MICHELE (LAATSCH)SMITH
Summary
Accomplished accounting and finance executive with a proven track record over the past 32 years, enhancing financial performance and operational efficiency. Expert in financial analysis and strategic leadership, demonstrated by streamlining processes and performance. Spearheaded system implementations and led high-caliber teams, embodying exceptional team leadership and financial management skills.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President, Accounting & Finance
Davidson Hospitality Group, LLC
01.2019 - Current
- Directly oversee all hotel accounting, finance and reporting, internal audit, and fixed assets of 85 owned and managed hotels and resorts within the United States and the UK.
- Direct report responsibilities included all property and corporate accounting and financial reporting, accounts payable, internal audit, and capex accounting
- Collaborated and became a major partner with COO and cross functional teams to drive bottom line results for owners and investors
- Successfully implemented four new systems company wide-ProfitSword, Birchstreet, Blackline, and AK Payroll
- Strengthened financial reporting and internal controls resulting in increased accuracy of financial statements and transparency amongst stakeholders
- Co-Founded WiLD- Women in Leadership at Davidson- group for women to gain mentorship, skills, and personalized development to progress in their careers
Vice President, Hotel Accounting
Davidson Hospitality Group
06.2014 - 12.2018
- Established and implemented all accounting systems, policy and procedures in a hybrid decentralized-centralized environment and rebuilt accounting team during a significant company transition
- Recruited and built a first class accounting team to support 40 hotels which grew to 85
- Streamlined monthly close process from 20 days to 10 with fewer people by optimizing platforms and processes
Director of Accounting
Hospitality Ventures Management Group, LLC
06.2009 - 06.2014
- Directly oversee the financial operations of companies owned and managed hotels within the United States
- Responsible for the working capital requirements of the hotels and ensuring there is appropriate levels of liquidity
- Manage the payroll operations for HVMG including the transition process for all new hotels and ensuring appropriate tools are utilized in managing labor expenses
- Work with internal and external auditors to complete audits as needed
- Supported the VP of Finance & Accounting, with responsibilities including the training, coaching, organizing, and coordination of the activities of assigned hotel’s accounting office, to ensure efficient operations
Consultant, Luxury Resorts
WHM, LLC
11.2005 - 05.2009
- Independent third party financial consultant, hired on to document and execute change management control for the entire hotel portfolio owned and operated by WHM, LLC
- Change management in the areas of accounts payable, payroll, and financial systems
- Worked directly with ADP, Inc to build and maintain entire companies’ payroll processing and general ledger exports
- Directly oversaw the outsourcing of accounts payable to Wipro in India
Various Roles
Wyndham International
, USA
06.1992 - 10.2005
- Area Director, Financial Services- Southeast Area, 2001-2005
- Director, Financial Services- Atlanta, GA, 1999–2001
- Sr. Accounting Manager- Phoenix, AZ, 1995-1999
- Accounting Manager- Los Angeles, CA-1994-1995
- Property Accountant- Schaumburg, IL-1993-1994
- Manager In Development- Bothell, WA-1992-1993
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Administration and Management
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZSkills
- Effective Communicator
- Strategic Thinker
- Results Oriented
- Integrity
- External/Internal Audits
- Systems Implementations
- Problem Solver
- Collaborator
- Accountability
- Budget preparation
- Financial reporting and management
- Strategic leadership
- Inspiration Leader and developer
- IT management
- Process improvements
- Organizational development
Professional/Civic Affilations
- Board Member- Center for Family Resources, Non Profit assisting homeless families and children
- Advisor- Georgia College, Women in Leadership Program
- Mentor- Empower and AHLA
Timeline
Senior Vice President, Accounting & Finance
Davidson Hospitality Group, LLC
01.2019 - Current
Vice President, Hotel Accounting
Davidson Hospitality Group
06.2014 - 12.2018
Director of Accounting
Hospitality Ventures Management Group, LLC
06.2009 - 06.2014
Consultant, Luxury Resorts
WHM, LLC
11.2005 - 05.2009
Various Roles
Wyndham International
06.1992 - 10.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Administration and Management
Northern Arizona University
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