Melissa Olstrom
Rothbury,USA
Summary
Highly motivated and goal-driven finance professional with history of providing critical financial insights and supporting strategic initiatives. Known for strong focus on team collaboration and delivering reliable results in dynamic environments. Skilled in financial analysis and problem solving, with a reputation for fostering long-term, collaborative relationships.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Financial Analyst
Nestlé
Fremont, MI
12.2014 - Current
- Oversee the bank reconciliations for more than 100 Nestle USA bank accounts, which encompasses oversight of the Nestle Business Services Bank Reconciliation team in Manila Philippines, training, and performance feedback. Systematically implementing improvements in the bank processes and exception reporting, including collaborating directly with the bank representatives, Nestle Treasury Services N.A. and Centre, and Nestle IT Services. Champion for all new bank account setups and closures in SAP, including collaboration with individual operating companies and external Third Parties. Lead Coordinator for external audits covering banks and escheatment. Project team member for all new projects impacting banks, including the current AMEX BIP project and past Supply Chain Finance projects.
- Perform Merchant Services Administration duties for Treasury Services. Created a shared, collaborative space for Merchant Services team and other internal U.S. and Canadian customers including Request Tracking and Procedural Documentation. Identified and Prevented a major external fraud attempt within Merchant Services.
- Prior duties included assignments as Goal Alignment Pillar Lead in the Nestlé Continuous Excellence Program for the Nestlé Business Services – Financial Services segment. Initiated and fostered continuous improvement in the Accounting Operations team, problem-solving activities, and develop and track performance metrics for the team. Completed significant problem solving in the company store financial processes for 10+ plant locations. Performed fleet cost allocations, and other general ledger balance sheet reconciliations such as GR/IR.
- Nutrition, health and wellness company founded by Henri Nestlé in 1866 and is headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland.
Administrative Analyst
Muskegon Area Transit System
Muskegon Heights, MI
12.2012 - 12.2014
- Oversaw department procurements and attended procurement training at federal and state level. Created and submitted RFQs to the public for capital projects and was a Capital Project team member. Assisted in preparation of annual budget; participated on Muskegon County Budget Team. Performed grant reporting for federal and state and converted that system to paperless. Developed procurement procedures and trained staff to ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines. Supported external auditors; oversaw CPA preparation of transit schedules to State. Prepared statistical and financial reports. Managed the accurate and timely completion of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll activities while supervising staff. Researched and implemented new software solutions to enhance departmental operations. Assisted with development of automated systems and implemented continuous improvement in existing systems.
- Urban Medium Transit Agency which provides fixed route, paratransit, and regional connection services to a population of more than 174,000 residents within the borders of Muskegon County.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends and improve transit service efficiency.
- Developed and implemented administrative procedures to streamline office functions.
- Coordinated interdepartmental communications to enhance project collaboration and workflow.
Controller
RT London
Grand Rapids, MI
11.2011 - 07.2011
- Oversaw a team of accounting and office professionals, focusing on AR, AP, GL, tax reporting, client credit analysis, corporate credit cards, and AR Collections. Managed effective cash management. Performed month-end closing and published financial statements with accompanying analysis. Prepared mid-year financial forecast. Administered the fixed asset/capex program. Determined departmental strategic plan. Established and communicated financial policies, department procedures and work instructions. Led company through first successful external accounting review, ensuring compliance and enhancing credibility. Instituted a disciplined AR Collections program in all locations resulting in improved DSO metrics. Implemented paperless AP system in corporate office. Developed performance metrics for Finance. Improved collaborative efforts and training in Finance between all physical locations.
- $25m furniture manufacturing company providing high quality American made furnishings to higher education, hospitality, and GSA clients, with three manufacturing facilities in the USA.
- Led financial reporting and compliance initiatives to ensure accuracy and adherence to regulations.
- Streamlined budgeting processes, enhancing resource allocation and forecasting accuracy across departments.
- Developed and implemented internal controls to mitigate financial risks and improve operational efficiency.
Cost and Budgets Manager
Harbor Industries, Inc.
Grand Haven, MI
02.2010 - 08.2010
- Managed the Cost Accounting and AP team, assisted on month-end closing, published financial statements and analysis, reported monthly financial performance to the Executive Team. Developed and published visual Key Financial Indicators Dashboard to Executive Team. Performed the corporate P-Card administrator duties. Administered the fixed asset and capex program. Assisted in the development of the departmental strategic plan.
- $80m manufacturing company; a comprehensive designer/producer of retail displays, fixtures and digital media solutions.
- Significant Accomplishments Implemented a visual management system for tracking the Finance and Estimating continuous improvement activities; instituted weekly CIP review meetings for the cross-functional team. Chartered several new projects with IT including automating the Sales Commission Program and implementing an AP auto-vouchering program within Mapics XA (ERP). Researched new financial reporting software. Implemented a dept. visual system for managing month-end deadlines. Streamlined the corporate P-Card program resulting in the elimination of wasteful activities and duplication.
Accounting Manager
NetShape International, LLC
Grand Haven, MI
08.2002 - 02.2010
- Managed staff of accountants and hired student interns. Created departmental strategic plans and led the corporate annual budget process and quarterly financial forecasts. Created and maintained standard cost models. Supervised month-end closing, published financial statements, and presented financial health to the Executive Team. Developed cash flow and debt projections. Established department procedures, work instructions, and financial analysis. Oversaw the Finance Department in corporate and plant cross-functional teams for corrective action requests. Oversaw the purchase requisitioning process and implemented an automated approval workflow.
- $50m manufacturing company offering advanced energy management solutions through innovative engineering, marketing and manufacturing practices.
- Significant accomplishments: launched an innovative effort to implement lean accounting principles, eliminating 80 hours of work/month. Pioneered a visual system for month-end deadlines and condensed final reporting to three days. Instituted 5S methods for workplace organization. Instituted a Kanban replenishment system for plant office supplies. Led project member for 3 new ERP implementations in 5 years.
Senior Plant Accountant / Distribution Supervisor / General Accounting Supervisor
Hayes Lemmerz International
Montague, MI
01.1999 - 01.2002
- $2.3 billion manufacturing automotive supplier with 15,000 employees worldwide.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
University of Michigan – Dearborn
01-1994
Skills
- Variance analysis
- Financial statement analysis
- Expense reduction
- Stakeholder communication
- Business operations analysis
- Internal controls
- Account reconciliation
- Annual budgets
- KPI management
Timeline
Senior Financial Analyst
Nestlé
12.2014 - Current
Administrative Analyst
Muskegon Area Transit System
12.2012 - 12.2014
Controller
RT London
11.2011 - 07.2011
Cost and Budgets Manager
Harbor Industries, Inc.
02.2010 - 08.2010
Accounting Manager
NetShape International, LLC
08.2002 - 02.2010
Senior Plant Accountant / Distribution Supervisor / General Accounting Supervisor
Hayes Lemmerz International
01.1999 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Grand Valley State University