Controller / Accounting Manager
Resume:
JOHN LYDEN
Lithia, Florida *****
****.*******@*****.***
SUMMARY
Controller and senior accounting professional with extensive experience in GAAP-compliant financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and audit management across multiple industries, including Big Four client engagements. Proven track record of founding and scaling an Accounting & Tax Services firm into a full-time operation through strategic business development and client acquisition. Expertise in building and managing scalable accounting infrastructures, strengthening internal controls, and optimizing tax planning strategies for small and mid-sized businesses. Highly effective in leading teams, training business owners and staff on accounting systems and financial best practices and improving financial literacy to support data-driven decision-making. Recognized for a results-oriented, value-driven approach that integrates accounting, compliance, and tax strategy to drive profitability, cash flow optimization, and long-term business growth.
EXPERIENCE
AMERICAN GLASS PROFESSIONALS LLC TAMPA, FL
Controller 04/2024 to Current
Lead and oversee day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring GAAP compliance, accuracy, and timely financial reporting. Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses to support executive decision-making. Establish, document, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to strengthen the control environment and meet regulatory and audit requirements. Drive process improvements by identifying system and workflow inefficiencies and implementing corrective actions to enhance close efficiency and operational effectiveness. Designed and implemented a full-cycle inventory control system, improving inventory accuracy, reducing shrinkage, and optimizing parts availability. Maintain audit-ready financial records and partner with executive leadership to identify cost-saving opportunities, improve cash flow, and support profitability.
STRESS FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC / STRESS FREE CONSTRUCTION LLC TAMPA, FL
Controller 05/2022 to 03/2024
Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements, management reports, and quarterly and annual budgets and forecasts to support strategic planning and executive decision-making. Lead and oversee all core accounting functions, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, job costing, payroll, and general ledger management. Establish, implement, and monitor internal controls and accounting policies to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements. Manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning to maintain financial stability and support operational needs. Perform timely and accurate bank reconciliations across all accounts to ensure balance sheet integrity and financial accuracy.
LORI A HORNBY, CPA PA TIERRA VERDE, FL
Senior Accountant 12/2021 to 05/2022
Prepare and review individual and business tax returns in compliance with federal and state regulations. Provide cash flow management, financial planning, and comprehensive accounting services for small and mid-sized businesses. Deliver GAAP-compliant financial statement preparation and analysis, including balance sheet and account reconciliations. Serve as a trusted QuickBooks consultant, providing system implementation, optimization, and end-user training. Manage payroll processing and payroll tax compliance to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory adherence.
JSL ACCOUNTANTS, LLC
CEO/Director of Accounting/Controller - QuickBooks Consultant 12/2011 to 12/2021
Provide end-to-end accounting, tax planning, and outsourced CFO and Controller services to support business growth and financial transformation. Deliver tax planning and compliance strategies designed to optimize cash flow and long-term net worth. Lead GAAP-compliant accounting operations, financial reporting, and performance analysis to provide real-time visibility into financial results. Advise clients on accounting infrastructure design, including QuickBooks implementation, optimization, and internal control development. Manage payroll services and payroll tax filings to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting.
Counsel Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners on understanding Accounting Software - QuickBooks, Financial Decision Making, Money Management, and the how to Implement Controls & procedures at the NJ Small Business Development Center – Rutgers University/Newark (8/16 – 12/21).
John Lyden (Cont.)
PRIVATE VENTURE JERSEY CITY, NJ
Owner/CFO – Restaurant/Catering 02/2004 to 01/2012
Acquired and operated an existing business, driving a 120% increase in annual revenue through disciplined financial management, pricing strategy optimization, and operational execution. Led all accounting and finance functions, with a focus on cash flow management, capital investment ROI analysis, financial reporting, and banking relationships. Oversaw end-to-end operational activities, including purchasing, vendor negotiations, inventory controls, cost management, payroll administration, hiring, and staff supervision, ensuring profitability, scalability, and operational efficiency.
UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. WEEHAWKEN, NJ
Assistant Vice President/Operations Finance Manager 08/2001 to 02/2004
Collaborated cross-functionally with multiple departments to implement and enforce financial reporting policies, procedures, and controls, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and regulatory compliance. Acted as liaison between operations, legal, internal and external audit teams, and regulatory agencies to maintain full compliance and audit readiness. Delivered financial analysis and reporting to support strategic and operational decision-making across departments. Oversaw back-office operations to facilitate stock market transactions and monitored corrective action plans and continuous improvement initiatives. Conducted operational and financial audits of general ledger and balance sheets, driving compliance, risk mitigation, and process enhancements in alignment with GAAP and regulatory standards.
PENSKE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INC. (FORMALLY UNITED AUTO GROUP, INC) SECAUCUS, NJ
Senior Internal Auditor 12/2000 to 08/2001
Served as a strategic financial advisor to auto dealership operations, improving accounting practices, financial reporting, and profitability through cost reduction initiatives and operational efficiency. Conducted detailed financial analyses for owners and management to evaluate performance, identify trends, and support data-driven decision-making. Delivered actionable recommendations to senior leadership and monitored implementation to ensure measurable improvements in financial performance and operational effectiveness.
KPMG (FORMALLY ROTHSTEIN, KASS & COMPANY) ROSELAND, NJ
Senior Accountant 07/1997 to 12/2000
Supervised and developed professional accounting teams while leading client engagements across Fortune 500, mid-size, and small businesses. Conducted comprehensive audits and financial statement reviews to ensure GAAP compliance and reporting accuracy. Partnered with clients to enhance accounting procedures, internal controls, data collection, and reporting processes. Prepared corporate, partnership, and individual tax returns, delivering compliance and strategic tax planning solutions.
ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
Senior Accountant/Internal Auditor 07/1996 to 07/1997
Conducted client engagements. Supervised an audit staff. Conducted detailed review of client accounting practices and financial reports.
SKILLS
Financial Forecasting
Management Accounting
Internal Controls Development
Month-End and Year-End Closings
US GAAP Proficiency
Financial Controls Implementation
Partnership with Executive Leadership
Staff Management
Statement Reconciliation
Audit Coordination
General Ledger Management
Account Reconciliation
Cash Flow Management
Strong Communication Skills
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
Saint Peter's University, Jersey City, NJ
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