Mike Slocum

Skilled turnaround expert helping small businesses solve complex financial challenges.

• 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.