GREGORY E. WILLIAMSON

*** ***’s Farm Road

Athens, GA 30605

706-***-****

acvcwc@r.postjobfree.com

CAREER PROFILE

Accomplished and result focused Senior Finance and Accounting Professional with 22+ years of experience in accounting operations and finance management having extensive background in managing accounting, international reporting, strategic planning, operations support, and valuations for diverse organizations – generating millions of dollars in profitability. Proven record of accomplishment in streamlining and enhancing financial/accounting processes and systems to rebuild and transform firms into growing, market-driven entities. Successful in building and leading teams, financial budgeting/forecasting functions, managing operational expenses, corporate turnarounds, mergers/acquisitions, and divestures, superior analytical and interpersonal skills with extensive, hands-on experience in regulatory compliance, forecasting, and reporting. Highly experienced and effective leader who applies strategic, analytical, operational and financial expertise to solve business problems, introduce new products, reduce costs, better manage assets, and grow enterprises in profitable manner.

AREAS OF STRENGTH AND EXPERTISE

Financial Planning & Analysis

Team Management

Financial Reporting

Budgeting / Cost Control

Internal Auditing

Financial & Accounting Management

Strategic Planning & Analysis

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Business Cost Accounting

Tax / Regulatory Compliance

General Accounting

Project Management

Relationship Building

Cash Flow Analysis

SAP / Hyperion

KEY ACHIEVEMENT

Achieved and improved receivable aging by 20% and simultaneously reduced write-offs by 24%. Upgraded Accounting staff to reduce head count by four positions.

Integrated acquired multi-location manufacturing/distribution company and consolidated the financial functions resulted in $200,000 annual savings.

Corrected sales/use tax deficiencies resulted in over $100,000 annual savings and achieved transition of 401(k) plan to new investor and record keeper.

Reduced annual cost of property/liability/ workers’ comp by $120,000 and administered automotive fleet of over 80 vehicles for field sales force.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Morris Publishing Group, Augusta, GA 1997 to Present

Controller, The Augusta Chronicle (2012 to Present), Controller, Athens Banner-Herald (1997 to Present)

Streamline and direct all accounting and financial functions for two divisions of Morris Communications Corp. in Augusta and Athens, GA. Efficiently work with two daily circulation newspapers, seven community newspapers, four city magazines, and a commercial printing operation. Involve in our online business strategy and effectively monitor all financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, credit management, ad order entry/billing, circulation accounting, payroll, accounts payable, cash management, and tax compliance.

Key Accomplishments:

In the past three years have reduced operating expenses by $5 million (17.5%) needed to maintain adequate ROI.

Streamlined payroll expenses process through targeted attrition that maintained existing net income margin and cash flow levels.

Established and implemented SAP Enterprise Management software to control financial and advertising/circulation operations in 25 locations.

Rhone Merieux Inc. Athens, GA 1993 to 1997

Director of Finance (1995 to 1997), Controller (1993 to 1995)

Directed and operated financial functions of the U.S. subsidiary of a French animal health company. Constructed team that increased animal health products from a $12 million single location enterprise to a $120 million company. Proficiently supervised three direct reports accounting manager, cost manager and credit manager and directed a total staff of sixteen.

Key Accomplishments:

Positively executed daily cash management to maximize cash flow and return while minimizing interest expense and bank charges.

Provided financial function support for major new product launches, controlled self-insured employee health plans, coordinated budgets, and financial planning for all departments.

Akzo America Inc. Chicago, IL 1984 to 1992

Corporate Controller - Pharmaceutical Basics, Inc. (Subsidiary) (1988 to 1992)

Actively managed and ran all accounting and information systems for this $500 million manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals. Proficiently supervised four direct reports, two Plant Controllers (Denver and Chicago), IS Manager and Credit Manager. Established cost accounting for all products and processes based upon comprehensive plant analysis and involving manufacturing managers. Created monthly management reporting to summarize results and key operations data and highlight improving/declining trends to call attention to problem areas.

Key Accomplishments:

Managed project team in control for conversion of acquired company from manual structure to highly automated manufacturing and distribution system using MANMAN integrated software (MRP, lot tracking, order entry, cost, A/R, A/P, G/L). Project produced a 50% improvement in on-time delivery, minimized obsolete inventory ($400,000 annual savings) and reduced monthly closing from 8 to 5 days.

Directed credit function to reduce staff and DSO by 40% (annual savings $350,000).

Implemented annual budget procedures to involve all managers in a zero based process, providing them with “ownership” and a true understanding of the business. Adherence to expense budgets improved by 10%.

Senior Internal Auditor, Durham and Asheville, NC (1984 to 1988)

Key Accomplishments:

Planned, executed, document and reported internal operational audits. Supervised and evaluated assigned staff. Identified problem areas such as internal control violations, fraud, erroneous financial reporting and poor inventory management and recommend solutions.

Travelled 50-75% to North American manufacturing sites, offices and warehouses, achieved financial due diligence on acquisition candidates, resulted in a purchase price reduction in excess of $400,000.

CAREER NOTES

Riegel Textile Corp. Ware Shoals, SC 1979 to 1984

Accounting Manager (1983 to 1984)

Senior Internal Auditor (1979 to 1983)

Darby Electric Co. Anderson, SC 1978 to 1979

OTHER EXPERIENCE

Kelly Diversified (non-profit)

Chairman of the Board

Financial statement analysis, oversee business decisions, strategic recommendations, leadership of transition and consolidation with Goodwill Industries

Winterville United Methodist Church

Chairman of Finance Committee

In-depth analysis of church finances, financial statement and report preparation, capital expenditure analysis and approval, banking relationships, cost reduction proposals

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

Bachelor of Science, Financial Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC

Certified Internal Auditor, February 1983

CPA license pending

Linked in Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorywilliamson1956costing, data mining, process improvement, reconciliations, balance sheet, financial statements

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