Catherine Filar

*** ***** ****** ( West Dundee, Illinois 60118

abiisj@r.postjobfree.com ( 847-***-****

Qualifications Profile

Pro-active, results-orientated financial professional with extensive

experience in accounting and finance in distribution, manufacturing and

service industry. Experienced in developing financial controls, policies

and procedures to assure compliance with GAAP and Sarbanes Oxley, while

optimizing efficiency and reducing costs.

> Proven success managing all aspects of accounting functions

including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll.

> Comprehensive background in fixed-asset management, cash-flow

management, sales and use tax return preparation, internal and

external auditors and property tax return preparation.

> Instrumental in creating and implementing continuous improvement

procedures that streamline processes as well as reduce operating

costs within corporations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION, Hoffman Estates, IL 2007 - 2010

Business Unit Controller, Words of Wisdom

Oversaw all areas of financial reporting from review of journal entry to

variance analysis for $50M distribution center. Responsible for $4M

inventory, including cycle counts. Developed and implement accounting

programs for new accounting system with a focus on business environment

changes. Developed accounting team and warehouse team by teaching

classes in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access.

Key Achievements:

. Reduced operating expenses $500,000 by outsourcing warehouse operations

and establishing relationship with third party vendor.

. Developed analysis reports and metrics to assist executive management in

strategic decisions in continuous improvement processes.

. Achieved 3 day month end close, reduced from 7 days.

. Reduced overtime by 20% by automating accounts payable, accounts

receivable, inventory, month end, and sales return processes.

SCHNADIG, Des Plaines, IL 2006 - 2007

Accounting Manager

Responsibilities included month end close, preparation of financial

statements, financial analysis, cash management, accounts payable and

consolidation of international manufacturing site. Supervised support

staff of 4 including accounts payable, cost accountant, and staff

accountant.

Catherine Filar Page Two

ADDITIONAL RELATED EXPERIENCE

ARJO, Roselle, IL 2001 - 2006

Senior Accountant/Accounting Manager

Manage all aspects of sales and use tax return preparation for in excess of

40 states. Coordinate sales tax audits as needed. Prepare property tax

returns on an annual basis. Aid in accounting functions on a daily basis

including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll. Create

protocols for realizing inventory costs and eliminating accrual method.

Trained and mentored payroll staff.

Key Achievements

. Played a key role in implementing Quantum/Vertex, which realized savings

in excess of $100,000 concerning external sales and use tax return

preparation

. Spearheaded financial reporting initiatives, which enabled management to

make sound business decisions based on accurate financial position of the

company.

. Contributed to reducing operating expenses by developing and presenting

reports to management that detailed costs, rebates, and sales trends.

. Streamlined monthly invoicing operations for a new product line by

introducing an automated system for monthly lease invoice generation.

VALCOM a/k/a PROFESSIONAL COMPUTERS, Itasca, IL 1998 - 2001

Accountant

Responsibilities included for daily accounting functions, fixed assets and

month end close. Organized and managed tax audits for 26 states.

Automatic Data Processing, Elk Grove Village, IL

1994 - 1998

Responsibilities included preparation of sales and use tax for 7 states.

Assisted in general ledger functions. Analyzed and reconciled bank

statements

COMPUTER SKILLS

Advanced Microsoft Excel (vlookup, pivot tables), Access, ADP Payroll,

COGNOS, Crystal, Hyperion Peoplesoft, Powerhouse, Navision, Oracle, SAP

EDUCATION

MBA, Accounting, Keller University, Oakbrook, IL

BS, Business Management, Judson College, Elgin, IL

CERTIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Candidate for Certified Public Accountant

Toastmasters International, CC

Contact this candidate