Peter Blair
Brookfield,CT
Summary
To secure a leadership position in accounting and finance where I can apply my expertise in developing financial policies, overseeing compliance, and leading transformative projects that strengthen financial performance and support organizational success. Eager to bring a blend of financial insight and strategic vision to a dynamic and forward-thinking company.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Controller
Spray-Tek, LLC - Private Equity Portfolio Company
Middlesex, NJ
01.2024 - Current
- Implemented new accounting policies, practices and procedures as needed.
- Provided support to external auditors during annual audit reviews.
- Lead team of accountants responsible for managing daily transactional activity within the general ledger system.
- Used US GAAP to shape technical accounting policies and procedures.
- Interacted effectively with shareholders and reported financial data.
- Developed, maintained and improved internal control procedures to ensure accurate accounting records.
- Managed corporate cash flow by monitoring payments and collections activities.
- Prepared monthly financial reports to provide timely information on company performance.
- Ensured timely preparation of financial compliance documents, including Bi-weekly Minimum Liquidity Certificate and Quarterly and Annual Financial Compliance Certificate.
Interim Financial Controller
Infinity Brands
New York, NY
07.2023 - 12.2023
- Managed month-end closing process including journal entries and account analysis.
- Maintained accurate records of all financial transactions in the general ledger system.
- Provided guidance to staff on accounting issues such as revenue recognition principles.
- Evaluated existing processes for effectiveness and developed recommendations for improvement.
- Prepared monthly financial reports and complied with reporting procedures.
- Managed AP and AR operations, coordinating staff workflows and reviewing completed work to reduce errors.
- Prepared and presented operational reports to senior management and executive teams.
VP of Finance
Gelmart Industries Inc.
New York , NY
07.2019 - 05.2023
- Oversaw team of nine (9), managing monthly, quarterly and annual close processes.
- Prepared and reviewed internal financial and operational reports to influence strategic business planning.
- Reviewed, designed and implemented accounting processes and procedures to drive accuracy.
- Oversaw annual financial audits in partnership with external auditors.
- Collaborated with CFO to manage budgets and financial planning, delivering accurate and compliant data.
- Monitored business trend forecasts and adjusted budgets and operational plans to maximize growth and opportunities.
- Led several cost-saving projects, including rebuilding the finance department by outsourcing the team to the Philippines, which saved $350K in annual costs.
- Managed financial modeling and planning activities to prepare for intensive growth phase of company.
Senior Finance Consultant
Curated Lifestyle Collection LLC
London, UK
04.2019 - 07.2019
- Followed all compliance, regulations and identification guidelines.
- Supervised accounting tasks, which included accounts payable and receivable, general ledger management and expense reporting oversight.
- Prepared month-end closing entries for detailed reporting and recordkeeping.
- Oversaw cash flow, controlled costs and financial matters.
- Produced accurate and compliant financial statements, reports, documentation and budget frameworks.
- Developed and implemented departmental accounting policies, procedures and processes to establish and standardize accounting best practices.
- Delivered actionable recommendations to enhance strategic direction and day-to-day accounting operations.
Director of Finance
SAM New York
New York, NY
08.2017 - 03.2019
- Evaluated budget plans and current costs to project trends and recommend updates.
- Created and enforced company-wide controls regarding revenue and expenses in concerted effort to protect organization's assets.
- Reorganized finance and accounting departments to improve efficiency and cut excess spending.
- Planned and coordinated risk mitigation strategies to protect company assets.
- Worked with regulatory representatives to complete accurate filings and maintain compliance.
- Managed relationships with tax authorities, bankers and auditors.
- Checked payroll, vendor payments and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
- Recommended new financial and accounting software packages. replacing various non-integrated offerings.
Director of Finance
Thom Browne Inc - Luxury Men's Apparel Designer
NEW YORK, NY
11.2014 - 06.2017
- Oversaw team of seven, managing monthly, quarterly and annual close processes.
- Monitored, analyzed and presented financial updates to board of directors at quarterly and annual meetings.
- Managed financial modeling and planning activities to prepare for intensive growth phase of company.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop comprehensive business plan and presented financial forecast with recommendations to CEO.
- Organized and oversaw capital improvement projects to maintain business viability.
- Elevated revenue opportunities, supporting operations and sales.
- Mitigated process gaps and managed all operational functions including account openings, trades, documentation, regulatory compliance and marketing collateral.
- Cultivated and maintained industry relationships and customer partnerships to capitalize on opportunities and maximize business success.
Accounting Manager
Oscar de la Renta
NEW YORK, NY
10.2010 - 09.2014
- Worked with regulatory representatives to complete accurate filings and maintain compliance.
- Supervised accounting tasks, which included accounts payable and receivable, general ledger management and expense reporting oversight.
- Handled accounting operations such as updating journal entries, pursuing collections and reconciling accounts.
- Prepared month-end closing entries for detailed reporting and recordkeeping.
- Oversaw cash flow, controlled costs and financial matters.
- Evaluated and approved billing invoices and expense reports to monitor and ensure cash flow and cost containment.
- Developed and implemented departmental accounting policies, procedures and processes to establish and standardize accounting best practices.
- Produced accurate and compliant financial statements, reports, documentation and budget frameworks.
Staff Accountant
High Ridge House
Riverdale, NY
06.2008 - 09.2010
- Reconciled company bank statements and bookkeeping ledgers.
- Reviewed and reconciled discrepancies in accounts and financial documentation.
- Managed financial operations, month-end reporting, financial schedules and reconciliations.
- Assessed accuracy, completeness and integrity of corporate financial records.
- Interacted with internal and external auditors to help complete audits and resolve issues.
- Managed large amounts of financial data using balance sheets, profit and loss reports and online databases.
Education
MBA - Finance
New York University
New York, NY05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Hunter College of The City University of New York
New York, NY05.2006
Skills
- Strategic Business Forecasting
- Internal Controls
- Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX)
- Audit management
- Variance Analysis
- Budget Management
- Revenue and Expenditure Forecasting
- Internal and External Audit Support
- Cost and Revenue Analysis
- Financial Reports
- Financial Controls
- Account Reconciliation
- GAAP knowledge
- Cost accounting
- Cash Flow Management
Timeline
Corporate Controller
Spray-Tek, LLC - Private Equity Portfolio Company
01.2024 - Current
Interim Financial Controller
Infinity Brands
07.2023 - 12.2023
VP of Finance
Gelmart Industries Inc.
07.2019 - 05.2023
Senior Finance Consultant
Curated Lifestyle Collection LLC
04.2019 - 07.2019
Director of Finance
SAM New York
08.2017 - 03.2019
Director of Finance
Thom Browne Inc - Luxury Men's Apparel Designer
11.2014 - 06.2017
Accounting Manager
Oscar de la Renta
10.2010 - 09.2014
Staff Accountant
High Ridge House
06.2008 - 09.2010
MBA - Finance
New York University
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Hunter College of The City University of New York
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