Manager Accounting

WILLIAM D. LYONS, CPA

Aliso Viejo, CA ***** abmbjx@r.postjobfree.com

949-***-**** www.linkedin.com/in/wlyonscpa

SUMMARY

Controller/Director of Accounting with extensive experience in the daily

management of accounting department. Recognized as a leader that

continually goes above job requirements to seek new ways to streamline and

automate operations. Excellent financial, managerial, analytical and

communication skills. Core expertise in:

General Accounting / AR / AP / PR Budgeting/Financial Modeling

Financial Statement Preparation / GAAP / Sox Compliance

SEC Staff Development / Training

Systems Integration

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY, Santa Ana, CA 1997 - 2010

National real estate brokerage and management company

Director of Accounting, Santa Ana, CA (2008 - 2010)

Accounting Manager, Chicago, IL (1997 - 2008)

Directed a team of six managers and accountants, with a total staff of 20,

in all brokerage functions for 50+ field offices including general ledger,

accounts payable, accounts receivable, treasury, budgeting and financial

reporting.

. Led conversion project to move AP function to an outside service

provider, including vendor notification, field office training and error

corrections. Change saved over $2M annually in processing costs and

increased payment time of vendors by 20 days.

. Following reverse merger, moved from Chicago to CA and recruited and

trained new team in 3 months with no letdown of services to the field

offices.

. Partnered with Financial Reporting Manager to provide information for SEC

filings for new equity offerings, bank agreements and a variety of

filings.

. Worked closely with Treasury in managing cash position during difficult

economic periods.

. Directed budget preparation and upload to the general ledger for real

estate entities as well as new Investment Management Division.

Successfully converted division to Lawson in 3 months saving well over

$0.5M in software maintenance costs alone. Trained new staff in use of

the system including general accounting and report writing.

. Led conversion and upgrades of Lawson General Ledger. Developed

reporting package for all 50+ branches to run and print their own

statements, saving numerous hours and over $500K per year.

. Performed monthly analysis and review of all balance sheet and income

statement reconciliations to ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial

statements.

. Primary liaison with both internal and external audits to ensure company

was in compliance with all applicable procedures and rules.

. Developed and streamlined procedures, reducing month-end close from 10

days to 6.

IPC / LEVY, LTD, Elgin, IL 1991 - 1997

$10M auction and appraisal firm

VP, Finance/ Controller

Directed all Accounting, Treasury and Advertising functions and supervised

a staff of 4.

. Implemented new 401(k) Plan and Group insurance contract that saved

company $150K annually.

. Developed and implemented integrated database for appraisal/auction

information using MS Access, which allowed staff online, real-time access

to equipment research, saving dozens of hours monthly.

VP, Finance / Controller, IPC / LEVY, LTD (continued)

. Developed bank relationships for a $5M line of credit allowing the

company to double their existing operations and begin a new line of

business, resulting in a 30% increase in EBITDA.

Negotiated national temporary service contract which saved the 35% on

labor costs.

. Directed all accounting for 3 real estate joint partnerships that

included 10 properties and 30 tenants.

LYONS CONSULTING, Chicago, IL 1990 - 1991

Independent financial consulting firm

Owner

Developed financial systems and controls for multiple clients, with an

emphasis on procedure enhancement, internal control and efficiency.

. Designed and implemented an international hedging system for Motorola

Corporate Treasury and an automated trade billing system for The

Midwest Stock Exchange. Both systems increased timeliness of trade

data being recorded in the general ledger and improved cash

management.

. Completed system conversions to JD Edwards and Oracle for two clients.

Ensured both manual and system controls for data accuracy and cut 4

days off the closing process.

SEARS MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Riverwoods, IL 1984 - 1990

National mortgage brokerage

Accounting Manager

Managed all accounting functions including general ledger, payroll,

management and financial reporting and treasury. Supervised a staff of 4

supervisors and 24 clerical employees.

. Wrote a significant number of dBase programs to process and improve

efficiency of data capture into the accounting and treasury

applications, saving days off the close process and over $1M in lost

interest over a 2-year period.

. Led acquisition team of six in analyzing master servicing functions in

San Francisco firm. Streamlined operations and planned merger with

Chicago office 3 months ahead of schedule.

. Oversaw accounting implications of a system integration project to tie

all operating, servicing, and accounting systems into a single-multi-

user database. Project saved the company over $450K during the first

few years of operation in manpower and other efficiencies.

JEWEL COMPANIES, INC., Chicago, IL 1982 - 1984

Retail, manufacturing and distribution conglomerate

Internal Auditor

Conducted financial and operational audits in all facets of the company's

operations including manufacturing, retail, distribution, wholesale and IT

operations.

. Developed store loss programs that saved company over $3M in excess

losses over 2 years.

. Wrote programs and analyzed data to uncover fraudulent health claims

and duplicated payments amounting to over $450,000.

. Completed several financial acquisition / disposition analyses for

management which allowed them to divest of low margin business.

EDUCATION

B.S., Accountancy

Northern Illinois University, Graduated with University Honors

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Passed Illinois Certified Public Accountant Exam, Member AICPA

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