Senior Finance Executive
Resume:
DARREN S. DIXON, CPA
*** **** ***** ***** *****, Tempe, Arizona 85284
********@***.***
~ SENIOR FINANCE EXECUTIVE–CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ~
Consummate Management Executive ~ Corporate Development Strategist
Startup, Growth, Turnaround, and Performance Improvement
Talented, tenacious, and accomplished senior executive, powered with broad-based experience in directing financial operations of a highly productive enterprise. Possess stellar reputation in all aspects of corporate finance, strategic planning, budgeting, modeling, and analysis. Demonstrate keen expertise in maximizing performance of financial operations with emphasis on strategy formulation, policy and procedure development, and profitability improvement. Excel at performing high-profile executive roles, making high-stakes decisions, and overcoming complex business challenges. Offer high caliber qualifications in interactive, motivational, and decisive management style in developing dedicated financial service teams to support business objectives. Employ keen eye for detail with capability to accomplish goals and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Financial Operations and Management - Financial and Accounting Process Enhancement
- Mergers and Acquisitions - Continuous Process and Productivity Improvement
- Budget Control and Implementation - Financial Analysis and Reporting
- Strategic Development Planning - Leadership, Training, and Team Building
- Profitability Modeling and Forecasting - Problem Resolution and Decision-Making
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER - VILLAGE ROADSHOW THEME PARKS HOLDINGS USA, GLENDALE, AZ 2010–PRESENT
Provide strategic direction to day-to-day operational aspects of the business mainly in accounting, human resources, and insurance compliance for the US water parks (Wet'n'Wild Phoenix, Hawaii, and Las Vegas). Assume full responsibility in monitoring all insurance programs with legal personnel and coordinating quarterly and annual year-end audits with independent auditors. Serve as an integral member of the Management, Risk, and Compliance committees. Maintain frequent interaction with accountants and general managers at each location, and report directly to chief financial officer (CFO) in Australia.
Notable Achievements:
- Improved the accuracy and timeliness of reporting by streamlining the month-end, quarterly, and annual reporting process
- Earned commendation for identifying and resolving an unreported state sales tax for several years
- Drove all efforts in coordinating a self managed audit with the state of Arizona to correct sales tax deficiency, including the waiver of all penalties and interest
- Took charge of managing an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit with the IRS out of California
- Developed a highly motivated staff and seamlessly stabilized turnover in the accounting area in Phoenix
CORPORATE CONTROLLER - COMSYS, TEMPE, AZ 2009–2010
Rendered expert oversight to the general ledger and accounts payable accounting functions of the business toward fulfillment of corporate target goals. Organized 10Q and 10K filings in collaboration with the chief accounting officer (CAO) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) manager. Function as a key member of the Policies and Procedures Committee.
Notable Achievements:
- Leveraged industry knowledge in reviewing monthly workers compensation claims with the policy carrier and human resources, thus correcting several years of incorrect accruals and expenses
- Meticulously reviewed, adjusted, and corrected several balance sheet accounts and profit and loss statements
- Pioneered the development of Brown Bag Lunch and Learn program to help inform and train staff on various internal and external functions and processes
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - NOUVEAU RICHE CORPORATION/NOUVEAU UNIVERSITY, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 2007–2009
Generated and analyzed accounting records, payroll, and billing to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance with reporting and procedural standards. Guaranteed strict compliance with company’s financial policies and procedures, as well as with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for all reports of the university. Thoroughly assessed financial statements, sales reports, and other performance data to measure goal achievement as well as determine areas needing cost reduction and improvement.
Notable Achievements:
- Achieved significant increase in productivity by leading several enhancements in accounting and reporting systems, including commissions, sales tax reporting, 1099 reporting, fixed assets, and depreciation
- Exhibited superior talents in evaluating company’s financial processes and implementing changes that improved policy-based procedures and systems; which included monthly closings, analysis of balance sheet and income statements, inventory and the completion of the first audit ever conducted by the company
- Directed the reorganization and training of staff to effectively resolve issues and concerns
- Obtained the Rookie of the Year award and two bonuses in first year through exemplary performance, dedication, and efficiency
VICE PRESIDENT/CONTROLLER - JDA SOFTWARE GROUP, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 1990–2007
Displayed unsurpassed expertise in managing day-to-day accounting functions within company, including payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, billing, and general ledger. Took full accountability for quarterly reviews and annual year-end audit with independent auditors. Continuously evaluated company’s financial processes and implemented changes that improved policy-based procedures and systems. Collaboratively worked with regional controllers regarding audit requests/timing, and motivated staff to meet and exceed performance expectations. Stayed abreast with the current organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and accounting standard.
Notable Achievements:
- Rendered high level of assistance in the successful acquisition of software/technology companies, easing transition period through hand-on management
- Gained commendation for managing numerous enhancements for accounting and reporting systems, leading to significant increases in productivity
- Received incentives, rose from rank, and promoted to vice president through demonstration of exemplary performance and high degree of personal commitment
- Obtained appointment for key committees, including 401 (k) Investment Committee; as well as project lead of the team responsible for converting the worldwide accounting system to PeopleSoft to improve reporting, costs, and timeliness and accuracy of data
- Exemplified remarkable performance in 10 acquisition projects by administering due diligence, integration, and reporting
- Reduced costs and improved accuracy/timeliness of data upon the consolidation of Canadian Accounting Team
- Played a vital role in reducing headcount by three associates and centralizing property and casualty insurance procurement to improve coverage and rates
EARLIER CAREER
SENIOR INTERNAL AUDITOR - TALLEY INDUSTRIES, PHOENIX, AZ
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT - U-HAUL INTERNATIONAL, PHOENIX, AZ
SENIOR AUDITOR - TOUCHE ROSS & COMPANY (DELOITTE), PHOENIX, AZ
EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING - Calumet College of Saint Joseph, Whiting, IN
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING - Indiana Vocational Technical College, Gary IN
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants
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