Sales Human Resources
Resume:
Kathleen Higgins, CPA
*************@*****.***
Financial professional with record of delivering cost-effective, high-
performance solutions to meet challenging business demands, adept at
financial reporting including trend analysis and forecasting, with
excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Financial Statement Preparation Compliance & Audit Budget, Forecasting &
Modeling
Motivation &Leadership Spreadsheets Database & Reporting Systems
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
KMH Accounting - New York 2008-Present
financial consultant
. Consulted with legal and accounting firm in the analysis of lost
business revenues and property loss related to national disaster.
. Examined financial statements and audited the inventory for Media
Company. Prepared 990 Tax Return for Not-for-Profit film Production
Company.
. Initiated benchmarking analysis and reporting for healthcare company
to assist ownership in practice management.
. Provided interim leadership for a Hospitality organization, policy and
procedure implementation, and training.
A.R.E.B.A. Casriel, Inc. Hospital- New York 2011-
2013
Controller and Director of Human Resources
. Achieved a 25% reduction in Accounts Receivable outstanding by putting
into place new policies and procedures for the admissions, billing and
collections functions.
. Developed financial strategies of organization and implemented
budgeting processes for staffing, capital and cash needs for Substance
abuse faciltiy.
. Employed a new web based payroll system to track payroll expense,
staffing and employee retention rates. Initiated a transit benefit and
AFLAC program.
. Preparation of financial statements, year-end work papers and annual
cost report. Created ad-hoc reports for management.
Love My Shoes - New York 2010-2011
Controller
. As part of a turnaround team for this women's shoe retailer, developed
strategies to improve business results and obtain loan/line of credit
for working capital needs.
. Supported business development and leveraged purchasing power by
negotiating with vendors and factors for payment terms and delivery of
goods.
. Managed all financial matters including inventory, cash management,
tax filings, payroll and accounts payable.
. Utilized ERP system's reporting capacity for tracking sell thru, gross
margin, and mark down allowances to identify sales opportunities.
The Film Foundry - North Carolina 2008
Contract Controller
. Engaged to compose financial submission to commercial lenders for $20M
debt financing of feature film for a small financially challenged
production company.
. Prepared intercompany reconciliation and consolidated financials for
several companies providing film editing, production, animation, and
administration services.
. Collaborated with the CPA firm for tax filings of all related
entities. Prepared schedules of owner's investment and interest
calculations.
. Implemented billing and collection procedures resulting in decrease in
AR of 35%.
Emerald Home Remodeling, Inc. -North Carolina 2005-
2008
Controller
. Responsible for increasing profitability in a flat business to sales
in excess of $3Million through planning, implementing cost controls,
and setting budgets.
. Negotiated pricing with building material suppliers and obtained an
exclusive distribution contract with cabinet manufacturer.
. Increased sales closed/fill ratio through advertising and a referral
program.
. Improved average job sales price by partnering with staff on
identifying additional work order projects and using selling
techniques to drive sales.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation hospital/URMC - South Carolina 2001-
2005
Controller
. Fulfilled extensive forecast analysis for capital construction
expenditures associated with $40M bond issue for an Acute Care
Hospital.
. Utilized benchmarking metrics to analyze operating results, recognized
for having the lowest variable expenses in the Southeast region of the
company.
. Instituted new control measures to ensure compliance with Sarbanes-
Oxley laws.
. Served as a member of the senior team for rehabilitation hospital.
Responsible for preparation of annual cost report and budget.
Abbate & Megale CPA's - New York 2000-2001
Audit Supervisor
. Handled the planning and execution of year-end audits for clients, and
drafted comprehensive work papers and analysis of general ledger
postings.
. Prepared year-end financial statements, and annual tax returns for
partnerships, S-Corp, or individuals. Prepared sales and payroll tax
returns.
. Significantly reduced preparation time for cost report filings to
Medicare/Medicaid.
WEN Extended Care - New York 1995-2000
Controller and Chief Compliance Officer
. Directed the financial operations for four skilled nursing facilities.
Advised senior management on changes in Medicare reimbursement
methodologies.
. Presented financial statements and analysis. Negotiated vendor
contracts that reflected a risk-sharing attitude, which positively
impacted cash flow by approximately 10%.
. Served as a key member in the development and successful launch of two
newly constructed skilled nursing facilities. Efficiently led the set-
up of a corporate accounting office.
. Considerably improved cash flow by reducing accounts receivable
outstanding from $4.1M to $2.8M. Obtained DMERC provider number to
bring this function in-house.
. Pioneered corporate compliance program which included employee
education, audits of billing and medical record review, and changes to
policies and procedures.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of SCIENCE - Accounting, St. John's University - Jamaica, NY
Master of Business Administration, Indiana Wesleyan University - Marion, IN
NC Real Estate License
COMPUTER SKILLS
QuickBooks, Celerant POS System, Medics, Microsoft Excel/Word, ADP Payroll,
various accounting programs.
Contact this candidate