J. MICHAEL PAGANO

** *** ***** *****

Cranston, RI 02921

401-***-**** (mobile)

Email: ac4qrc@r.postjobfree.com

PROFILE 15+years’ experience in professional service firms with knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting human resources and administration

Highly organized with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proven ability to prioritize

Detail oriented self-starter with strong follow through

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and industry specific software packages

EXPERIENCE

DUFFY & SWEENEY, LTD, Providence RI 2003-2017

Director, Finance/Administration

Managed financial and operational functions for thriving, mid-size legal firm. Reporting directly to shareholders/managing partners, participated in generating financial plans and formulating administrative guidelines.

Finance

Co-ordinated all financial reporting including preparation/analysis of financial statements and special projects relative to firm condition as necessary

Prepared, monitored and maintained firm general ledger system and budgets

Supervised and streamlined the accounts payable and billing functions to ensure efficiency

Managed and forecasted firm cash flow position. Handled collection efforts as needed

Reconciled multiple bank accounts (including IOLTA)

Contributed to the management and improvement of operations by measuring and reporting regularly on key indicators crucial to the success of the organization-such as attorney time analysis and realization rates.

Challenged partners and stockholders to maximize productivity to drive up revenue and improve cash collection.

Provided critical decision support to all executives

Fostered key relationships with CPA/auditors, bankers and financial advisors (retirement plan TPA)

Successfully migrated/implemented industry specific software (TABSIII) to integrate all billing/accounting functions

Administration

Processed payroll and maintained all employee benefit plans, including group Life/Health/Disability/Flex Spending/Commuter, PTO and 401(k) retirement. Handled employee onboarding, terminations and all changes to plans, including the annual bid process.

Responsible for staff /legal assistant management, including salary administration, performance evaluations, employee relations as necessary.

Coordinated all corporate insurance programs

Oversaw all office activities for efficient operation. Actively participated in staff recruiting and intern program, facilitated firms’ office relocation.

Approved as necessary, office expenditures for furnishings, equipment and supplies.

Interfaced with outsourced IT professionals to ensure firm on cutting edge of industry specific technology

Worked closely with outside advertising/marketing/public relations group to maximize firm visibility via media and other outlets

GREENBERG SERONICK O’LEARY & PARTNERS, Boston, MA 1996-2002

Controller/Shareholder

Oversaw all financial, planning, administrative and human resource activities for established, mid-size advertising agency. Served as stockholder and member of the executive committee which formulated financial, operating, and administrative policies. Reported directly to the President/CEO.

Finance

Directed the daily operations of the accounting department. Supervise all functions including A/P, A/R, billing, credit/collections, payroll, budgeting, general ledger maintenance and all financial reporting including statement preparation and analysis. Prepare and maintain fixed asset schedules.

Maintained/managed financial staff including recruiting, selecting, orienting and training employees. Plan, monitor, and appraise job results.

Monitored and confirmed agency financial condition. Provided information to interested outside parties including lenders, auditors, and CPA’s.

Formulated compensation arrangements with key clients. Analyzed and recommended budget and staffing needs based on client income projections. Interacted with outside industry consultants relative to financial sections of RFP’s.

Established line of credit used in financing agency growth. Developed cash management techniques with bank to optimize use of free cash via short term investments.

Coordinate timing of agency billing cycles to ensure proper cash flow to maintain solid vendor/media relationships.

Improved collection process by fostering relationship with appropriate client accounting personnel.

Implemented strict time reporting procedures and enforced internal controls.

Named to American Association of Advertising Agencies Finance Committee, July 2001.

Planning

Facilitated office relocation (twice).

Served as point of contact for counsel in merger/acquisition negotiations.

Assisted CEO with long range and succession planning.

Played integral role in formation of GSOP integrated/targeted marketing division.

Negotiated lease with sub-tenant.

Information Systems

Hired outside IT consulting group with whom directed the formulation of agency systems strategy.

Directed the integration of industry specific software package (ADMARK Financial Management System) serving the accounting, media and production departments.

Researched and recommended purchase of comprehensive PC based telephone software (Artisoft) system.

Human Resources

Administered all personnel and benefits programs. This includes 401K/pension plans and all insurance programs including Health/Dental, Group Life/Disability, Corporate Liability and Property, Media and Professional Liability, Employment Practices.

Established relationship with third party brokers for all benefit and insurance plans ensuring competitive pricing of all group plans.

DUFFY & SHANLEY, INC., Providence, RI 1985-1995

Accountant

Successfully managed day-to-day financial operations of major Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations agency. Accounts payable/receivable, billing, general ledger maintenance, month and year-end closings, financial statement preparation and analysis. Additional system responsibilities include software update installation and personnel training. Utilize spreadsheet software for efficiency in preparing reports of budgets and actual agency activities.

Established comprehensive cost accounting system with features including:

Profitability reporting by individual client.

Provided for direct labor and overhead cost allocation by client and account group.

Increased financial awareness-reduced “over-servicing” accounts and write-offs of time/expenses.

EDUCATION bachelor of science in accounting

Providence College

Cum Laude Graduate

AFFILIATIONS Association of National Advertisers

American Association of Advertising Agencies (Finance Committee member 2000-2002)

Association of Legal Administrators

REFERENCES Available Upon Request

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