Thomas W. Kabat
La Crosse,WI
Summary
Chief Financial Officer with strong track record in strategic planning, cash flow and financial analysis. Adept at driving financial growth through effective team collaboration and adaptive strategies. Known for reliability, flexibility, and results-driven approach. Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance, ensuring fiscal health and organizational success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Financial Officer
Midwest Gas Companies
La Crosse, WI
11.2022 - Current
- Oversee financial performance of 8 companies
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and month end
- Produce financials for banks and major suppliers
- Upgraded infrastructure for hardware and software
- Calculate commissions and oversee all payroll activities
- Capital Management for all companies
- Create Workers Compensation audit papers and all other audits for the companies
- Know and adhere to GAAP accounting
- Analyzed operational issues and implemented corrective action to maximize profits.
- Cash flow analysis and execution
Group Controller
Morries Auto Group
West Salem, WI
10.2019 - 11.2022
- Manage financial strategies for the Wisconsin auto group
- Organize and Direct financial close for 6 member dealerships of the auto group
- Shortened financial close from 10 days to 3 days through shared experiences
- Summarize financial performance for group
- Develop and maintain banking relationships with several financial institutions
- Work with managers on increasing profits and analyzing expenses to improve performance
- Manage staff in multiple locations
- Responsible for insurance renewals, floorplan interest rate, and other major contracts for the auto group as well as cash flow and generating cash when needed
- Liaison between Morries Auto Group and General Managers in my area
- On sell side when Morries purchased existing dealership
- On buy side when Morries purchased new dealerships
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to identify areas for cost savings through process improvement initiatives.
- Coordinated annual budgeting process across all departments, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
Finance Director
Aptiv
La Crosse, WI
10.2011 - 11.2019
- Member of Senior Management Team
- Directly in charge of IT Director and Facilities Manager
- Monitored the financial performance and strategic direction of the agency
- Worked closely with Directors and department managers in preparing yearly budgets
- Lead on three different strategic initiatives for the company
- Created rate per hour and program profitability models
- Created and presented financial results and insights to Board of Directors
- Forecasted programs and potential projects for the organization
- Oversaw external audit and completion of tax forms
- Oversaw cash flow for agency to ensure accounts receivable/payable and payroll are in sync
Education
Certified Management Accountant -
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Finance, Management
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WISkills
- Capital Management
- Financial strategy development
- Generating business value
- Financial reporting expertise
- Financial performance analysis
- Providing insight and recommending solutions
- Tax reporting expertise
- Strategic Planning
- Community Collaboration
- Effective presentation skills
- Servant Leadership
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer
Midwest Gas Companies
11.2022 - Current
Group Controller
Morries Auto Group
10.2019 - 11.2022
Finance Director
Aptiv
10.2011 - 11.2019
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Finance, Management
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Certified Management Accountant -
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)