Finance Manager

Sheryl D. Collins

Friendswood, TX ***** 501-***-****

ac2eer@r.postjobfree.com

www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-collins-2b311614b/

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE

Results-oriented leader focused on driving fiscal and business effectiveness

Results-driven, efficiency-conscious financial management leader with extensive experience including strategic financial planning, forecasting, reporting, related variance analysis, construction cost accounting, SOX compliance, GAAP and project management. Proficient in developing and utilizing complex financial management methodologies and financial / accounting models to formulate and implement business strategies. In-depth knowledge of a diverse array of core financial and business processes, with demonstrated capacity to successfully improve bottom-line profitability and further corporate objectives. Exceptional relationship builder, people manager and negotiator, successfully presenting strategic financial plans and programs to executive-level decision makers.

Areas of Expertise

FP&A

Cost / Manufacturing Accounting

ROI / Investment Analysis

GAAP

Strategic Plan Development

Training and Development

Audit

Relationship Builder

Process Improvement

ERP / SAP Systems

Risk Management

Regulatory Compliance

Financial Analysis

Process Development

Policy Development

SOX Compliance

Project Management / Six Sigma

Internal Controls

Professional Experience

CENTERPOINT ENERGY September 1996 – May 2016

Billing Manager, October 2011 – May 2016

Lead 42 employees tasked with timely and accurate handling of 3.1M bills per month, in addition to reviewing billing exceptions, internal credit and billing controls audits, and ensuring optimal levels of data integrity regarding taxes and rates. Deliver budget, actuals and forecast presentations to senior management.

Spearheaded successful update of SOX billing controls to minimize risk and optimize asset integrity, valuation, occurrence, completeness and accuracy.

Led project to develop and implement new process to maximize integrity of CCS technical master data. Reduced volume of monthly bill corrections from .524% to zero.

Developed and implemented automated tax exemption process, resulting in improved customer service, data retrieval for audits, enhance accuracy for jurisdictional requirements and tracking for more than 50K certificates.

Division Finance Manager, June 2008 – September 2011

Oversaw control of $225M of revenues, $125M of expense, $45M capital expenditures and average long term assets of $400M. Directed and implemented strategic financial planning, forecasting, reporting and related variance analysis, while supervising team of professionals responsible for multiple divisional jurisdictions. Ensured compliance of financial information with SOX controls and GAAP. Managed ongoing review of ROI model, and performed internal audits, and responded to external auditors.

Led team in development of processes to identify required district geographical changes and efficient utilization of cross-functional teams.

Succeeded in securing approval from Public Service Commission to allow additional year of increased billing determinant adjustments resulting in increased revenue and deferring expense and utilization of resources for filing complete rate case.

Division Financial Analyst, January 2007 – May 2008

Fulfilled multiple, simultaneous functions, including internal audits, strategic planning, forecasting, reporting and variance analysis. Assessed ROI model, evaluated new projects, and prepared comparisons of actual cost to estimated costs for projects.

Developed excel models for planning payroll, expenses, and cost rates utilizing macros and complex formulas. The model reduced planning time significantly and was adopted by all divisions.

Documented changes with Public Service Commission regarding methodology utilized in successful filing for service fee increases.

Led successful development and implementation of timely and efficient process to move multi-million amounts out of CWIP and into Plant in Service to maximize return. Process was adopted in other jurisdictions for movements of up to $10M.

District Finance Manager, December 2000 – January 2007

Oversaw activities of 12 employees responsible for work order management, SAP/CCS billing exceptions, accounts receivables, and inventory issues. Comprehensively analyzed and reported financial results, plan and forecasts to senior management, while directing all SOX controls and GAAP compliance. Audited journal entries and other financial statements for SOX compliance.

Coordinated, reviewed and communicated strategic plan, forecast, reporting and related variance analysis for one jurisdiction in coordination with executive-level management.

Played key role in development of SOX controls.

Financial Analyst, September 1996 – December 2000

Prepared quarterly ROE and return on rate base, in addition to annual rate adjustment filings for two jurisdictions. Responded to data requests from regulatory bodies.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Accounting, Louisiana State University

Certified Public Accountant – Louisiana

Technical Skills

ERP, SAP (FI, AP, PR, MM, Billing, ESD), BW/HANA, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, Access

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