UTE PELZER, CPA
Vista, California 92084 *********@*****.*** Cell: 760-***-****
STRENGTHS AND EXPERTISE
Senior Finance Executive with both hands-on and management expertise in all aspects of finance and accounting.
Broad experience in diverse industries reflects strong aptitude to quickly assimilate industry nuances. Proven leader
in managing finance and operations to maximize profit margins, control costs and improve cash flow. Adept at
leading companies through periods of dramatic change including rapid growth, multiple ownership changes, Chapter
11 restructuring and downsizing.
• •
Business planning and financial analysis Due diligence and acquisitions
• •
New software implementation and integration Treasury and cash flow management
• •
Positive and productive team building/leadership Private equity transitioning and reporting
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
UTE PELZER, CPA, Vista, CA 2013 – Present
Providing accounting and finance consulting services across a broad spectrum of industries including;
• Director of finance for Tecnadyne, manufacturer of equipment for the subsea and oceanographic industries
• Interim director of finance for Allied PRA, a hospitality and destination management company
• Consultant for Expo Propane, propane gas provider to industry
• Consultant for Seniors for Living, providing online senior housing search tools
DESIGNER PROTEIN, LLC. (formerly Next Proteins Inc.), Carlsbad, CA 2007 – 2013
Private equity company ($25M in sales); makers of Designer Whey and a leading developer of delicious, whey-based
nutritional products.
Chief Financial Officer 2011 – 2013
Smoothly and seamlessly transitioned the company of 21 employees from an entrepreneurial managed organization to
a private equity organization. Led all the transactional work of the holding company and operating company set up
including purchase price allocation, tax registrations and contract transfers.
• Provided monthly BOD financial reporting and analyses to four private equity members/investors tailored to
differing needs for decision making. Led to an additional 25% equity investment.
• Developed analytical reports for the sales team, resulting in a shift in product mix and development of higher
margin items +15%.
• Secured new banking relationship and $3M line of credit facility while managing expenses to budget.
NEXT PROTEINS INC., Carlsbad, CA
Privately held company ($21M in sales).
Senior Vice President Finance & Accounting 2007 – 2011
Managed the daily operations of the company, including accounting, finance, production, logistics, shipping and
administration, together with the owner/sole shareholder. Packaged the company for sale to private equity and
strategic buyers, including comprehensive, high-level presentations to potential investors.
• In concert with legal counsel, key advisor to sole shareholder on all company strategic decision making.
• Coordinated and prepared extensive due diligence and APA disclosure schedules with attorneys and
transaction broker. Worked closely with broker, legal team and banks to facilitate a smooth transition for
seller and private equity buyer, while still managing the daily operations of the company.
UTE PELZER, CPA 760-***-**** Page Two
• Secured $3M asset based line of credit when company was low on working capital.
• Managed the fluctuations in gross margin dependent on a commodity priced ingredient (300% whey increase).
• Developed reporting to aggressively manage profitability including daily cash flow, freight, sales, and gross
margin, which led to improved efficiencies in inventory management and logistics, and revenue growth of
20%.
NOBEL LIMITED COMPANY LLC., Carlsbad, CA 2005 – 2007
Privately held fast growing company ($60M in sales); a market leader in the global telecommunications industry,
offering a variety of services.
Vice President Finance & Accounting
Led accounting and finance activities for this growth company which was based in San Diego and Romania;
managed a CFO and accounting staff of 11 in Romania, as well as a staff of eight locally.
• Developed a budgeting and monthly financial review package for top management which led them to
implement cost control procedures and turn monthly losses to monthly profits in four months.
• Transitioned all finance and accounting functions seamlessly to Romania when the decision was made to
consolidate all company operations to Romania, with the legal entities based out of Bermuda.
• Managed and trained an offsite staff of 11 in Romania in US GAAP concepts and procedures,
consolidated accounting software, FAS fixed assets system, tax compliance and online banking procedures, as
well as all US general ledger accounting procedures, year-end audit and preparation of financial statements for
seven domestic and international legal entities.
OCEAN PACIFIC APPAREL CORP., Irvine, CA 1992 – 2005
Subsidiary of Warnaco, Inc., a $1.5B public apparel company.
Vice President Finance & Accounting
Hired while company was in bankruptcy and prepared all Chapter 11 reporting and disclosure statement projections
for the founders of Op to sell. Op sold ten months later to a private equity group and was subsequently sold again, to
a different private equity group and then later to Warnaco. Led and managed all aspects of the various sale
transactions including due diligence, negotiation strategies, preparation of confidential selling memorandums,
integration of human resources and IT, and transition to new owners. As a direct report to the CEO, was involved in
all analysis and strategic planning for the company, including budgeting, financial forecasting and cost controls.
• Implemented a new structure of internal controls and accounting procedures in accordance with Sarbanes-
Oxley and audit directives required by direct report Warnaco Speedo Group in Los Angeles.
• Led the financial, legal, human resources and IT integration process for the acquisition by Warnaco.
• Instrumental in restructuring and cutting costs in general and administrative functions by 30%. Cut staff by
streamlining all administrative and accounting functions.
• Set up accounting procedures, internal controls and reporting for newly formed international French subsidiary.
• Involved in writing licensing contracts, structuring load and report requirements, and monitoring adherence to
license requirements domestically and internationally, including royalty audits.
• Managed all financial aspects of the new tee shirt contracting joint venture including: inventory, cost of
sales, factor reconciliation and sales commissions.
• During a nine month period of very tight cash flow, negotiated extended terms on tee shirt contract and
managed creditors by setting up payment plans and honoring them. Resulted in 100% vendor retention.
UTE PELZER, CPA 760-***-**** Page Three
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
HEALTH CARE NETWORK (Subsidiary of Care Enterprises), Tustin, CA
Nationwide long term care pharmacies, respiratory and home health care services.
Corporate Controller
Designed a management reporting system of 40+ reports for use by location managers and parent company to
track results for 18 nationwide locations.
CARE ENTERPRISES, Tustin, CA
Nationwide nursing home care company ($300M in sales).
Assistant Corporate Controller
Several weeks after joining, the company filed Chapter 11, was delisted from the stock exchange, the CFO was
terminated and the controller resigned after four months. Led the accounting department and provided monthly
financial statements for 104 locations, while also fulfilling constant requests for financial information from company
auditors and attorneys, as well as creditor auditors and attorneys.
GRANT THORNTON, Irvine, CA
Supervisor of Accounting Services
Responsible for compilation, tax and review engagements in various industries, including: service, real estate,
manufacturing, distribution and wholesale, and agricultural.
Grant Thornton (Formerly Fox & Company), Denver, CO
$140M in sales.
Manager of Internal Accounting & Reporting
EDUCATION
Certified Public Accountant
University of Colorado, Denver, CO
Nine credit hours towards MBA in Accounting
B.S., Minor in Accounting – Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO
MEMBERSHIPS
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants