CFO, COO

Stephen J Veres CFO/COO - INNOVATIVE, TEAM CATALYST, RESULTS DRIVEN, BUILDS VALUE ACHIEVES OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE.

PO BOX 410 Columbia, Illinois, 62236 / **********@*****.*** / www.linkenin.com/in/veresves / www.vesmanagementconsulting.com

Magnetic leader engaging core teams to deliver measurable value and continuity of strategy. Valuable diversity of industry experience in

both US and International settings. Respected and rewarded for results through diversity and integrity of contribution, effective

communication, and ethical character. A trusted business partner sought out for high level strategy and driving execution with team

success from start-up’s to major corporations.

Shareholder Value Centric for New / Challenged / Established Companies

“Cost management should not be at the cost of revenue generation”

International Based Experience.

Lead and implemented the centralization of treasury [SAP], cash management, leasing, and financial reporting of the North

America group of an international consumer products manufacturing company / $9M+ savings.

Managed $2B+ debt and hedging strategies for global treasury international company / $49M hedging gains

US liaison for international reporting requirements; consolidations for treasury and accounting.

Raised deposit base as President of employers’ Credit Union / 500%+

Service/Project Based Experience

Restructured financial and operational core for young business / double digit increase in profits and EBITDA.

Re-organized a landmark company; employee buy-out [ESOP], eliminated non-performing SBU’s / recovered 3+years NOL’s.

Catalyst for numerous systems changes / provided timely and powerful actionable information.

Established financial, analytical, and project management process systems for start-up / clarified branding and long-term

business development direction.

Recommended and executed division spin-off / revitalized core business back to profitability.

Four term re-elected President of a software users group.

Achieving Operational Excellence

“Success is knowing what you do and don’t know without paralysis”

- Financial Stewardship - Active Leadership

Communicative Financial Leader Board Member

Financial Planning & Analytics / M&A “C-level” Partner

Revenue / Cost Balance Engaged Employee

- Negotiator - Resource / HR Manager

Secure and Confident Objective and Fair

Internal and External Savvy Proactive vs. Reactive

Company First Empowering Mentor

- Innovative Entrepreneur - Community Participant

Challenger of Status Quo Internal / External Volunteer

Strategic Visionary Career Network Supporter

Change Catalyst Youth Coach

Performance Driven / Results Oriented / Seasoned Leadership

“Lead by example”

VES Management Consultant LLC. St. Louis, MO 2012- Present

VES is consulting firm specializing in financial and operational business performance and process improvement.

Advisor, (2012 – current)

Serving as an advisor and strategic counsel to all levels of management. Delivering actionable solutions via objectiv e

collaboration to facilitate innovative operational improvement and future growth.

- Client industries include marketing, advertising, professional services and financial software.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/veresves

www.vesmanagementconsulting.com

LIGGETT-STASHOWER, INC. Cleveland, OH 2005 - 2012

Liggett Stashower is an advertising and public relations firm focused on building brands.

Promoted to - Managing Partner, COO (2011- 2012)

CFO/COO (2005 to 2011)

Served as senior managing executive with oversight responsibilities for finance, accounting and reporting, legal, information

systems, project management, payroll, pension, profit sharing, ESOP, human resources, insurance, and employee benefits.

Established and maintained key business alliances with corporate counsel, banking, insurance, independent accountants, and

benefit administrators.

Relocation of business in 2009; prime location, completed on time and under budget by 14%.

Implementation of industry specific software; improved reporting, data integrity and, staff accountability.

Restructured business model by elimination non-performing SBU’s, continuity of process and procedures, partnering with

complementary talent, implemented project and resource management for optimal performance.

Recapitalized as a 100% employee owned ESOP. Developed an on-line employee review program and a valued based

employee compensation plan complimentary to changing business economics and employee contribution.

Net annualized savings in my first twelve months approx. $1.2M.

THE ARRAS GROUP, Cleveland, OH 1997 – 2005

The Arras Group is a fully integrated marketing communications firm.

Promoted to Vice President, Finance, CFO (2000 – 2005); Controller (1997 – 2000]

Served as senior executive with oversight responsibilities for finance, accounting and reporting, legal, technology,

compensation and benefits, insurance, pension and, profit sharing.

Re-engineered the technology infrastructure via new network linking multi-platform desktop solutions securing data integrity,

integration and, security.

Implementation of industry specific software. Authored all financial reporting, policy and procedures and, training.

Improved gross margins and pretax profit via direct improvements in cost containment and recapture . Average increase of

17% and 8% in Gross Margin and EBITDA respectively.

Enhanced employee benefits program. Established 401K program with company match. Implemented employee Section 125

and 132 to include medical, life and, disability. Annual renew experience between 0% - 10%.

Instructor for Company sponsored continued education program .

Direct management responsibilities include:

Accounting, Tax, Audit, Finance, Information Systems, Risk Management, Legal

Payroll, pension and employee benefits, cash management

Property management, equipment leasing, mergers and acquisitions.

NESTLÉ USA, INC., Solon, OH 1984 – 1997

Nestle is the world’s largest food manufacturing company with over 27,000 employees

Promoted to - VP Director of Treasury / Assistant Treasurer (1991 – 1997)

Direct management responsibilities included:

Financial consolidations and direct line international reporting for USA Holding company.

Management of USA debt portfolio, including local and foreign programs with related hedging derivatives and

FOREX positions. Secured hedging gains in excess of $49M.

Direct line reporting of financial position with budget variation analysis to Nestle S.A. CFO. Automated

compilation and issuance of consolidated USA treasury forecast.

Managed annual certified audit for USA holding company. .

Oversight responsibility for all USA subsidiary cash management operations including all bank relations.

Integration of all finance and accounting functions of M&A activity.

Financial liaison with IT, Audit, Legal, Payroll, Pension, Insurance, Tax, and International Treasury group.

* Selected as the USA representative for the Global Finance Seminar held in

Vevey, Switzerland. – 1992.

Established and led a seven-member team chartered to evaluate treasury operations in USA. Successful results led to a

centralized USA treasury group. Objectives included consolidation of treasury reporting, elimination of banking redundancies,

pooling of cash, restructuring of lockbox collection system, implementation of inter-company netting system, and acquisition of a

centralized treasury network application [SAP]. * Estimated annual savings of centralization $5-6M.

Reorganized the equipment leasing process by establishing a centralized USA leasing program. Successful implementation

secured a cohesive leasing philosophy, established a central point for contract negotiation, lease / buy analysis, approval

process, and policy and procedure guidance. Benefits derived included the establishment of master lease agreements

encompassing all US divisions providing for preferred / volume pricing, renegotiation of existing contracts, and alignment to

company-wide capital investment strategic plan. * Estimated initial savings of centralization $2.5M.

● Served as interim Vice President of Operations for major brand export products division of Nestle SA - Stamford, CT.

Promoted to - Assistant Treasurer - Nestlé Holdings, Inc. (1988 – 1997)

Nestle Holdings Inc. is the holding company of all USA subsidiaries of Nestle S.A., Switzerland.

Relocated Nestlé Holdings, Inc. (USA parent company) to Solon, OH from Purchase, NY. Recommended and implemented

new general ledger system and financial reporting process with direct European reporting lines and requirements [IFSA]

Established and managed the finance function for expansion of a European coffee business [Nespresso SA] in the USA

including banking, credit card processing and collection system, accounting and budgeting system, payroll, tax, and international

reporting.

Served as President of Nestlé’s Credit Union. Raised the deposit base from $0.6M to $3M. (1988 - 1992)

Direct management responsibilities included:

Finance, accounting, treasury, cash management, payroll, forecasts, capital and long range planning, debt

portfolio and related hedging derivatives including management of FOREX po sitions.

Consolidation of all USA financial reporting.

Direct liaison with KPMG Peat Marwick for annual Certified Audit.

Financial liaison with Information Systems, Audit, Legal, Payroll, Pension, Insurance, Tax, and International

Operations.

* Awarded five weeks training in Vevey, Switzerland at Nestlé’s World Headquarters

upon invitation by the Sr. Vice President and Treasurer of Nestlé S.A. - 1991

Accounting Supervisor - Nestlé Enterprises, Inc. (1984 - 1988)

Nestle Enterprise was the Holding Company for Nestle SA’s hospitality and frozen food divisions.

Initiated utilization of advanced systems and software to expedite operations including consolidations, cash positioning, and

budgeting to replace manual processes. Led the study, design, and installation of a general ledger accounting and budgeting

system.

Direct management responsibilities included:

Management of daily accounting and treasury functions including forecasts, capital and long range planning,

cash management, account reconciliations, tax compliance and year-end audit support.

Financial liaison to IT, Legal and Tax.

EDUCATION

B.S. - Finance and Accounting, Lake Erie College

ASSOCIATIONS / OFFICE

Finance Committee Board Member, American Association of Advertising Agencies [4 -A’s]

President, Advantage Software Company User Group Board

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association [AOPA]

American Advertising Federation, St Louis [AAF]

Business Networking International, St Louis [BNI]

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer

Men’s and Women’s Shelter Volunteer

Food Bank Volunteer

Compassion International Sponsor

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