Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Patrick Burns

Middletown,NJ

Summary

Skilled Senior Manager with extensive experience at Barnes & Noble Education, Inc., focusing in strategic planning and operations management for Credit Card processing (over 1,300 Locations), Gift Card processing, e-commerce sales reconciliation (650 locations), managing our rental returns and related Non Rental Return Fees and penalties for late or non returns, Accounts Receivable payments (650 locations and 7,500 providers), and all activity as it relates to Digital Content Sales related costs associated with publisher billings . Proven track record in enhancing team productivity and implementing process improvements, leading to significant operational efficiencies. Skilled in data analytics and talent development, driving cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational goals.

Senior management professional, bringing strategic leadership and operational excellence to drive organizational success. Skilled in project management, team collaboration, and process optimization with keen focus on achieving results. Adept at navigating complex challenges, fostering culture of accountability, and adapting to evolving business needs. Known for strong decision-making, effective communication, and building high-performing teams.

Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Manager - Payment Processing

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
07.2018 - Current
  • Managed 2 teams for inbound payments of Credit Cards and Accounts Receivable
  • Managed reconciling daily sales to settlements for all locations where Credit Cards or Paypal was tendered in 1,300 location with annual tender volume between $500 Million to $650 Million in sales with set procedures for the teams to adhere to.
  • Accounts Receivable tender payments from over 7,500 providers with annual volume between $600 Million to $800 Million
  • Supervised and assisted the application of all AR payments especially with complicated applications
  • Oversaw reporting for management with associated analytics monthly, quarterly and year end reviews
  • Lead company initiative to convert providers to pay by ACH. Currently, 75% of providers which has lead to more automated applications in our AR reducing our DSO. Latest auto applied is 73%
  • Reviewed and prepared annual budgets for all related Balance Sheet and P/L accounts the team manages; Credit Card/Paypal fees Expense, Credit Card/Paypal write-offs , Credit Card/Paypal Chargebacks, Non Rental returns fees/penalties, Rental Collection Agency Fees
  • Supported implementation of new tools and systems to improve team productivity. Assisted the implementation of a new 3rd party reconciliation system for Credit Cards, partnered with our Accounts Payable team implementing a new imaging system along with work flows leading to improved processes and quicker resolutions for Accounts Receivable payments Currently working with IT and product develop teams changing Credit Card processors as well as introducing a new Gift Card solution for both in store and e-commerce environment. These two will increase more customer satisfaction as well as drive sales and reduces expense with the efficiencies gained
  • Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives. Prior projects implemented a new e-commerce platform (650 locations) collaborating with IT and development teams.
  • Prepared schedules required for Internal Auditors required for SOX compliance and External Auditors as required for the quarterly and year end audit in accordance with GAAP principles

Sales Audit Manager

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
05.2015 - 07.2018
  • Supervised 6 sales auditors to ensure completeness of daily sales complying with company policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP
  • Closed sales timely each month ensuring the close process for month financials are met
  • Reviewed Credit Card, Gift Card reconciliation and Rental transactions
  • Managed the review of testing related to enhancement for In store Point of Sale and e-commerce platform
  • Supervised the upgrade of our Sales Audit Aptos application


Manager - Accounts Receivable

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
06.2006 - 05.2016
  • Managed the conversion and implementation of PeopleSoft Accounts Receivable module for the conversion of 650 decentralized locations to centralized
  • Managed to create a centralized department for all aspects of billing, collections and cash applications for over 7,500 providers with our 650 locations
  • Created separation of duties as there are 3 smaller teams within the department
  • Traveled to over 100 locations meeting with store teams and school personal to assist in this large endeavor. Once up and running, bad debt was reduced $300,000 to $400,000 the first year from previous decentralized department
  • Supervised daily operations to enhance workflow efficiency and employee performance.
  • Developed training materials to onboard new and existing staff, promoting consistent service standards.
  • Conducted regular team meetings to align goals and foster a collaborative work environment.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams (Store Operations and IT development) streamlining processes by improving billing, collections, applications and reporting
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work. Always looking for new ideas to improve the application.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.

Senior Accountant

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
09.2003 - 06.2006
  • Supervised 1 Accounts Payable person as we managed all aspects of our 6 Stores in Canada
  • Uploaded Daily Sales to our Sales Audit system and closed the books timely each month
  • Performed all Reconciliations, Inventory Analysis, P/L analytics ensuring Financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP standards
  • Led the financial close process ensuring timely and accurate month-end close.
  • Managed budget forecasting, ensuring alignment with organizational financial goals and objectives.

Audit Senior

Condon, O'Meara McGinty & Donnelly
07.1994 - 04.1998
  • Led audit engagements with teams up to 3 junior auditors, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards in accordance with GAAP and internal policies.
  • Prepared client Financial Statements and Tax returns (Forms 990, 990-PF, 990-T)
  • Prepared Management letters citing weaknesses, improvements in internal controls
  • Mentored junior auditors, enhancing team performance and knowledge retention.

Auditor

Pannell Kerr Foster
09.1989 - 07.1994
  • Grew from junior auditor to leading audits ensuring compliance with financial regulations and internal policies.
  • Prepared client Financial Statements and Tax returns (Forms 990, 990-PF, 990-T)
  • Prepared Management letters citing weaknesses, improvements in internal controls

Education

Bachelor of Science - Accounting

St. John's University
Staten Island, NY
05-1989

Skills

  • Excellent communication skills with internal teams, upper management, field leadership and external vendors
  • Ability to balance competing priorities efficiently while maintaining focus on critical tasks requiring immediate attention
  • Created a positive working environment encouraging collaboration leading to process improvement
  • Lead cross functional training among teams enhancing their individual skills leading to their own growth
  • MS office products: Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook
  • Peoplesoft Application : General Ledger and Accounts Receivable modules
  • Aptos: Sales Audit and Query designer

Timeline

Senior Manager - Payment Processing

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
07.2018 - Current

Sales Audit Manager

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
05.2015 - 07.2018

Manager - Accounts Receivable

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
06.2006 - 05.2016

Senior Accountant

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
09.2003 - 06.2006

Audit Senior

Condon, O'Meara McGinty & Donnelly
07.1994 - 04.1998

Auditor

Pannell Kerr Foster
09.1989 - 07.1994

Bachelor of Science - Accounting

St. John's University