Experience

Over ** years of experience, most prominently in Professional Service environments, experiencing all levels of the accounting functions for various size firms.

Toole Design Group, LLC, Controller December 2022 – November 2023

Acted as the primary process owner for all accounting functions, directly reporting to the CFO, to safeguard the company's financial health and support future growth. Led the enhancement and expansion of the accounting department, including recruiting and managing manager-level employees to supervise team operations. Oversaw diverse accounting functions, including project accounting, accounts payable, and payroll, ensuring comprehensive financial management. Teamed with the Contracts department to ensure contract compliance with all regulatory requirements, including statutory taxes and FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) mandates. Implemented corrective measures in the general ledger to rectify past misclassifications and establish accurate, consistent entry protocols. Collaborated closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in developing and instituting a structured monthly close schedule, enhancing data accuracy and presentation quality for the executive team. Engineered and instituted new processes and procedures to augment the efficiency and effectiveness of the accounting team, as well as to improve service delivery to technical staff, clients, and vendors.

Tier One, Consultant October 2021 – December 2022

Assisting various clients with all aspects of their financial needs. Setup various clients with QuickBooks online. This includes setting up the general ledger chart of accounts, client billing with online payment options, vendors with correct tax information and most importantly the cash setup for online banking and accurate cash reporting. Creating processes for these businesses on how to download, code their transactions properly and create financial reports for presentation. I have researched corporate insurance options to choose the correct policies as well as pricing. Prepared information and presented to outside tax accountants for timely filing of relative tax returns. Also assisted in daily processing of transactions as needed.

DeSimone Consulting Engineering, Director of Accounting/Controller August 2015 – September 2021

Led all aspects of Accounting/Finance for a $50M structural engineering firm. Improved policies and procedures and created workflows that were more efficient and provided management with a higher level of financial information. Created processes to provide financial statements on a consistent and timely schedule to senior management. Dealt with the upgrading and changes in the Deltek Vision ERP system for a wider use of the capabilities involving project-based reporting. Hired and trained excellent team in all areas of the accounting department. Assisted in contract review, annual corporate insurance review and acquisition, and legal issues and claims. Managed annual report and registrations in all 50 states and internationally. Provided information to outside auditors and tax professionals for interim review and year-end filings. Oversaw accounting for three international offices. Administered company’s $30M 401k Plan. Upgraded the accounting department from an expense tracking/payroll area to a respected full-service accounting department for the company.

Red Thread Productions, Consultant October 2011 - August 2015

Retained to evaluate and administer new processes and procedures. Researched accounting system alternatives and working with vendors to implement the best solution. Trained bookkeeper on how to process information in a more effective and timely manner. Assisted with corporate insurance compliance and renewals. Personally dealt with taxing agencies on disputed taxes and resolved accordingly. Responsible for gathering and submission of information related to certification of women owned business.

EE&G Companies, CFO/Controller, Consultant July 2003 – August 2011; August 2011 – August 2015

Responsible for overseeing all overhead/administrative areas for this environmental consulting/disaster relief/construction entity comprising 20 individual companies Hands-on management of 5-person corporate accounting department including the HR/payroll area. Responsible for ensuring compliance at all levels. Managed all administrative and accounting processes for hurricane related projects with revenues in excess of $200MM. Hurricane work provided excellent experience working with local and federal agencies. Primary liaison with external CPA firm related to annual review and taxes for multiple entities. Main contact with insurance companies on annual and special policies. Handled all banking relationships for 20 companies, including international, and responsible for LOC annual renewal. Personally upgraded accounting system from Deltek (Wind2) FMS to Deltek Vision 5 multi-company system in 2004. Prepared and implemented the upgrade to Vision 6.2. Presented regular financial statements to senior management monthly as well as at quarterly and annual shareholder meetings. Reviewed financial information regularly with office and department heads to ensure that adequate cost control methods remained in place.

From 2011-2015 worked as a consultant in the finance areas handling special projects and assisting various Controller duties. Also worked on assisting in the search for their full-time Controller. Involved in training and working with them to ensure a smooth transition into the position.

Affusion Media, VP Finance/Partner 2001-2003

Assisted in starting up a successful media duplication company for entertainment and corporate clients. Setup all accounting and administrative processes. Created detailed financial reports and projections to co-owners for successfully growing the business. Handled hiring and human resources including in-house payroll and payroll tax filings. Responsible for acquisition of all commercial and employee insurance policies as well as banking relationship including establishing a line of credit. Liaison with outside CPA regarding all federal and state tax filings and any other issues.

CW Rampage, Controller 1999-2001

Successfully updated policies and procedures related to small advertising agency in Miami Beach. Managed staff of three including IT department. Updated reporting processes to provide senior management with timely project reports and financial data. Assisted with successfully planning and executing office relocation. Responsible for all administrative areas from accounting, HR, IT and administrative assistants/receptionist. Very hands-on position and a great learning experience from several areas. The company closed in 2001.

Concept Kitchen, Controller 1997-1999

Small online designer/retailer for Apple specific products. Assisted the owner with all areas of budgeting, planning, and funding. Analyzed historical and current financial data to confidently forecast sales and trends. The company sold successfully in 1999.

Visible Interactive, Controller 1996-1997

Managed all areas of finance and administration for small technology firm. Company developed applications for handheld devices. Created processes to generate financial data on a timelier basis and ensuring accuracy. Involved completely in the financial planning and strategies in marketing the products and generating outside funding. The company closed in 1997.

American Zoetrope, Acting Controller 1996

This was a consulting position while the regular controller was on a leave of absence. Position lasted just less than a year. Excellent learning experience with this entertainment company. Managed the accounting staff, managed monthly closings, and learned about accounting for the production industry as well as residual accounting for existing films. The CFO was excellent and I learned a great deal about developing and maintaining good policies and procedures.

Environmental Science Associates, Controller 1993-1996

Managed team of 4 in daily processing of accounting and HR information. Responsible for the timely collection, review and presentation of department and corporate financial information. Worked very closely with project managers and department heads to ensure strict compliance with public entity clients. Main liaison with CPA firm in respect to annual audit, quarterly reviews, and all tax filings.

International Council of Shopping Centers, Accounting Manager 1988-1992

Began as a cash receipts clerk and within 1 year was promoted to Accounting Manager. Supervised 10 accounting staff in all areas of the department. Responsible for managing day-to-day operations and creating monthly financials for review by management. Managed day to day cash operations for this high cash/transaction nonprofit. Ensured accuracy in bank reconciliations and monitored all cash transactions daily. Responsible for recruiting new staff, disciplinary process, and terminations within accounting department.

Education

SUNY Oswego 1984 - 1988

BA in Business Administration, concentration in Accounting

Contact this candidate