MICHAEL BALLARD
Portage, WI **901
608-***-**** ***********@*****.***
SUMMARY
Detail-oriented Cost Accounting Manager with broad managerial skills and 20 years of
experience with cost accounting, purchasing, warehousing and flow of all materials within
manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated leadership in motivating colleagues to work collaboratively across purchasing,
production and R&D to achieve productivity and cost improvements.
Served on company Research and Development team and assisted with development of all
Bill of Materials and Routings.
Successfully introduced new processes and technology changes seamlessly throughout the
organization.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
BRAKEBUSH BROTHERS INC., Westfield, WI 53964 1989 – 2010
Cost Accounting Manager – Corporate
Managed Cost Accounting activities for a private multimillion-dollar company. Led staff of Cost
Analysts and Production Clerk.
• Reduced production variances by 25% and improved costs/production reporting over
5 years (2005-2010) – developed department credibility within company.
• Cut payroll errors by 10% and increased efficiency of Production Supervisors’
accuracy reporting time on production orders – implemented time and attendance system.
• Served as Project Team Leader on successful SAP ERP software installation replacing
Manbase ERP system.
• In 2009 converted production and sales reporting from Business Warehouse to Business
Objects.
• Assisted CFO with department budgets and overhead rates.
• Reduced outside audit expenses by 45% – developed reports in house for government
compliance audits.
• Oversaw Security Administration in SAP.
• Purchased all computer hardware and software over an 11-year period.
• Calculated all new product cost estimates from New Product Request forms.
• Developed pricing templates and market formulas for industrial customers.
Prior Experience:
Senior Cost Accountant, Illinois Pork Corp, Monmouth, IL – heavily involved with foreign
contract negotiations.
Product Cost Analyst, George Hormel Company, Ottumwa, IA – worked 80% of time on
production floor gathering information to establish product standards.
MILITARY SERVICE
U.S. Air force, Sergeant, Telecommunications Control Specialist, Honorable Discharge
EDUCATION
BA, Management Science, Buena Vista College, Storm Lake, IA
AA, Business, Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, IA
AS, Drafting, Indian Hills Community College, Centerville, IA