Michael Slocum

A results-driven financial leader with extensive experience in project-based accounting, forecasting, and financial operations across manufacturing, consulting, and insurance sectors. Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with project teams, implement financial controls, and drive process improvements. Skilled in ERP conversions, WIP calculations, cash flow analysis, and KPI development. Adept at transforming complex financial data into actionable business insights to support strategic decision-making.

• American Accounting Assoc
• American Association of Finance & Accounting
• The National Society of Accountants

• Experienced Manager

• Optimized workflow and reduced variances by recommending and introducing new accounting software.
• Upgraded payroll and other operational third-party services that increased the overall value of the company
• Oversaw several departments including HR and Federal contracts and increased the scope of services provided to the company
• Provided financial insights that helped the company grow almost 15 times its original yearly revenue.
• Guided teams through a major system upgrade
• Increased document retention efficiency using existing technology
• Improved relationship between Accounting and Sales teams through regular monthly meetings
• Closed all outstanding files with the collection agency
• Assumed responsibility for the oversight of the surplus lines tax process
• Assisted multiple teams through a major system conversion within the first two weeks
• Guided Department through significant IT issues, billing printing challenges, and Supervisor transition issues
• Identified key performance indicators and included them in the weekly scorecard. In addition, worked with the Business Analyst to improve the presentation of the scorecard.
• Assessed staffing model. Eliminated one redundant position within the first 30 days and submitted a recommendation for a significant restructuring and retraining program
• Responded to three internal audits effectively and efficiently
• Identified opportunities for improvement and implemented change; PTO requests and scheduling, billing letters, uneven staff assignments distribution, absence of cross training, disaster recovery plan, and response time to internal requests, budget issues, and staff disgruntlement.
• Eliminated over $3 million in aged premium payables by managing the cleanup process and creating tracking tools
• Increased efficiencies by consolidating AP processes from 5 FTEs to 4FTEs within the first 120 days of joining the organization
• Increased efficiencies through the use of document imaging and process improvement that resulted in the ability to consolidate two additional AP units into the current department
• Implemented the ACH process and worked closely with IT, Bank, Accounting, and Management teams
• Took the initiative to increase the positive perception of AP and AR units through external networking and internal planning and development meetings
• Successfully transitioned accounting duties from the Westmont, IL office to the Loop campus.
• Reduced over 90 days aged to zero and over 60 days to $30k. Total over 60 was over $1M.
• Successfully transitioned Accounts Payable functions from Austin, Texas to Downers Grove, Illinois.
• Successfully integrated new offices while using the department’s current resources.
• Developed companywide training seminar for new accounting departments
• Successfully incorporated Payroll department functions into the existing cost center.
• Maintained the Commission Accounting budget within a 3% variance
• Developed a companywide training seminar for field insurance professionals
• Restructured accounting assignments to increase efficiency
• Promoted twice with increasing responsibilities
• Received excellent annual reviews and merit increases
• Participated in and led team building exercises, new employee training, emergency plans that included business continuity, and off-site training of new personnel
• Pioneered Management Advisory Committee, which sought to bring management and colleagues together, lower the turnover ratio, and increase revenue by decreasing expenses and increasing efficiencies
• Received nominations for the quarterly Above and Beyond Award and won the first reward
• Reduced accounts receivable days to 12, resulting in improved cash flow.