Controller

Lester F. Alkins, Jr., M.S. / M.B.A.

** ***** **** ********, ** 19703 C: 302-***-**** ********@*******.***

http://www.linkedin.com/in/lesalkinsjr

CONTROLLER / PLANT CONTROLLER

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIC BUSINESS OPERATIONS BUDGETING & FORECASTING

Strategic and results-proven senior finance and accounting professional with a record of accomplishment in driving complex financial analysis, accounting, management reporting, and business operations initiatives. Conceptualize, develop, and implement internal controls; lead cross-functional teams, and manage budgeting and forecasting efforts. Develop cost-cutting initiatives, resulting in a substantial savings and improved operational efficiency. Revitalize underperforming businesses through the establishment and management of financial strategies. Develop business plans to meet short- and long-term corporate vision, and manage large-scale functional projects. Catalyst for proactive and positive change. Additional strengths include:

Cash Flow Analysis Strategic Business Planning

Insurance Coverage Negotiation Financial Statement Preparation

Payroll & Benefits Management Business Process Reengineering

Budgeting / Forecasting Expertise Team Building / Leadership Skills

TECHNOLOGY

Sage Business Works SAP & Blackline for SAP JD Edwards Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics & FRx

Manbase Microsoft Excel, Word & Outlook

Professional Experience

INSOMNIA COOKIES – Newtown Square, PA 2017-2017

Controller

Responsible for day-to-day Accounting activities, Sales and Cost of Goods Sold reporting, Inventory Management, Treasury and Cash Management, Fixed Asset reporting and Sales and Personal Property reporting. Managed a staff of five Senior Accountants, two Payroll staff and two temporary Accountants. Transitioning Accounting operations from New York City to Newtown Square, PA.

CHEMSON, INC. – Philadelphia, PA 2016-2017

Finance Manager/Controller

Develops and maintains timely and accurate financial statements and reports appropriate for users according to GAAP principles. Prepares supporting information for the annual audit and communicates updates with the Board’s Audit Committee and the external auditors. Documents and maintains accounting systems for cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control, and petty cash. Creates guidelines for budget and forecast preparation and establishes the annual budget in collaboration with the Executive Director, Treasurer, and Finance Committee. Maintains financial records for projects which assist in the creation of management reports. Evaluates new technology needs to meet the organization’s financial data processing, control, and reporting requirements. Processes payroll and manages company leases, contracts, and other financial commitments.

Transitioned and completed 2016 year-end work internally resulting in a savings of $150K and a reduction in payables by over $1M and receivables by $1.5M.

Avoided using the Company line of credit by making payments on time which resulted in significant interest charge savings.

Managed the balance sheet and reconciled all accounts for the first time for the organization.

Reconciled bank accounts and converted financial statements from GAAP to IFRS.

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COTT BEVERAGES, INC. – Concordville, PA 2015-2016

Plant Controller

Managed the accounting functions for the Concordville, PA manufacturing plant of Cott Beverages, Inc. The Plant produces 24 million + cases of carbonated beverages per year. Worked with the supply chain finance accounting managers, plant management and the North American Business Unit Finance Team to manage the weekly/monthly/quarterly flash forecast process to deliver accurate forecasted bottling results and the appropriate identification of risks and opportunities. Worked with the Plant Management Team to identify and recommend process improvements that will deliver financial benefits or mitigate financial risks. Analyzed the financial data to facilitate the decision making process at the plant management level. Completed accurate and timely Financial Reporting and Balance Sheet reconciliations for the Concordville, Wilson, NC and Blairsville, GA plants utilizing SAP and Blackline. Completed quarterly and annual budgets for the Concordville and Blairsville plants. Supervised Inventory Control accountants. Prepared Capital Expenditure requests. Directly responsible for financial planning, budgeting and forecasting process including the plant’s monthly closing process. Prepare and analyze the plant financial forecasts and projections. Provide in-depth analysis on variances to plan and forecast.

J&J SNACK FOODS HANDHELDS CORPORATION - Weston, OR 2011-2014

Plant Controller

Managed the accounting functions for the $40 million Weston, Oregon subsidiary of a $922+ million food manufacturing/distribution headquarters in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Prepared journal entries and financial statements for the Weston manufacturing location utilizing Manbase and JD Edwards financial systems. Calculated costs for all potential new products and monitored costs of current products versus standard costs. Prepared and filed property taxes and prepared bank and account reconciliations. Oversaw a staff of four direct reports in managing payroll, AP, and inventory control.

R3 FOOD SERVICES, LLC – Philadelphia, PA 2006-2009

CFO

Provided expert-level financial planning and accounting leadership for a privately held company owning and operating 23 Taco Bell franchise restaurants located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Tennessee, generating $20+ million in annual sales. Oversaw all accounting functions, managed and supervised five direct reports, conducted strategic analysis and planning, and developed the annual budget. Prepared sales and use tax returns, maintained Taco Bell polling system for sales data integration, and utilized the McLane H.O.T. system to integrate purchases. Negotiated general liability, worker’s compensation, and other insurance programs. Managed employee benefits and oversaw all franchise accounting activities, including filing and paying royalties, and advertising fees; conducted weekly cash flow analysis and forecasts.

Prepared payroll for 500+ employees utilizing ADP, generated financial statements, and executed the month- and year-end close for all 23 restaurants and five LLC’s.

Reconstructed and amended data inaccurately compiled by external CPA firm using Great Plains. Determined company had negative cash flow of $1 million prompting management to request deferred payment from financial institution.

Appointed as interim general manager to aid in turn-around attempt; hired director of operations, two area directors, and three office staff. Increased sales by 23% while simultaneously reducing operating costs.

THE RAWSON GROUP – Princeton, NJ 2001-2006

Controller

Provided financial planning guidance for three companies that own and operate 22 Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers franchise restaurants throughout central New Jersey and Staten Island, NY, generating $40+ million in annual sales revenue. Managed the accounting function, conducted business planning and analysis, developed the annual budget, and assisted with special projects. Supervised a team of four direct reports preparing payroll for 900+ employees. Prepared financial statements utilizing Great Plains and FRx reporting, and executed month- and year-end closing for all 22 restaurants, averaging $2 million per restaurant. Supervised the preparation of sales and use taxes, and assisted in preparing and managing an annual audit with an outside auditing firm.

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Played a key role in the reorganization of the corporation. Collaborated with principals, tax attorneys, and CPAs to convert company from a C-Corp to an S-Corp, resulting in a drastic reduction in potential estate tax burden; received praise from CPAs for surpassing performance of previous controller.

Devised a complex system of payments to corporate principals. Monitored bank accounts to ensure sufficient funds were available to meet financial obligations. Provided critical information at regular meetings to ensure adequate cash flow and advice on necessary strategy adjustments.

Reduced the year-end auditing procedure from three weeks to three days. Brought preparation of financial statements in-house, eliminating the need for outside accountants and established a system to track fixed assets using Asset Keeper software; resulted in a savings of more than $30,000 annually.

Led the conversion of Rawson Food Services, Inc. into an S-Corporation, substantially reducing the potential impact of the estate tax burden in the event of the aging owner’s death.

JETRONIC INDUSTRIES, INC., Philadelphia, PA 2000-2001

Corporate Controller

Optimized competitive positioning, and financial and accounting organizational efficiencies for a leading manufacturer of electronic components with $25 million in annual revenue. Managed the preparation of the general ledger, monthly closing entries, and oversaw the P&L.

Established accounting guidelines and plans, identified required resources and implemented proven processes to reduce costs and increase productivity. Conversion from manual system to Excel improved transaction speed by over 100%

Piloted the consolidation of two manufacturing subsidiaries to improve accuracy of journal entries and schedules, resulting in seamless integration of data subsequent to location closure.

J&J RESTAURANT GROUP (A SUBSIDIARY OF J&J SNACK FOODS CORPORATION), Lancaster, PA 1998-2000

Controller (1995-2000) / Director of Real Estate (1998-2000)

Spearheaded the planning and organization of financial and accounting functions for all revenue and cost centers of a subsidiary that owns 72 snack food establishments in 11 states. Coordinated month- and year-end closings and prepared financial statements. Reviewed and negotiated location leases, selected new sites, and maintained developer relationships. Oversaw a staff of four direct reports in managing payroll, A/P, cash receipts and loss prevention.

Created a new accounting system to track profitability for Bavarian Soft Pretzels, Inc. subsequent to purchase by J&J. Trained staff on proper system usage. Enabled parent company to consolidate subsidiary financials, allowing for rapid access to critical data.

Developed a chart of accounts and established separate P&L’s for 72 retail locations, allowing for the identification and elimination of unprofitable locations. Saved tens of thousands of dollars per location by determining individual store income and losses.

J&J SNACK FOODS CORPORATION, Pennsauken, NJ

Assistant Controller (1989-1995) / Accounting Supervisor (1988-1989)

Assisting the Controller, oversaw the accounting functions for a $314+ million food manufacturing/distribution headquarters in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Prepared journal entries and financial statements for 12 companies. Maintained debt management, fixed asset depreciation, and company-wide tax schedules. Prepared and filed property, sales and use taxes, and managed all purchasing efforts. Oversaw a staff of six direct reports in managing payroll, AR/AP, and inventory control.

Education & Affiliations

WIDENER UNIVERSITY – Chester, PA, Master of Science in Taxation

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY – West Chester, PA, Master of Business Administration in Finance & Economics

DREXEL UNIVERSITY – Philadelphia, PA, Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Retail Management

DELAWARE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE – Media, PA, Associate of Applied Science in Accounting

Additional: Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges; Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award for Excellence in Accounting Studies; Board of Directors CAMCO Community Federal Credit Union, Barrington, NJ 1994-1995

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