BRUCE RICHARDS 630-***-****
* ***** *** ********** ****** Darien, IL 60561 *.**********@***.***
CONTROLLER
I have in-depth experience building successful finance / accounting infrastructures to support growth and change for multiple site manufacturers. By developing detailed financial reports, controlling expenses, and instituting strict internal controls, I provided cost-effective strategies that maximized profit and exceeded business goals in diverse industries.
My areas of expertise include all aspects of cost and general accounting, P&L, GAAP, operations, analysis and forecasting. I have a successful track record of ensuring financial strategies align with corporate goals.
Others have commented on my solid leadership and communication skills. I am focused, analytical, dedicated and have strong core-values. I build high-performing teams that continually deliver top performance.
Career History and Highlights
Cost Accounting Consultant - Chromatin Inc. Short term assignment 10 weeks Update revise and correct the standard cost system. The system was put in a year ago and needs major changes to work properly. Also created new schedules and worksheets and trained new Plant Controller
Financial Consultant – Accurate Metal Fabricating, 2015 Updating and changing cost system to standard. This includes calculating new labor and overhead rates and Developed new weekly to explains results to upper management
Financial Analyst –Quantum Foods, 2013 -2014 Created reports for upper management using excel and pivot tables to analyze Sales, COS, by item number, customer and segment. Also worked on coordinating CER spending and monthly reports and analysis.
Weekly-13 Week Cash Flow – Was brought in to take over cash flow report from consultants. Updated and revised the report to help explain the weekly results and differences
Developed and updated weekly sales report - Started using new weekly sales with initial input from the salesmen by customer and item number. This data was more accurate than the previous estimated method.
Controller, General Automation Inc. (division of Precision Partners), 2007 to 2012 Retained from Consulting role to ensure accuracy and timeliness of all financial records for this manufacturer for energy, aerospace, transportation and technology markets. Oversaw budgets, forecasts, AP, AR, and HR. Managed staff of three and $1.5M budget
Updated cost system. Revised and updated the standard cost system by department. This include calculating proper Labor and Overhear Rates, reviewing Bill of Materials, revising Material and Sub-contract cost and reviewed final results. Created all schedules needed.
Overhauled accounting system. Upon joining General Automation Inc. (GAI) realized BS reconciliation’s were a year behind. Analyzed, updated and created detailed Balance Sheet accounts with a reconciliation backup as part of monthly closing process. Retrained staff on best practices enabled accurate, consistent and timely monthly reporting.
Implemented internal controls to ensure GAAP compliance. GAI needed their standard cost system corrected. Analyzed financial processes updated and corrected the standard cost system including new overhead rates for recording costs. Implemented proper GAAP procedures. Increased gross profit 5% with accurate cost reporting.
Facilitated profitable auction of capital equipment. Selected to oversee the sale of equipment at GAI’s plant closing. Analyzed marketability of equipment including costs of new equipment. Selected and recommended Auction firm. Oversaw scheduling, processes and pricing targets, ensuring deadline was met and exceeding forecasted target by $800K.
Financial Consultant, 2006 to 2008. Contracted by FPM a heat treat manufacturer to analyze and integrate the new Cornerstone software package to ensure new product viability / profitability. Entered Bom’s and routings for most products. Consulted with Interlake to transition new reporting metrics to new system and monitor items in detail for insurance claim after fire in one of paint lines.
Director of Accounting, Harper Pet Products, 1999 to 2006. Managed all financial transactions for this manufacturer of dog food products Duties ranged from monthly closings to quarterly forecasting to annual budgeting, physical inventories and capital expenditures. Managed staff of two
Provided accurate business picture with re-vamped costing system. Harper Pet Products was losing money due to inaccurate costing system. Using existing resources transitioned costing system from actual to standard. Ensured seamless transition and accurate financial data posting to GL. Increased gross margins 7% in first year.
Revitalized unprofitable organization. Harper Pets was losing money. Develop new product approval process and margin analysis report by customer and part numbers, eliminating sub-par products and improving margins $3.5M.
Uncovered overlooked revenue. Harper Pets annual inventory showed a loss of $1M+. Analyzed financials and computer systems, identifying & correcting inaccurate journal entries. Disclosed $1M+ in revenue with adjusted entries.
Enhanced product reports, boosting margins $500K. The Sales and Marketing department did not have a report to accurately analyze the profitability of their products. Developed a margin analysis report by customer and part number, eliminating low performing and unprofitable products.
Education & Systems
My BS in Accounting is from Illinois State University and I belong to the Financial and Business Controllers Group. Described by others as a fair, detail-oriented leader with strong core values who gets the job done at every level.
Information Technology & Systems Knowledge: MS Server 2003, XP Pro, Cornerstone, EMS, Freidman & Associates, Oracle, J. D. Edwards, Epicor, and MS Word/Excel/Outlook/Access/PowerPoint.