Manager Accounting

Sharon Darkow, CPA

N***** Howard Drive ( Fox Lake, WI 53933

******@***.*** 920-***-**** (H) 414-***-**** (C)

Financial Management & Control

Hands-on financial manager / controller with an extensive background in all

facets of accounting, financial leadership, and information technology.

Able to deliver strong and sustainable financial gains through cost

reductions, cash flow improvements, and cash management. Outstanding

analytical, problem solving, leadership, technology, and communication

skills. Expertise in introducing and implementing accounting systems,

practices, and process.

Bottom-line-oriented with a consistent record of exceeding standards and

expectations. Proven track record using technology to enhance data and

information management. Articulate communicator committed to operational

excellence. Effective in research and analysis.

Financial Control & Management Competencies:

Financial Leadership & Control Sarbanes Oxley Compliance

Cash Flow Analysis & Financial Accounting System Implementation

Modeling Coordinating & Delegating

Solid Business & Financial Acumen Workflow

Budget Development & Customer Relationship Management

Administration

Treasury Management Staff Supervision, Training &

Internal Audit Procedures Coaching

Consolidations Complete Acquisition Process

SEC K schedules

Career Experience

Stephan & Brady, Inc., Madison, WI, November 2009 to March 2010

Assistant Accounting Manager

Managed all aspects of the general ledger. Reviewed client prebills and

prepared monthly invoices. Provided monthly, quarterly and year-end

analysis. Prepared and consolidated financial statements. Assisted with

budget preparation. Maintained company accounting files. Managed payment

of accounts payable.

Key Contributions:

. Technical accounting software troubleshooting.

. Developed pivot tables for client billing detail.

Stewart Title of Wisconsin, Inc., Milwaukee, WI, 1999 to February 2010

Controller/Accounting Manager

Directed daily financial activities for seven divisions across multiple

locations, performing all aspects of preparing / analyzing financial

statements, managing cash, establishing / maintaining banking

relationships, planning investments, and developing / administering

budgets. Supervised accounting staff of five. Ensured compliance to

Sarbanes-Oxley standards. Compiled and presented reports to senior

management for review and analysis. Investigated and resolved software

problems for end users. Led employee orientation and training initiatives.

Key Contributions:

. Led and Implemented cutting-edge technology to facilitate electronic

banking, deposit image scanning, and arbitrage programs for improved

technology; increased interest income by $100,000.

. Played a key role in five complete and successful acquisitions from

negotiations to closing by participating in due diligence and post

closing integration efforts.

. Designed, executed, and monitored internal financial controls.

. Instituted a centralized accounting department and policies that were

used as a model across regions.

. Coordinated deposit scanning, decreasing floats by two business days,

increasing cash flow ACH payment of vendors / employees, and saving

mail expenses.

. Invited to attend annual Regional Controller meeting for seven

consecutive years.

. Led Regional effort to ensure accurate general ledger mapping for new

Hyperion and HFM reporting system; selected to participate in pilot

testing group.

. Prepared K Schedules for SEC reporting.

American Society for Quality, Milwaukee, WI, 1997 to 1999

Section / Division Senior Accountant (1998 to 1999)

Advanced to a highly visible position as a result of outstanding

performance and skills in accounting and communication. Directed and

trained Division treasurers in financial information management and

reporting. Audited treasury reports, reviewed budgets, managed treasury,

and maintained banking relationships. Oversaw 1099 reporting, Web site

development, and fund accounting tasks.

Key Contributions:

. Acted as financial consultant for the accounting departments of 250

sections and 22 divisions.

. Prepared monthly financial statements and reconciled bank / general

ledger accounts for 22 divisions.

Accountant MBNQA & Register Accreditation Board (1997 to 1998)

Managed the financial operations for two separate departments, while

reporting to both the Accounting Manager of ASQ and the CEO of Registrar

Accreditation Board. Prepared and audited billings for government contract.

Compiled financial statements for the Registrar Accreditation Board.

Reconciled bank and general ledger accounts.

Key Contributions:

. Instituted a new invoicing system, resulting in significant reductions

in the return of audit report results and improvements to revenue

cycle.

. Collected $100,000 in accounts receivable arrearages, reducing age of

receivables to 60 days or less.

Mayville Animal Clinic, Mayville, WI, 1987 to 1996

Office Manager

Oversaw the day-to-day office functions of a full-service animal clinic,

with key responsibilities including accounts payable, accounts receivable,

cash management, and banking relations.

Key Contributions:

. Installed and maintained the office's computerized accounting system.

. Coordinated and led special projects upon assignment.

Educational Background

Ottawa University - Ottawa, KS

Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Cum Laude;

Certified Public Accountant, State of Wisconsin

Professional Training:

Billing and Collections Best Practices, Accounts Payable and Payroll Best

Practices, Data Mining

Financial / Estate Planning ~ Maximizing / Exercising Corporate Employee

Stock Options

Professional Affiliation:

Wisconsin Certified Public Accountants (2007 to Present)

Technical Proficiencies:

Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, ScanSoft PDF, Hyperion(Oracle), HFM,

Distributed Retrieve, Solomon, Financial Access, JD Edwards, Sureclose,

Efax, Account Ability tax software, and IRS FIRE system

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