MONIQUE E. CHIARITO, CPA

CELL 973-***-**** • E-MAIL ac5xbs@r.postjobfree.com

** ***** ***** ******, ** 10950 HOME PHONE 845-***-****

STRENGTHS

Dedicated CFO and Manager, highly regarded as a key advisor, critical thinker and results driven financial professional.

Ability to prioritize, manage multiple simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment and solve problems creatively.

Implemented crucial change initiatives aimed at profit improvements.

Demonstrated aptitude for systems, strong management, leadership, customer service and communication skills

Committed to core values and ethical business conduct

Extreme high level of computer literacy with strong working knowledge of Microsoft applications (Excel/Access) and the ability to work with complex relational databases

EXPERIENCE

2011 – Present Finlandia Cheese, Inc. Parsippany, NJ

CFO, Corporate Controller

Advanced from a Corporate Controller to CFO during a distinguished 7 year career with Finlandia Cheese. Manage the direction, coordination and evaluation of the Financial decisions of the organization. Provide critical financial and operational performance to leadership team and made recommendations on both strategy and operations. Safeguard assets and ensure accurate and timely recording of all transactions by implementing disciplines of internal controls and checks across all departments. Propose annual targets and KPI’s for organization incentive goals to drive change, focus and improve profitability. Direct the Finance, IT, Human Resource, Legal and Insurance functions.

Selected Achievements:

Lead a team in the RFP process in evaluating and selecting a new ERP (SAP) and negotiated favorable terms with integrator. Currently planning implementation and undergoing blue printing.

Developed a variable pricing model for a key customer that will improve profitability over $1m annually while maintaining a competitive price point on shelf

Negotiated and secured a vendor buying agreement with a material vendor that protected the company from competition at a critical customer and saved the company $350k

Automated various functions within Supply chain and Finance that improved efficiencies during the month end close

Identified and initiated the strategic decision to transition a profitable declining segment from the deli section of the retail channel to a higher volume area in dairy to improve company profitability

Critical team leader in implementing a trade promotion planning tool for the sales team and established accrual rates that resulted in a 15% improvement in trade spending

Worked with Insurance adjusters and recovered 130% of lost inventory from Hurricane Sandy

1998 - 2011 American Tack & Hardware, Inc. Saddle River, NJ

Corporate Controller

Financial leader at the parent company responsible for the financial oversight and consolidation of 3 wholly owned subsidiaries. Prepared consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP and implemented company wide policies and procedures. Developed and improved internal controls for weak manual accounting departments of the three acquired subsidiaries. Responsible for calculating tax provisions, tax filings, and bank debt compliance. Prepared and analyzed operational financial reports for management on sales, channel, and Segment profit margins.

Selected Achievements:

Project manager that lead a team on the successful implementation of a new ERP (INFOR)

Worked on a complex project with our largest customer involving a material buyback and a fixture program, which grew the business by 10% the following year and saved $500k in capital investment.

Transitioned the accounting from a manufacturing model under absorption costing to a distribution model of standard costing ensuring proper inventory valuation under FIFO along with maintaining inventory control.

Helped to develop and implement a cycle counting model using RF devices which achieved accuracies in inventory management and eliminated the need for year end physicals

Key team player involved in implementing a WMS system and uncovered a variety of “bugs” which were instrumental in the further development of the software

1993-1998 Ernst & Young, LLP White Plains, NY

Staff Accountant – Senior Accountant (Manager Promotion approved prior to resignation)

Audited financial statements of various sized Companies in a variety of industries: manufacturing, mail order, distribution, real estate, non-for profit & financial services. Reviewed and documented Companies internal systems and made recommendations to management for internal control improvements to strengthen the security over the company’s assets. Performed year end physical inventory audits. Prepared and compiled comparative financial statements, including statement of cash flows, tax provisions and footnote disclosures in accordance with GAAP.

Selected Achievements:

Supervised staff of 1 to 5 people and progress the audit to completion at a junior level

Acted as liaison between the Company’s management and audit partner

Nominated for an award under the ABCD (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty) Program

EDUCATION

1993 Pace University Pleasantville, NY

B.B.A., Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting

Certified Public Accountant, 1997

Contact this candidate