Associate Director of Finance and Accounting

LISA R. URBANSKI, CPA, CGMA

Fair Lawn, NJ ***** 201-***-**** *************@*****.***

linkedin.com/in/lisarurbanski

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

CHARTERED GLOBAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

Finance and Accounting Professional who Leads with Focus, Determination, and a Positive Attitude Adept in cross-functional collaboration with Global Finance teams. Recognized for establishing new processes and implementing continuous improvements that streamline efficiencies and drive significant cost savings. Trusted liaison to internal and external auditors. General Accounting Monthly Closes and Reporting Financial Planning and Analysis Internal Controls Policies & Procedures Schedules of Authority Staff Development GAAP SOX System Implementations Special Projects

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PEARSON PLC: 1998-2016

The world’s largest education company.

GLOBAL ENABLING FUNCTIONS - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR/MANAGER OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (2014 – 2016) Supported 9 Finance and Operations Vice Presidents, developing and overseeing Operating, Capital, Headcount Plans and Forecasts, and analyzing monthly results for their respective areas.

• Assisted Higher Education, Professional, North America, and School Finance divisions, enabling high-level reorganization goals.

• Created budgets and oversaw monthly closes for North American Finance divisions, including Financial Controls, Financial Operations, Technology Finance, Change Management, and Transition Teams, providing financial data and business information used to fortify restructuring plans.

• Supported Change Management Project Metro initiative facilitating office move consolidation. GLOBAL SHARED OPERATIONS - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING (2006 – 2014) Supported Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Finance Senior Vice-Presidents. Prepared Consolidated Operating, Capital, Headcount Plan Presentations, Strategic Plans, Forecasts, Risks and Opportunities, Monthly Closes and Management Commentaries.

• Analyzed and consolidated $1,143M operating budget and monthly reporting, challenging expenses and encouraging division heads to optimize their business operations by eliminating unnecessary costs.

• Critiqued capital requests aligned to $192M capital approved budget, validating proper capital vs. operating expense determination, timing of capitalization and levels of authorization.

• Assisted with the development of Finance Department Business Continuity Plan, safeguarding resources in event of a major disruption in business.

• Maintained internal controls and policies and procedures in compliance with SOX 404 requirements.

• Reviewed and approved SAP and Oracle general ledger balances, account reconciliations and journal entries verifying US GAAP compliance for monthly closes and financial reporting purposes.

• Appointed Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Manager for North America by the Chief Financial Officer; responsible for guiding employees to higher levels of compliance and encouraging greater adherence to all financial policies and procedures and schedules of authority throughout the company.

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Lisa Urbanski *************@*****.*** Page 2

CONTROLLER’S ORGANIZATION - MANAGER OF CORPORATE ACCOUNTING (1998 – 2006) Supported Controller and Vice President Finance by overseeing approximately $8,200M corporate balance sheet by managing and approving journal entries, monthly ledger closes, account analysis, as well as reviewing monthly, semi-annual, and year-end reporting for Pearson Plc ensuring accurate and reliable financial data.

• Introduced critical monthly reporting enhancements which identify areas with potential risk: o Resolved $13M reconciling cash items while streamlining bank reconciliation process and simultaneously reducing bank fees.

o Cleared $18M Intercompany out of balance condition with the creation of monthly “report cards” that helped identify items by providing details about transactions including aging information. o Initiated annual reviews and validation of $266M Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements, resulting in removal of significant unused assets leading to insurance savings each year.

• Documented, tested, and maintained controls and procedures in compliance with SOX 404 requirements.

• Reviewed and approved SAP general ledger balances, account reconciliations and journal entries verifying US GAAP compliance for monthly closes and financial reporting purposes.

• Ensured timely and accurate accounting for multiple entity reporting and tax preparation.

• Interviewed and recruited 8 full-time permanent employees for accounting department which was previously temporarily staffed. The group was well managed and cultivated into a highly motivated, goal- oriented team with low staff turnover.

• Valued for coaching and mentoring employees, interns, and college rotation program participants, keeping mindful of Business Succession Planning.

BDO SEIDMAN, LLP - In-Charge Accountant on Audits, Reviews, Agreed-Upon Procedures, and IPOs LOPEZ, EDWARDS, FRANK & CO CPAS (NOW WEISER MAZARS LLP) - Senior Accountant EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Bachelor of Science (BS) Accounting

WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY

Masters Certificate-Project Management IT Concentration GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Certified Public Accountant

Chartered Global Management Accountant

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft Office Suite (Excel Pivot Tables, VLookup, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), SAP, Oracle, Hyperion VOLUNTEER

Family Promise of Bergen County, Organization Supporting Homeless Families

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