Tara Geiser
Westlake
Summary
Experienced with financial planning, budgeting, and analysis. Utilizes strong leadership and strategic thinking to drive financial performance. Track record of effective team collaboration and achieving impactful results.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
FINANCE DIRECTOR
WIPFLI LLP
Milwaukee, WI
02.2023 - Current
- Oversee Financial Statement preparation and analysis, Billing and Collections, Payroll and all Cash Management activities.
- Oversee all Partnership Accounting and Tax Reporting, including that of our Private Equity Investor.
- Streamlined reporting processes, improving accuracy and timeliness of financial information dissemination.
- Oversee Year End Audit work and Financial Statement compilation.
- Facilitated process improvements by automating manual tasks, increasing efficiency within the finance function.
- Oversee the development of the annual budget and targets, analyzing financial results to budget and target monthly.
- Collaborated with executive leadership on mergers and acquisitions and their fit into the Company
- Liaison with our corporate bank for Financing
- Liaison with our Insurance Company for Property, Liability and Worker’s Compensation insurance
- Overseeing the conversion of our Financial Module from Great Plains to Workday, our Payroll Module from ADP to Workday and our ERP system from STAR to Workday.
FINANCE DIRECTOR
DRYLOCK TECHNOLOGIES LTD
Eau Claire, WI
05.2019 - 02.2023
- Oversaw the month-end closing process, monthly financial statement preparation and quarterly financial review to present to the Board of Directors.
- Directed financial forecasting and analysis, driving informed decision-making across departments.
- Improved financial performance through thorough analysis of company expenditures and revenues.
- Successfully managed multiple audits, ensuring accurate financial information was presented to external parties without discrepancies or delays.
- Managed company cash flow by monitoring daily transactions and optimizing working capital.
- Streamlined reporting processes, improving accuracy and timeliness of financial information dissemination.
- Facilitated process improvements by automating manual tasks, increasing efficiency within the finance function.
- Oversaw budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and resource allocation efficiency.
- Led strategic financial planning sessions that aligned with company goals, ensuring cohesive approach to growth.
- Mentored finance teams, fostering professional growth and enhancing departmental capabilities.
- Assisted with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new department employees.
SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST
MillerCoors
Chippewa Falls, WI
02.2012 - 05.2019
- Month/Year End Financial Closing and Reporting
- Analyzed financial data to provide insights for strategic decision-making.
- Led cross-functional teams in identifying cost-saving opportunities through detailed financial analysis.
- Mentored junior analysts, fostering skill development and improving team efficiency in financial modeling.
- Developed budgets and forecasts to support organizational goals and performance tracking.
- Oversaw an SAP conversion from the AS400 April 1, 2022.
Principal Financial Analyst
Xcel Energy
Eau Claire, WI
06.2004 - 02.2012
- Month end accounting close, journal entry preparation and financial reporting.
- Annual budgeting
- Preparation of annual reports for the Public Service Commission.
- Annual Audit preparation and completion.
CONTROLLER
BAUER BUILT, INC.
Durand, WI
07.2000 - 05.2004
- Month end closing and financial reporting.
- Annual audit and financial statement preparation.
- Annual budget preparation.
- Daily cash management activities.
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
WIPFLI, LLC
Eau Claire, WI
01.1998 - 06.2000
- Audit and Tax services for a variety of clients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - ACCOUNTING
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN EAU CLAIRE
Eau Claire, WI05-1998
Skills
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Month-End and Year-End Closings
- Audit coordination
- KPI tracking
- Corporate Strategic Planning
- Financial Forecasting
- Executive Leadership Advisement
- Project Management
- Supervision & Leadership
Certification
- CPA - Certified Public Accountant
Timeline
FINANCE DIRECTOR
WIPFLI LLP
02.2023 - Current
FINANCE DIRECTOR
DRYLOCK TECHNOLOGIES LTD
05.2019 - 02.2023
SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST
MillerCoors
02.2012 - 05.2019
Principal Financial Analyst
Xcel Energy
06.2004 - 02.2012
CONTROLLER
BAUER BUILT, INC.
07.2000 - 05.2004
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
WIPFLI, LLC
01.1998 - 06.2000
Bachelor of Science - ACCOUNTING
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN EAU CLAIRE