Manager Accounting

Lisa R. Paton, CPA 469-***-****

Lewisville, TX *.******@*****.***

Areas of Expertise:

GAAP Compliance Cash Flow Management Business & Strategic Planning

Financial Reporting & Analysis Audit Management Operations Management

P&L Management Bank Relationships Software Implementation

Forecasting/Budgeting Process Improvement Private Equity

Inventory Control Taxes Vendor and Customer relationships

Professional Overview

Consulting

Tenet Healthcare – Lease Abstract - 2018

Tax Preparation 2016 – 2018

Small Business consulting 2016 - 2018

Nouveau Eyewear, Inc. – Carrollton, TX - Private Equity backed - Suntx Capital Partners 2000-2016

A wholesale Eyewear and Accessory Distributor to mass, clubs, retail, and independent optical stores.

Chief Financial Officer/Director of Operations (2006-2016) / Controller (2000-2006)

Owned accountability for administrative and financial operations, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury and cash management, internal controls, IT, human resources, and contract administration. Managed the heads of multiple departments, adopting a consensus decision making approach while working to build strong team leaders capable of independently managing their departments and contributing to the strategic vision of the $26M company.

Duties & Achievements

Converted cash basis accounting to accrual basis, implemented GAAP compliant policies and procedures, hired and developed accounting team.

Created a monthly financial reporting process to produce an accurate, detailed, reporting package.

Implemented formal budgeting, forecasting, and reporting systems to measure and communicate performance to the CEO and management team. Produced ad hoc reports as needed to assist in decision making.

Managed bank and credit relationships while maintaining borrowing base reporting and compliance certificates to subordinated and unsubordinated lenders. Oversaw cash management through several turbulent years of cash flow shortfalls following the 2008 recession. Utilized leveraged asset-based loans, accounts receivable factoring, and purchase order financing.

Directed annual audits and bank field exams, driving quick and effective remediation of any findings.

Utilized industry benchmarking results to identify areas of concern and achievement; led tactical meetings to review and improve processes, identify potential cost savings, and bolster employee morale/engagement.

Inventory – Trained the warehouse team on importance of stocking and pulling inventory, instituted daily cycle counts so that the warehouse would be counted three times annually, maintaining a 98% level of accuracy.

Worked with Supply Chain Team to fine-tuned inventory analysis, negotiate extended terms with suppliers, reduce weeks on hand, and refine the ordering process.

Collaborated with Sales, Marketing, Product Development and Supply Chain, providing input and guidance on existing product lines and optimizing margins for new products and brands. Set a standard minimum margin and developed a worksheet to calculate the margin of new marketing programs and product offerings, ensuring that margins are met.

Developed compensation and incentive programs for sales team.

Strategic Planning - Instituted annual meetings to set goals and strategies for the coming years. Facilitated monthly and weekly meetings to review progress and assign ownership of strategic initiatives.

Supervised the preparation of Sales Tax, Franchise Tax, Property Tax Renditions, Freeport Exemptions, State and Federal Income Taxes.

Evaluation and selection of employee insurance plans, 401k, business insurance and workers compensation insurance.

Reviewed and selected ERP software to fit the company’s unique manufacturing/distribution needs; integrated modules, setup procedures and educated users on how their work and decisions impacted the P&L, decreasing user error as a result.

Developed plan and procedures to transfer inventory and customers of company purchased in 2016 to Nouveau while maintaining accuracy of inventory and provide separate reporting to corporate.

Challenged management team to reduce expenses and find innovative ways of doing business. Oversaw the management team trim more than $300K from the annual budget in 2010 and held to that expense budget for the following years, only increasing expenses where needed in correlation with increased sales.

International Operations - Worked with Italian Accounting firm to setup Italian Corporation, gain an understanding of Italian accounting, regulations, and VAT. Established policies and procedures for distribution to international customers from Italian warehouse. Consolidated Financials and Intercompany reconciliation.

Managed licensing agreements and compliance for brands including but not limited to Nickelodeon, Wrangler, Realtree, Phoebe Couture, Van Heusen, Geoffrey Beene, and Umbro.

Experienced with large retail customers including Walmart, Sam’s, Costco, Shopko, small regional chains.

Direct Reports – Controller, Supply Chain Manager, Business Development Manager, HR Manager, IT Manager, Customer Service, and Distribution Manager.

Prepared and sold company to a private equity group in 2007. Assisted with divesture of the company to Walman Co. in 2015; initiated the transitioning of accounting functions to Minneapolis, and oversaw integration of systems.

Prior: US Wood, Controller (04-00 – 11-00): Manufacturing/Distribution - Multi-Location - $60M - Hired to establish and build an accounting department in Dallas in order to seamlessly relocate the accounting function from California; prepared branch level and consolidated financials/reports. Company filed for bankruptcy 09-2000.

Luminator Inc., Accounting Manager (4-99 – 4-00): Manufacturing - $70M Led five team members in managing $70M P&L, forecasting, and cash management. Managed progress billings on contracts. Identified areas for improvement via procedure and technological enhancements.

Thomson Reuters- RIA/CLR, Staff Accountant (1998 - 1999): Software - Automated bank reconciliations, journal entries and balance sheet analysis, resulting in the reduction of three staff accountant positions. All Accounting functions moved to Minnesota beginning in 1999 .

Progress Rail, Staff Accountant (1994 - 1998): Manufacturing - $60M – Full P&L and Cash Management responsibility. Prepared all state and corporate tax returns, including sales tax. Trained staff and manufacturing supervisors on Microsoft applications. Led team to review and reward employee suggestions.

Jamak Fabrication, Inc. – Manufacturing - Positions held while attending college: Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Credit and Collections, Payroll, Staff Accountant.

Education & Credentials

BBA, Accounting 1994 – University of Texas, Arlington

Certified Public Accountant – State of Texas

Technical Skills

Excel, Access, Microsoft Query SQL Database, Wal-Mart Retail Link, Great Plains, Mapics, Syspro, Peoplesoft, JD Edwards

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