Sarah Braden
Livonia,MI
Summary
Performance-oriented VP and Controller resourceful in leading accounting and finance teams and systematically improving procedures to achieve targets and maintain agile, responsive business operations. Diplomatic leader with exceptional planning, organizational and management abilities.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President & Controller
Alliance Franchise Brands
Plymouth, MI
07.2022 - Current
- Managed and reviewed the preparation of financial statements, budgets, forecasts and other reports.
- Collaborated with executive team to manage budgets and financial planning, delivering accurate and compliant data.
- Provided guidance on complex accounting matters such as revenue recognition, foreign exchange transactions and lease accounting.
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies.
- Hired, trained and mentored 9 accounting staff members to maximize productivity.
- Oversaw technological improvements, successfully reducing waste and eliminating business bottlenecks.
- Oversaw annual financial audits in partnership with external auditors.
- Evaluated current financial systems and procedures in order to identify areas for improvement.
- Planned and completed group projects, working smoothly with others.
- Maintained open communication with team members and stakeholders, resulting in successful project outcomes.
Controller
Alliance Franchise Brands
Plymouth, MI
11.2015 - 06.2022
- Prepared company's financial reports and ancillary documentation in accordance with established policies and procedures. Delegated that role to Assistant Controller in 2019.
- Led a team of 9 accounting and finance staff
- Implemented multiple new technologies, including royalty billing system, electronic payment system (ePay), and financial reporting/budgeting system (Prophix).
- Supported 2 business acquisitions (2016 and 2018) by performing due diligence and leading integration of financial functions.
- Developed and implemented effective internal control systems to ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies and procedures.
- Facilitated and completed annual financial statement audits and reviewed results.
- Reorganized finance and accounting departments to improve efficiency and cut excess spending.
- Served as primary contact for external auditors throughout year-end audit process. Delegated that role to Assistant Controller in 2018.
- Developed annual budget and compared actual expenses against projected budget.
Assistant Controller
Alliance Franchise Brands
Plymouth, MI
06.2010 - 10.2015
- Oversaw month-end closing process, prepared financial statements and managed advanced reconciliations.
- Oversaw team of 4, including accounts receivable, collections and accounts payable.
- Supported 1 business acquisition (2012) by performing due diligence and leading integration of financial functions.
- Modified existing software systems to enhance performance and add new features.
- Provided guidance on accounting policies and procedures to staff members.
- Reconciled bank accounts to ensure accuracy of financial data reported in the general ledger.
- Analyzed actual financial results to budget, preparing variance reporting to functional groups.
Accounting Manager
Alliance Franchise Brands
Northville, MI
08.2005 - 05.2010
- Maintained general ledger and chart of accounts, performed complex accounting functions such as journal entry preparation, account analysis, balance sheet reconciliation and preparation of monthly financial statements.
- Supervised accounting team of 3, which included accounts payable and receivable, general ledger management and expense reporting oversight.
- Led group of 10 temporary and permanent staff to re-enter 6 months' worth of financial data lost in a system crash in 2009. Data was entered within two months and result was within $300 of original P&L.
- Prepared variance analysis reports highlighting differences between actual and planned performance.
- Coordinated external audits by providing required documents on time.
A/R and Royalty Billing Administrator
Alliance Franchise Brands
Troy, MI
01.2000 - 07.2005
- Processed monthly royalty invoices using customers' individual sales reports and other invoices as needed.
- Processed check, credit card and EFT payments, and applied payments, refunds and adjustments to customer accounts.
- Maintained organized records of all customer accounts receivable and royalty billing activity.
- Prepared monthly statements for customers.
- Assisted in month-end closing process including preparation of journal entries related to Accounts Receivable activities.
- Reconciled discrepancies between customer payments and invoices due.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries regarding their account status or payment history.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
Accounts Payable Administrator
Alliance Franchise Brands
Troy, MI
02.1997 - 01.2000
- Coded invoices with correct general ledger codes in accordance with standard procedures.
- Posted approved invoices into accounting system for payment.
- Prepared weekly check runs for management review and signature.
- Supported month-end closing process by ensuring all AP activities are completed accurately within deadlines.
- Processed employee expense reports for reimbursement in compliance with corporate policies.
- Maintained accurate records of all accounts payable activities in the accounting system.
- Researched invoice discrepancies and resolved billing issues with suppliers and vendors.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05-2000
Skills
- Process Improvement
- Data Analysis
- Staff Development
- Team Leadership
- Policy and Procedure Development
- Budget Administration
Accomplishments
- Honored by management with annual Pursuit of Excellence and MVP awards nine times
- Cultivated a long-standing accounting team with most members staying on team for over 10 years
Timeline
Vice President & Controller
Alliance Franchise Brands
07.2022 - Current
Controller
Alliance Franchise Brands
11.2015 - 06.2022
Assistant Controller
Alliance Franchise Brands
06.2010 - 10.2015
Accounting Manager
Alliance Franchise Brands
08.2005 - 05.2010
A/R and Royalty Billing Administrator
Alliance Franchise Brands
01.2000 - 07.2005
Accounts Payable Administrator
Alliance Franchise Brands
02.1997 - 01.2000
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Wayne State University
Similar Profiles
Leslie FieldsLeslie Fields
Communications Manager at Authority BrandsCommunications Manager at Authority Brands
Manish JaiswalManish Jaiswal
Retail Head at Franchise India Brands LimitedRetail Head at Franchise India Brands Limited
Todd DorrTodd Dorr
Director of Training and Programming at FIT Franchise BrandsDirector of Training and Programming at FIT Franchise Brands
Valerie KearnsValerie Kearns
SMB Elite Sales Consultant - CPA Centric at PaychexSMB Elite Sales Consultant - CPA Centric at Paychex
Kelly SeigmillerKelly Seigmiller
Registered Nurse, Endoscopy at Trinity Health Livonia EndoscopyRegistered Nurse, Endoscopy at Trinity Health Livonia Endoscopy