Accounting Manager

RESUME - LYNN KIRCHHOFF

CAREER OVERVIEW

My diverse background includes deploying innovative solution and approaches in multiple accounting and internal auditing roles in both the public and private sectors. I have developed accounting procedures to increase efficiency and decrease spending. I have streamlined the budgeting process at Clinton County. I prepare various labor and cost forecasts as part of the budgeting process at Clinton County. I have experience with various federal and state regulations through my audit experience with the Illinois Department of Transportation. While at Time Warner Cable I frequently collaborated with the other regional auditors regarding company policy and auditing best practices, including the implementation of SOX policies and procedures. As an internal auditor, I have worked closely with all levels of management. My auditing experience has required me to analyze and interpret company policies and internal controls for compliance and make recommendations to correct deficiencies found.

RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Clinton County, Iowa (2014-Present)

Budget Director. Administer the county’s $30 million budget, including monitoring performance and preparing the budget for submission to the County Board of Supervisors and the State of Iowa. Prepare, publish, and submit budget amendments after approval by the Board of Supervisors. Prepare and distribute the county’s property valuation reports to the State of Iowa and the various taxing districts. Prepare and distribute monthly financial reports to the county department heads and elected officials. Prepare Clinton County’s annual cash and GAAP financial statements for submission to the State of Iowa. Coordinate the county’s annual audit. Significant accomplishments since 2014 include: automation of the annual budgeting process; and analysis and improvement the County Auditor’s procedures regarding financial monitoring, preparation and reporting. Also, utilizing my experience as an internal auditor, I conducted a thorough analysis of countywide spending and identified a $3 million budget gap leading to budget streamlining to achieve cost efficiencies.

HOBBICO, Champaign, IL (2012-2014)

Business Systems Manager. Responsible for initiating, planning and implementing financial and operational reviews of various business functions to determine the adequacy of controls, and the degree of adherence to company policies, practices and procedures. Recommended and implemented changes required for compliance and efficient utilization of resources.

Time Warner Cable, Kansas City, MO (2006-2012)

Internal Auditor. Ensured Division accounting and IT technical controls operated effectively, met Division and Corporate guidelines, and compliance requirements of Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Developed, monitored, and facilitated testing, documentation and remediation plans for Corporate SOX audit test plans and internal audits. Maintained effective audit programs based on division and corporate guidelines. Ensured the Division maintained strong controls over accounting and information technology. Performed periodic reviews and walk-throughs of key control processes. Evaluated, identified and remediated any weaknesses and inefficiencies in key controls and processes. Developed and presented recommendations for non-compliant issues to division management. Prepared and executed internal audits on accounting and operations departments. Ensured the division’s compliance with PCI (Payment Card Industry) standards. Served as the division’s PCI Coordinator. Significant accomplishments included: development of Customer Premise Equipment procedures for the cable stores and warehouses and creation/implementation of procedures for billing technicians for lost equipment.

Bright House Networks, Indianapolis, IN (2005-2006)

Internal Auditor. Establish the internal audit function for the Indianapolis Division. Developed the annual audit plan, performed a risk analysis of the division, conducted operational and financial audits, and performed internal control reviews of each department. Prepared audit programs, performed audit fieldwork, developed findings/recommendations and issued audit reports. Significant accomplishments included development of the Customer Premise Equipment Procedure Manual and analysis/identification of significant security access exceptions in the billing system.

Illinois Commerce Commission, Springfield, IL (1999-2005)

Assistant Internal Auditor. For each major area of responsibility, determined the audit objectives and prepared the audit program. Performed audits as outlined in the audit program, including an internal control assessment on each function audited. Developed findings and recommendations based on the information gathered during the audit. Prepared and issued an audit report for each function audited. Key accomplishment: identified significant internal control deficiencies in the inventory and overtime compensation functions which resulted in significant cost savings to the Commission.

Illinois Department of Transportation, Springfield, IL (1997-1999)

Public Service Administrator. As an advanced senior level auditor, performed external audits of a more difficult, complex or sensitive nature. Prepared analyses wrote audit reports and created or updated permanent files. Directed external audits at field locations, supervised assigned staff, maintained audit schedules and assured adherence to audit standards. Other responsibilities included review of the work of assigned staff for completeness, accuracy and compliance with agency standards and procedures, review and approval of audit findings, and preparation of complex audit reports.

State University Retirement System of Illinois, Champaign, IL (1997)

Internal Auditor I. For each major area of responsibility, reviewed and, if necessary, revised the audit objectives and prepared the audit program. Performed audits as outlined in the audit program. Performed an internal control assessment on each function audited. Developed findings and recommendations based on the information gathered during the audit. Prepared an audit report for each function audited.

Illinois Department of Transportation, Springfield, IL (1993-1996)

Public Service Administrator. As supervisor of a subunit of the Audit Section, assigned, reviewed and approved the work of six staff auditors, including audit reports, findings and recommendations. Planned and authored audit reports for complex overhead rate audits of complicated accounting systems. In addition, established goals and objectives for my staff based on individual capabilities to achieve the unit's work plan. Also was responsible for the training, development and evaluation of each member of my staff.

Internal Auditor II. As an advanced senior level auditor, performed external audits of a more difficult, complex or sensitive nature. Prepared analyses wrote audit reports and created or updated permanent files. Directed external audits at field locations, supervised assigned staff, maintained audit schedules and assured adherence to audit standards.

Internal Auditor I. As either an audit team member or an independent auditor, prepared audit files and conducted audits of various accounting systems, records and documents that support direct costs and burden and overhead rates billed by consultants. Prepared audit reports that summarized the discrepancies found during the audit process into concise, logical findings.

Key Accomplishment: Identified fraudulent billing practices of a state contractor resulting in federal prosecution of the firm and restitution of over $100,000 to the State.

Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, Springfield, IL (1990-1992)

Internal Auditor I. As either an audit team member or an independent auditor, conducted internal and internal/external audits of department programs including internal control audits.

EDUCATION

Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois

Bachelor of Science, Business

Majors: Accounting and Personnel Management

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