Melinda A. Irish
Pownal,ME
Summary
Results-driven finance leader with over 25 years of progressive experience in accounting and leadership. Recognized for a creative approach to problem-solving, strong business acumen, and exceptional analytical, communication, and collaboration skills. Proven success in guiding teams through periods of change and growth, enhancing performance, and achieving organizational objectives. Eager to leverage expertise in a leadership role within accounting and finance to drive continued success and innovation.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Controller
Auburn Manufacturing, Inc.
Mechanic Falls, ME
01.2022 - Current
- Member of the senior management team reporting directly to the owner during a period of significant growth and transition. In a brief period of time, I was able to use my experience auditing manufacturing companies to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for the manufacturing process. Recent successes include developing production and productivity reporting package, built, and fostered key relationship between accounting and manufacturing functions, developed and monitored cycle count process and implemented ACH functionality for fraud risk mitigation. I enjoyed the opportunity to find efficiencies and improvements in financial reporting, forecasting, and budgeting.
- Worked with [Number] executives to create annual budget and track actual expenses against projected expenses.
- Led financial forecasting initiatives, improving accuracy of revenue projections and expense management.
- Managed risk assessment protocols, safeguarding assets and optimizing investment strategies.
- Streamlined financial reporting systems, increasing efficiency in data analysis and decision-making support.
- Mentored finance department staff, fostering professional development and operational excellence.
- Managed risk effectively through comprehensive insurance coverage review and implementation of robust internal controls.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the finance team, encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Oversaw the successful completion of external audits, addressing any recommendations promptly to ensure smooth operations.
- Increased cash flow by optimizing working capital management and reducing outstanding receivables.
- Championed effective communication between finance personnel and other departments to facilitate cross-functional collaboration on projects and initiatives.
- Ensured accurate financial reporting, maintaining compliance with GAAP, SEC regulations, and internal policies.
- Established strong relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, analysts, and regulatory agencies to promote transparency and build trust in the organization''s financial management.
- Negotiated favorable credit terms with banks for increased borrowing capacity and reduced interest expenses.
- Managed complex capital projects from inception through execution, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints and delivering expected returns on investment.
Controller
Lincolnville Telephone Company, Inc., and Subsidiaries
Nobleboro, ME
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Team player who plays a key management role generally focused on all aspects of financial planning, cash flow projection, debt financing and budget management and review functions; has an in-depth understanding of GAAP and how to research, analyze and adopt new accounting standards and industry requirements; ability to manage a team of professionals and a number of competing priorities and deadlines; successful PPA loan application and subsequent forgiveness along with other critical measures to assist ownership through the COVID 19 pandemic.
- Ensure complete, accurate and timely management of financial and compliance matters.
- Prepared financial reporting and analysis for ownership including, but not limited to, consolidating financial statements, cash flows, covenant compliance, budget to actual and trend analysis.
- Developed internal controls and procedures to ensure compliance with industry regulation, mitigate risk and reduce loss.
- Prepared focused monthly analysis to track progress of all business units in relation to budgets and strategic goals.
- Maintain key banking, insurance, consulting, and audit relationships.
- Managed annual financial and compliance audits.
- Maintains current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards.
Audit Senior Manager
Baker Newman & Noyes, LLC
Portland, ME
01.2003 - 01.2019
- As an Audit senior manager of this top one hundred professional service firm, providing excellent client service and direction to a wide variety of industries. Served on a number of firm committees, including developing and overseeing a continuous training program for all audit new hires and chairing the business development efforts in BNN’s Portland office.
- Lead and improved audit engagement including staffing, budgeting, planning, and executing day-to-day operations.
- Ensured the successful completion of audit engagement for startups, turnarounds, multinational, and multigenerational organizations.
- Proficient in project management, strategic development, and planning
- Lead engagements for companies with sub-entities in Ireland, Europe, China, and Canada
- Monitor cash flow, client billings, collections, and credit status to ensure firm’s stability.
- Demonstrates exceptional client service and engagement management skills.
- Developed internal and external training programs and presented at events.
- Exceptional planning and organizational skills, and excellent written and oral communication
- Maintained professional knowledge by attending several leadership and technical accounting workshops annually.
Accountant
The VIA Agency
Portland, ME
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Oversaw accounting and operational functions for financial reporting.
- Directed all accounts payable functions including budget to actual analysis.
- Developed strong internal control process for disbursements.
- Prepared financial statements and supporting analysis for stockholders and board members.
- Interacted with and coordinated work of outside accountants for annual audit.
- Managed capital budget and maintained all fixed asset and depreciation records.
- Lead charge to establish proper sales tax reporting for five states.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Husson University
Bangor, ME06.2002
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Husson University
Bangor, MESkills
- Accounting Best Practices Strategic Planning Quality Assurance
- GAAP Consolidation of Financials General Ledger Budgeting Cash Flow Management GL Closing Procedures and Financial Reporting Research and Analysis
- Leadership Team Building Account Management Project Management Mentoring, Coaching and Training Critical Thinking Time Management
- Proficiency and expertise in MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint CaseWare Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains SAP Macola QuickBooks
Accomplishments
§ Graduate of LIFT 360 Leadership Intensive; 2018, Katahdin Class
§ 2016 Maine Society of CPA’s Woman to Watch Award winner.
Certification
- Certified Public Accountant, active, Maine
- Graduate of LIFT 360 Leadership Intensive; 2018, Katahdin Class
- 2016 Maine Society of CPA’s Woman to Watch Award winner.
Timeline
Controller
Auburn Manufacturing, Inc.
01.2022 - Current
Controller
Lincolnville Telephone Company, Inc., and Subsidiaries
01.2019 - 01.2022
Audit Senior Manager
Baker Newman & Noyes, LLC
01.2003 - 01.2019
Accountant
The VIA Agency
01.2001 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Husson University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Husson University