Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Xiaohong (Karen) Xu

Brooklyn

Summary

Dynamic and experience finance leader with a strong background in leading organizational change, boosting operational efficiency, and optimizing Net Working Capital. Recognized for transforming data into actionable insights, receiving CFO award in Spring 2022. Proficient in FP&A support, Shared Service management, and financial reporting, empowering strategic decisions for senior leadership.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Commercial & Operating Net Working Capital Controller

Schindler Elevator Corporation
Morristown
06.2024 - Current
  • Drove initiatives to enhance Net Working Capital by $98M in 2024.
  • Partnered with Shared Service management to implement and monitor KPIs for monthly collection performance.
  • Reduced Days Sales Outstanding by seven days, increasing cash flow by $400M in 2024.
  • Identified billing opportunities during monthly WIP coverage for Large Projects, decreasing underbilling.
  • Provided NWC Subject Matter Expert support and training to field operations and stakeholders.
  • Led monthly NWC meetings with Senior Leadership, developing improvement initiatives and strategies.

Controller/ Finance Director

3Phase Elevator Corporation
Secaucus
06.2022 - 06.2024
  • Led team of 6 managers and 30 members across AR, Billing, Payroll, and Accounting.
  • Established Standard Operating Procedures to enhance billing timeliness, collection efficiency, and payroll accuracy.
  • Assisted CFO and senior leadership in preparing regional business plans to direct operations and strengthen controls.
  • Supported business transformation initiatives focused on EBITDA improvement.
  • Coordinated budget presentations for Board review and strategic alignment.
  • Managed payroll processes for over 700 union and 100 office employees.
  • Reviewed journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations to prepare monthly financial reports.
  • Mentored staff in accounting and billing, identifying strengths and developing talent plans.

Regional Finance Director

TK Elevator Corporation
Manhattan
10.2012 - 06.2022
  • Owned month-end financial close, budget planning, and forecasting for 10 branches.
  • Ensured timely issuance of accurate financial reports and ad-hoc analyses.
  • Developed monthly analytical reviews, providing recommendations to enhance performance.
  • Guided branch and regional personnel on accounting treatment for clarity.
  • Investigated monthly budget variances, collaborating with branches to realign to plan.
  • Oversaw efficient implementation of accounting systems, ensuring compliance in reporting.
  • Engaged in Credit and Collection efforts, improving accounts receivable and cash flow.
  • Conducted financial training sessions for new employees in various roles.

Regional Accounting Manager

TK Elevator Corporation
Manhattan
06.2011 - 09.2012
  • Executed month-end close for region; prepared journal entries and reviewed submissions from senior accountants.
  • Collaborated with senior management to create performance reports and analyses.
  • Analyzed financial data and profitability of national contracts.
  • Developed management tools to quantify and monitor work processes effectively.
  • Monitored indirect and SG&A department expenses to ensure budget compliance.

Senior Financial Analyst

TK Elevator Corporation
Manhattan
07.2007 - 06.2011
  • Ensured compliance with company regulations through effective management of region's ledger functions.
  • Reviewed accounts analyses and reconciliations across three accounting systems.
  • Supported quarterly and annual audits in collaboration with external auditors.
  • Contributed to development of annual budgets for 14 branches.
  • Conducted cost-benefit analysis for potential corporate incentive programs.
  • Trained and supervised junior staff accountant to enhance team performance.
  • Secured $2.2M in funding from Elevator Industry Preservation Fund during transition from Local 3 to Local 1.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting

Baruch College – Zicklin School of Business
Manhattan, NY
06.2005

Bachelor of Science - Computer Information System

Kingsborough Community College
Brooklyn, NY
01.2003

Skills

  • Strategic planning
  • Financial analysis
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Net working capital management
  • Month-end close processes
  • KPI development and monitoring
  • Shared services management
  • Process improvement
  • Cost accounting
  • Cross-functional leadership

Timeline

Commercial & Operating Net Working Capital Controller

Schindler Elevator Corporation
06.2024 - Current

Controller/ Finance Director

3Phase Elevator Corporation
06.2022 - 06.2024

Regional Finance Director

TK Elevator Corporation
10.2012 - 06.2022

Regional Accounting Manager

TK Elevator Corporation
06.2011 - 09.2012

Senior Financial Analyst

TK Elevator Corporation
07.2007 - 06.2011

Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting

Baruch College – Zicklin School of Business

Bachelor of Science - Computer Information System

Kingsborough Community College
Xiaohong (Karen) Xu