Manager Accounting

LUCRETIA COTTON, CPA

FREMONT, CA ***** **********@*****.*** CELL: 510-***-****

CAREER SUMMARY

Results-oriented Financial Professional with over fifteen years of experience including monthly

financial close management, all accounting services such as A/R, A/P, Payroll and General Ledger,

Treasury, and staff development. Licensed CPA with a proven record of accomplishments through

developing and implementing processes to strengthen internal accounting controls and resolve

complex issues.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

COTTON JONES & ASSOCIATES 2004 - 2010

Partner

Provide accounting and tax management to individuals and small businesses. Develop and present

financial seminars and workshops. Collaborate with clients to assist with year-round tax planning.

• Provide accounting assistance and budget analysis to various non-profit organizations including

churches and other 501(c) (3) organizations.

JAMBA JUICE 2005 - 2008

Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Director (2006-2008)

Performed risk assessments, identified issues, and collaborated with various departments to develop

enhanced internal controls. Produced process and procedures internal controls documentation to

ensure compliance with SEC regulatory requirements.

• Successfully directed a newly merged public company through the year-one Sarbanes-Oxley

compliance initiative in conjunction with PCAOB and AS5 guidelines.

• Implemented controls and processes that led to successful internal controls certification for year-

end revenue reporting of $317M.

Corporate Controller (2005-2006)

Managed accounting operations to ensure the accurate and timely preparation of financial

statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for internal and

external customers. Hired, trained, and developed staff consisting of four Managers and nine

additional staff members. Coordinated quarterly financial reviews and annual audits. Approved all

corporate property and income tax returns and supporting documentation.

• Managed the monthly budget review process and prepared analysis of actual versus

projected results.

• Reduced monthly close process by three days (30%) through revising procedures to improve

financial statement delivery and utilize industry best practices.

• Led Great Plains accounting system upgrade while simultaneously assisting with the

preparation and reconciliation of SEC proxy information for a corporate merger.

LUCRETIA COTTON, CPA CELL: 510 759-334

**********@*****.***

EXODUS COMMUNICATION 1999 – 2004

Consultant EXDS INC. – Bankruptcy Trust (2002-2004)

Reconciled over $100 million in potential preference payments by collaboration with outside

counsel, bankruptcy trustees, former vendors, and employees.

• Through diligent research and reconciliation, over $500K in erroneously paid vendor

preference payments became available for payment as directed by the bankruptcy court.

Assistant Corporate Controller (2000-2002)

Coordinated multiple accounting groups with 24 employees for leading internet hosting and

managed services provider. Managed all accounting and tax activities including financial reporting,

payroll, accounts payable, and revenue/billing for Company with $818M annual revenue. Approved

all income and property tax returns and supporting documentation.

• Uncovered $900K in tax overpayments through executing a detailed review and

reconciliation of tax payments and returns prepared by an acquired company.

• Recognized for capturing $2M in past due receivable previously deemed uncollectable.

Fixed Assets Manager (1999-2000)

Directed the documentation and reconciliation of assets valued at $1.2B with $14M in monthly

depreciation. Prepared and reviewed property tax returns for numerous jurisdictions.

• Led the first physical inventory through collaboration with various departments and data centers

throughout the United States to create an integrated asset management system to improve capital

asset tracking and reduce equipment loss.

MCDONALD’S CORPORATION 1986 - 1999

Franchising Manager (1997-1999)

Directed franchise compliance efforts of 150 franchisees throughout Northern CA and NV.

• Successfully recruited and trained ten prospective McDonald’s owners on operational and

financial procedures; identified and placed each owner in financially profitable locations.

Regional Controller (1986-1996)

Developed financial initiatives, analyzed monthly budget variances, and developed the $350M

annual regional budget. Devised cost-effective sales and profit growth strategies. Collaborated

with operations, development, human resources, and other departments to create a three-year plan to

improve forecasting and financial decision-making abilities.

• Increased the profitability of new restaurant locations by 10% through collaborating with the

operations, real estate, and construction departments.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

Executive M.B.A., GOLDEN GATE UNIVERSITY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

B.S. Accounting, INDIANA UNIVERSITY, BLOOMINGTON, IN

CPA License, CA BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY

LUCRETIA COTTON, CPA CELL: 510 759-334

**********@*****.***

CPA Certificate, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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