GENE HIGGINS, CPA MBA

**** ******** **** ***** ******, Florida 33928

239-***-****(C) abnoa7@r.postjobfree.com

CAREER SUMMARY

Senior Financial Executive, MBA, with over twenty years of experience and a foundation in Big Four

accounting. Strong track record of delivering significant improvements in profits, performance, cash and

working capital. Background includes executive roles at leading sportswear apparel companies and with

smaller organizations including health care requiring a hands-on approach. Key financial responsibilities have

included: Assessing and improving internal controls, receivables, inventory, bonds, payables, payroll, financial

statement preparation, management key indicator reporting and analysis, budgets and forecasting, and

interface with internal and external auditors and IT conversion projects.

EXPERIENCE

BONITA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER,INC., Bonita Springs, FL 2006–present

A health care facility with more than 60 employees jointly owned by Naples Community Hospital and Lee

Memorial Health Systems. This non-profit organization provides out-patient services including: radiology,

ambulatory surgery center, walk-in clinic and rehabilitation.

Chief Financial Officer

• Oversee the financial reporting and operations including: billing/registration/scheduling/records, cash

management, bonds, financial statements, budgets, analysis, accounts payables/receivables, payroll, fixed

assets, 401k, Information Systems, tenant leases, insurance, Board & bank relations. Accomplishments

include: Project leader on new MRI system & creation of daily & monthly key indicator & budget reports,

A/R days less than 40 days.

CONSUMER TESTING LABORATORIES, INC., Bentonville, AR 2002–2006

A $65MM global testing lab facilities with more than 850 employees globally. The company tests samples from

Wal-Mart suppliers in a high volume, fast paced environment.

Division Controller

• Spearheaded reorganization of Accounting Group after independently assessing and reporting

observations and recommendations to CEO, COO, and CFO. Trained the Group in matters concerning

Collections, Payables, and Payroll and defined clear responsibilities and instituted financial controls to gain

efficiencies and clear segregation of duties.

• Analyzed and documented accounting process flows and implemented cash and A/R controls including:

cash-A/R reconciliations, reporting and analysis and lockboxes to enhance internal controls and safeguard

assets in Arkansas, Canada, Hong Kong and China.

• Led project to convert the A/R from an inefficient and inaccurate software package to Peachtree and then

to the MAS 90/200 system for international sites over a one-year period. This resulted in timely and

accurate invoicing, proper and timely reconciliations, and efficient collection efforts.

• Managed the analysis and implementation of processes and software designed to track, report, and control

cancellations/revisions. Experienced 50% reduction in global cancellations/revisions for multiple lab

locations resulting in more accurate reports to customers.

THE TOBACCO MERCHANT, INC., Longwood, FL 1996–2001

A retailer of cigars, pipes, and accessories to upscale professional clientele with disposable income.

President

• Planned and designed the establishment of an up-scale cigar retail operation and achieved first year sales

of $375,000. Planning included: the product offering, merchandising, floor plan, location, staffing, and

general contractor. Store opened on time generating over $70,000 in the first two months of operation.

GENE HIGGINS, CPA PAGE TWO

ADIDAS AMERICA INC., Spartanburg, SC 1994–1996

A global leader in marketing and distributing sports products with 1995 revenues in excess of $510 million.

Director of Operations

Specifically recruited and commissioned with directing a staff of more than 300 professionals in multi-functional

operations with $20 million budget. Charged with rebuilding the operational team to drive substantial new

revenue growth. Coordinated the activities of three directors covering Distribution, IT, and Customer

Satisfaction. Developed their management skills by establishing strategic MBO’s.

• Slashed shipping error customer claims 20% by implementing customer service strategies and scanning

technology. Enhanced distribution efficiencies and reduced labor per unit costs by 17% by streamlining and

enhancing IT systems and their layout

REEBOK INTERNATIONAL, INC., Stoughton, MA 1986–1993

A global leader in marketing and distributing sports products with revenues of $3 billion globally.

Finance / Operations Manager, Golf Division 1990–1993

Directed operations for this $30 million start-up division including: shoe and apparel inventories, forecasting,

budgets, financial analysis; sales programs and commissions.

• Key team member in developing a business plan in the launching of the Greg Norman Golf Apparel line

with first year sales volume of more than $15 million. Established the line’s Far East sourcing program,

developed the product line, created and delivered sale training and programs. Managed inventory,

rendered pricing decisions, drove budget /forecasts.

Marketing Controller, Footwear Division 1989–1990

Developed key metric reports, conducted inventory buys, provided forecasting, and delivered gross margins

and budgets for this $1 billion division. Provided financial and marketing analysis and reporting and liaised

with IT while reported directly to the VP of Marketing.

• Coordinated and planned with SBU Directors and achieved divisional go-in margins.

• Conceived and initiated monthly forecast and buy process in coordination with marketing, sales and

production.

Financial Product Manager 1988–1989

• Conceived and established accounting and business/financial systems and controls.

Controller, Apparel Division 1986–1987

• Established accounting organization and systems/controls including: financial statements, accounts

receivable/payable for $40 million start-up Reebok Apparel Division.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE (formerly Deloitte Haskins & Sells), Boston, MA 1983-1986

Engaged in hospital audits including NE Baptist Hospital & Youville Hospital

Senior Auditor

NEC INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC., Lexington, MA 1982-1983

A high-tech manufacturer and distributor of computer hardware and printers.

Cost Accountant Supervisor

PLYMOUTH RUBBER MANUFACTURER, INC., Canton, MA 1980-1982

A $60MM manufacturer of plastic and rubber products.

Cost Accountant

EDUCATION

MBA, Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts (1980)

BA, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts (1977)

CPA Certificate(MA & FL) / CMA Certificate

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