Stephen M. Hieber
* **** **** **** ******, CT *6035
E-mail: ***********@*****.***
Cellular Phone: 845-***-****
Highly motivated results oriented Chief Financial Officer offering over 20
years financial management experience in Direct/On-Line Marketing, Retail,
Publishing and Manufacturing, within both public and private companies.
Hands-on leadership style with decisive management skills, exceptional
judgment, and ability to manage multiple functions.
. Strategic Planning
. P&L Management & Analysis
. Financial Reporting
. Merger and Acquisitions
. Insurance and Risk Management
. Inventory Control
. Human Resource Management
. Banking and Cash Management
. Management Information Systems
. Contract Negotiation
Professional Experience
Culinary Health Innovations, Plattsburgh NY
July 2012 - June 2013
Chief Financial Officer
Hands-on Chief Financial Officer for a start up food manufacturing
business. Was instrumental in raising over $2 million dollars in equity.
Dealt closely with legal to close the transactions and controlled the
capitalization table with 30 investors. Directly responsible for all
accounting, analysis, cash management and financial and strategic
planning. Worked closely with the company founders in determining and
executing the strategic direction of the business.
Independent Management Consultant, Plattsburgh NY
2009 - 2012
Assisting growing, entrepreneurial businesses improve profitability, obtain
growth capital and develop effective management reporting and strategic
direction in the role of contract Chief Financial Officer.
- Asept Pak - Completed the process to obtained a
$850,000 grant from the State of New York for the
purchase of equipment.
- Culinary Health Innovations - Worked with the founder on
planning and strategy to obtain external
funding.
Home Bistro Foods, Inc., Plattsburgh NY
2006 - 2009
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Hands-on executive for a $14 million fast growing, but cash constrained
direct mail/internet retailer and manufacturer with over 30 investors, from
angel investors to institutional investors. Taking on a high risk
opportunity; raised capital, cut costs, lead strategic advancements and
tactically managed cash, but due to the recession ultimately oversaw the
company through bankruptcy and a distress sale with absolute integrity.
Overall responsibility for Finance, Human Resources, Fulfillment Operations
w/dual sites and Management Information Systems.
> Raised $3.2 million in equity and $1,250,00 of debt
> Renegotiated distribution contract saving $150,000 annually
> Renegotiated printing contract saving $200,000 annually
> Re-engineered the fulfillment operation increasing efficiency by 20%,
saving $140,000 annually
> Ran quarterly Board of Directors meetings and monthly calls with the
investor "Finance Committee"
> Lead process to implement MRP and cost accounting systems leading to
more precise production and labor planning, and detailed material cost
tracking enabling immediate corrective action to manufacturing
variances
Petals Decorative Accents, LLC, Ridgefield, CT
2005 - 2006
Chief Financial Officer
Officer of a $20 million direct mail/internet retailer in a re-startup
phase. Overall responsibility for Finance, Human Resources, Inventory
Purchasing and Freight Trafficking. Direct accountability to principal
investors and Board of Directors for all financial operations.
> Instrumental in raising 100% of capital needed for new fulfillment
warehouse
> Reduced operating loss by over 60% through normalization of cost
structure via renegotiation of operating contracts.
> Turn company from $500,000/month cash burn to projected cash flow
positive in 12 months
> Initiated plan to bring fulfillment operations in house with saving of
$1million annually
> Extensive work on audit of financial statements and preparation of
registration statement for IPO offering
The Wine Enthusiast Companies, Elmsford, NY
1997 - 2005
Chief Financial Officer (1999 to 2005)
Senior executive responsible for financial operations, balance sheet
integrity and direct accountability to principals for P&L of $50 million
direct mail/internet/Retail Company plus $6 million publishing company.
Key in developing company vision, strategic focus, as well as being
integral in day-to-day business operations. Overall responsibility for
Controllers Group, Human Resources, Information Systems, Inventory
Purchasing and Control, and Freight Trafficking.
> Doubled sales and increased EBITA by 8X through financial analysis
aimed at ROI of promotional campaigns, departmental budgeting and
various cost-cutting initiatives that reduced order-processing costs
by 22.5%.
> Increased inventory turns by 43% and reduced DSO by 37%, increasing
cash flow and eliminating the need for outside financing.
> Developed company financial planning process that focused the company
on objectives and held departmental managers accountable
> Due diligence on two prospective acquisitions revealing material non-
disclosed financial liabilities
> CPA certification of financial statements first year after non
certification for 15 years
> Established Human Resource Department and company wide policies and
procedures
Director of Finance (1997 to 1999)
Managed Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Human
Resources departments. Developed and implemented accounting policies,
procedures and internal control to improve profitability. Upgraded
general ledger package to include a financial reporting component and
created a detailed monthly financial reporting package. Renegotiated bank
line of credit and terms with several major vendors saving over $100K
annually. Hired and trained Controller.
Micro Warehouse, Inc., Norwalk, CT
1992 - 1997
Senior Accounting Manager (1995 to 1997)
Managed staff of 35, including 2 accounting managers, in all areas of
corporate accounting for this Fortune 1000 multinational public company.
Responsible for consolidation and analysis of worldwide operations.
Assisted in external reporting to the SEC and shareholders and direct
contact for external auditing staff. Performed internal auditing for seven
European subsidiaries and was a task force member for the financial
implementation of $350 Million acquisition.
Accounting Manager (1993 to 1995)
Managed staff of 20 in areas of general accounting, performed business
analysis in a high growth environment, direct responsibility for
promotional income and expense forecasting, analysis and accounting.
Revamped the month end reporting process to complete domestic reporting in
1 day and worldwide consolidation in 3 days.
Financial Analyst (1992 to 1993)
Analyzed profitability of joint ventures and provided recommendations to
Marketing Director. Prepared and analyzed billion dollar operating budget
comprised of over 50 departments. Prepared presentations and analysis for
senior management.
James River Corporation, Norwalk, CT
1989 - 1992
Financial Analyst (1991 to 1992)
Developed and analyzed the annual budget, quarterly forecast and five year
strategic plans for $500 Million division of this Fortune 500 Company.
Performed P&L analysis at product level and breakeven analysis of concept
products.
Reporting Analyst (1989 - 1991)
Generated monthly brand and business income statements along with key
financial indicators. Consolidated manufacturing cost variances from
domestic plants and published a monthly manufacturing operations reporting
package for senior management
Dempsey, Myers and Hughes, CPA, Wilton, CT
1988 - 1989
Staff Accountant
Education
. Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ
Bachelor of Science in Finance, 1988
*Graduated Cum Laude
. University of Bridgeport
MBA Course Work
. Karrass Negotiating Seminar completed
Technology
. Ecometry
. Multitier
. SAP Business One
. Enterprise Technology 21
. Quick Books
. Microsoft Office- with advanced Excel
skills