximize return on capital investments.
  • Developed and maintained short-term and long-term financial plans.
  • Reviewed contracts related to finance activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Developed invoicing systems and internal controls to boost billing efficiencies.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and developments affecting organizational finances.
  • Communicated with stockholders or other investors to provide information or raise capital.
  • Provided guidance on capital expenditure projects to ensure they meet company objectives.
  • Worked closely with other departments such as marketing, sales, production, providing advice on how best to achieve their goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
  • Managed relationships with tax authorities, bankers and auditors.
  • Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements.
  • Established internal controls by preparing policies and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
  • Completed month-end and year-end closings, kept records audit-ready and monitored timely recording of accounting transactions.
  • Compiled and analyzed financial information to prepare entries to accounts, such as general ledger accounts, documenting business transactions.
  • Conducted reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities.
  • Collaborated with legal counsels regarding all corporate finance matters including mergers and acquisitions, debt financing.
  • Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional team to define features and build powerful and easy-to-use products and customer-facing workflow tools.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.

Director of Finance and Human Resources

Unite4Good and U4G Planet (Non-Profit)
Buffalo Grove, IL
03.2016 - 06.2019
  • Coordinated approval or rejection of lines of credit or commercial, real estate or personal loans.
  • Created and enforced company-wide controls regarding revenue and expenses in concerted effort to protect organization's assets.
  • Coordinated preparation of external audit materials and external financial reporting.
  • Directed the preparation of tax returns ensuring accuracy and timely filing deadlines are met.
  • Created reports analyzing current projects' profitability against projected targets.
  • Monitored compliance with accounting regulations and procedures.
  • Mentored junior staff members in accounting practices and principles.
  • Created financial management mechanisms to minimize financial risk to business.
  • Reorganized finance and accounting departments to improve efficiency and cut excess spending.
  • Analyzed actual financial results to budget, preparing variance reporting to functional groups.
  • Advised executive leadership team on investment opportunities that could maximize return on capital investments.
  • Coordinated with external auditors for the annual audit process.
  • Created and updated financial reports on frequent basis to present information to leadership teams.
  • Developed and maintained short-term and long-term financial plans.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and developments affecting organizational finances.
  • Evaluated budget plans and current costs to project trends and recommend updates.
  • Communicated with stockholders or other investors to provide information or raise capital.
  • Worked closely with other departments such as marketing, sales, production, providing advice on how best to achieve their goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
  • Managed relationships with tax authorities, bankers and auditors.
  • Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements.
  • Managed budgeting processes for multiple departments or divisions within an organization.
  • Established internal controls by preparing policies and procedures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
  • Analyzed complex financial data sets to provide insights into business performance patterns over time.
  • Checked payroll, vendor payments and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
  • Planned and completed group projects, working smoothly with others.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Maintained open communication with team members and stakeholders, resulting in successful project outcomes.

Accounting Manager / Human Resources

Midwest Maintenance
Elk Grove Village, IL
09.2014 - 03.2016
  • Developed and implemented effective accounting policies and procedures.
  • Reviewed general ledger accounts for accuracy and compliance with GAAP.
  • Produced accurate and compliant financial statements, reports, documentation and budget frameworks.
  • Created and updated financial reports on frequent basis to present information to leadership teams.
  • Coordinated preparation of external audit materials and external financial reporting.
  • Handled accounting operations such as updating journal entries, pursuing collections and reconciling accounts.
  • Developed budgets, prepared forecasts and monitored financial deadlines.
  • Prepared month-end closing entries for detailed reporting and recordkeeping.
  • Developed and implemented departmental accounting policies, procedures and processes to establish and standardize accounting best practices.
  • Directed over two (2) accounting and payroll employees while preparing and reconciling tax returns and accounts.
  • Oversaw cash flow, controlled costs and financial matters.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures across the organization's accounting operations.
  • Monitored cash flow, prepared bank reconciliations, and managed accounts payable and receivable functions.
  • Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Evaluated and approved billing invoices and expense reports to monitor and ensure cash flow and cost containment.
  • Created financial management mechanisms to minimize financial risk to business.

Business Manager

Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle
Addison, IL
06.2011 - 09.2014
  • Developed and implemented policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
  • Managed a team of staff members, providing guidance and direction to ensure successful completion of projects.
  • Translated customer needs into operational plan to fulfill projects with right resources.
  • Defined accountabilities and established performance objectives and metrics to execute strategy.
  • Determined customer needs and calculated payment options based on consultative sales process.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Facilitated communication between different teams within the organization through regular meetings.
  • Maintained financial records, prepared budgets, and monitored expenditures for multiple departments.
  • Interacted with customers and vendors with utmost professionalism to solve various problems.
  • Reviewed existing contracts with vendors and suppliers to ensure compliance with company standards.
  • Developed strong supplier relationships by obtaining alignment and delivering on mutually established goals.
  • Prepared monthly financial statements for review by executive leadership team.
  • Monitored inventory levels of supplies needed for daily operations and ordered additional items when necessary.
  • Coordinated and directed activities of businesses or departments concerning production, pricing and sales.

Education

MA

Sanford Brown University
Hillside, IL
04-2014

Skills

  • General Ledger Entry
  • Account Analysis
  • Business Forecasting
  • Technology-Savvy
  • KPI Tracking
  • General Ledger Accounting
  • Reporting
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Compliance Monitoring
  • Financial Planning
  • Budget Planning
  • Risk Management
  • Organizational Skills
  • Account Reconciliation
  • Proactive and Focused
  • Business Relationship Management
  • Decision-Making
  • Prioritizing and Planning
  • Operational Reporting
  • Relationship Building
  • Employee Training Oversight
  • Staff Recruitment and Hiring
  • Willing to Learn
  • Critical Thinking
  • Compliance Assessment
  • Team Building Leadership
  • Credit Approval and Denial
  • Planning and Coordination
  • Customer Relationship Development
  • Typing and 10-Key Entry
  • Commercial Lines of Credit
  • Workflow Coordination
  • Data Trending
  • Proficient in Quickbooks, DTR and Paylocity
  • Human Resources
  • Staff Management (8)
  • Financial Information Systems
  • Asset Control
  • Financial Reporting
  • Cash Flow Management
  • Staff Training
  • Financial Management
  • Financial Analysis and Planning
  • Insurance Negotiation
  • HRIS and HRMS

Accomplishments

  • On Leadership Board
  • Creator and facilitator of employee engagement and continuious improvement programs
  • Graduated with Honors
  • Deans List every quarter

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Director of Finance and Human Resources

Novation Industries
04.2021 - Current

Director of Finance and Human Resources

Industry Elite Services / Restoration Authority
06.2019 - 03.2021

Director of Finance and Human Resources

Unite4Good and U4G Planet (Non-Profit)
03.2016 - 06.2019

Accounting Manager / Human Resources

Midwest Maintenance
09.2014 - 03.2016

Business Manager

Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle
06.2011 - 09.2014

MA

Sanford Brown University

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Melanie Rainault