Customer Service Manager

MICHAEL D. BLAKE MBA/CPA

Home 201-***-****

www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldblake/

*************@*******.***

SKILLS SUMMARY

Results driven CPA with an extensive background in accounting, strategic planning, financial modeling, budgeting,

and long term planning. Also has expertise in implementing and utilizing Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to

maximize operational and financial performance across multiple locations within the organization. Demonstrated

track record of maximizing financial performance and consistently achieving corporate financial performance goals.

Recognized as an expert problem solver who can rapidly resolve cross-functional business process problems,

formulate strategic plans and implement change management processes while breaking down organizational silos.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1/98 – 9/14

United Water

United Water has over $700M in revenue and 2,600 employees and operates water and wastewater systems across

the United States.

1/14 – 9/14

Director of Finance for the New Jersey Division

The New Jersey division is United Waters largest division with revenues over $220M

Directs the divisions finance activities by partnering with the Division Manager and the management team to

streamline processes and implement efficiency improvements. I am responsible for strategic planning, financial

modeling, budgeting (annual and long term), modeling for acquisitions and directing the divisions finance staff.

Implemented a divisional monthly financial process to breakdown silos across departments and increase

financial accountability.

Implemented processes and procedures which helped to reduced overtime by 30%.

2/11 – 1/14

Director of Finance for the New York Division

The New York division is United Waters most complex division with six business units and revenues over $140M

Directed the divisions finance activities by partnering with the Division Manager, General Managers and Finance

Managers. Was responsible for strategic planning, financial modeling, budgeting (annual and long term), divestures

and directing the divisions finance staff.

Reorganized the division finance team to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Standardized processes and procedures to streamline the budgeting process.

5/09 – 2/11

Director of Business Performance-Regulated Segment

The Regulated Segment has revenues over $500M

Reporting to the Segment President, directed the segments strategic planning process and by partnering with the

segments division managers, General Managers and Accounting Managers, ensured that operational decisions at

each of 20 business unit resulted in optimal financial outcomes.

Developed and implemented a tracking system to monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).

Reduced inventory by 22% ($1.0M) in 2010 by directing the business unit accountants through the process

of analyzing their inventory and setting up min/max levels.

Developed Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) between intercompany departments.

Developed a model to more efficiently analyze the customer service collection process reducing the

processing time from 10 days to 1 days.

Director of Regulatory Accounting – Regulated Segment 5/07 – 5/09

Reporting to the segment controller, directed the segment strategic planning process as-well-as the accounting,

revenue reporting, and asset management departments to insure that the financial statements of the segment adhered

to GAAP and were accurately and timely produced.

Developed and implemented standard models and procedures for each business unit to more accurately

calculate its unbilled revenue (water that has been delivered but not billed).

Developed and implemented a financial model for all business units to calculated budget revenue. The

model more accurately projects revenue and standardized a previously fragmented process.

Director of Regulatory Support and Revenue Reporting – Regulated Segment 3/06 – 5/07

Point person between the finance and rates departments in developing long-term rate strategies to maximize net

income. Directed the Revenue Reporting department and the segments strategic planning process.

Transformed the revenue-reporting department from one primarily focused on two larger business units to a

department that oversees the revenue reporting process for the entire segment.

Reduced the filing time of the Delaware rate case by two months resulting in a $0.6M increase in revenue.

Assistant General Manager – Delaware 1/05 – 3/06

United Water Delaware has revenues of $23M

Worked on financial, operational, human resources, and union issues affecting the business unit’s short and long -

term success. Had responsibilities as the Assistant Manager, Accounting Manager and Customer Service Manager.

Redesigned the customer service field collections process eliminating the department’s backlog.

7/00 – 12/04

Accounting and Support Services Manager (Plant Controller) - Delaware

Staff Accountant – Delaware 1/98 – 7/00

2/97 – 1/98

American Water Works

Fixed Asset Accountant

10/96 – 1/97

PNC-PFPC

Investment Accountant - International mutual funds

5/95 – 10/96

Comcast Metrophone

Inventory Staff Accountant

EDUCATION

9/00 – 5/02

University of Delaware - Newark, Delaware

Master of Science in Accounting and M.I.S. (MS) (4.0 GPA)

6/98 – 5/00

University of Delaware - Newark, Delaware

Master of Business Administration (MBA) with dual concentrations in international business and finance (3.9 GPA)

9/92 – 12/94

University of Maryland - College Park, Maryland

Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BS) (3.2 GPA)

Major course work included advanced financial accounting, cost accounting, income tax accounting, accounting

systems, accounting ethics, and strategic planning.

1/94 – 5/94

University of the Virgin Islands (exchange program)

This program has allowed me to interact with many different cultures from throughout the Caribbean and the world.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Extensive advanced Excel experience including macros, pivot tables and lookup function. Also p ossesses extensive

experience using PeopleSoft, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

2004 to present

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (Licensed in Delaware)

2010 – 2011

Bergen LEADS

Bergen LEADS is an award-winning regional civic and community leadership development program fostering

personal and professional growth. The program is a 10-month fast paced, interactive learning and leadership

adventure that prepares leaders from Bergen County to take on the challenge of making positive change.

1999 – 2008

Junior Achievement Volunteer

I led seven consecutive high-school teams to state championships in Junior Achievement’s economic simulation

called Titan. My 2003 team won the national championship.

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