Employee Relations Manager

Karen B. Elder

Huntington Beach, CA 714-***-**** adct5u@r.postjobfree.com

www.linkedin.com/in/karen-elder

Financial Controller

Motivated and results-focused Controller with more than 25 years of experience spearheading complex and effective projects for a broad range of organizations, including manufacturers, franchises, and professional services firms. Possess a combination of project management, team leadership, and financial management skills. Demonstrated ability to catalyze results while complying with budget and time constraints. Seek to benefit a top performing organization by improving efficiency, return on investment, and quality through effective management.

Areas of Expertise

Six Sigma

ERP

JD Edwards

PeachTree

Lean Processes

Financial Statements

GAAP

Mas90

ISO 9000

SOX

QuickBooks

MS Office (Excel, Word & PowerpPoint)

Professional Experience

Design Catapult, Inc, Fountain Valley, CA 2019 - 2020

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Recorded monthly revenues, expenses and activity for the company, Performed monthly reconciliations, Recorded daily cash activity, Prepared, reviewed and analyzed monthly financial statements, Month end, quarter-end and year-end closing processes, Ensured that transactions were in accordance to internal policies and procedures, followed and communicate exceptions to management, Reconciled multiple bank accounts on a monthly basis, Was responsible for input of all general ledger journal entries such as bank transfers, interest, income, expenses, Managed AP and AR and created invoices, Managed deadlines by adhering to financial calendar to ensure all deadlines were met.

Williams Comfort Products, Colton, CA 2018 - 2019

CONSULTANT

Hand-picked by senior management to restructure two accounting and finance departments for client in HVAC product manufacturing. Developed new processes for customer service, order receiving, and obtaining and posting payments. Partnered with satellite offices to create standardized procedures that eliminated redundancy and enhanced efficiency across locations.

Key Contributions:

Leveraged six sigma knowledge to analyze quote-to-cash process; identified and removed redundancies and devised a more efficient approach.

Recommended system enhancements within JD Edwards for automation and duplication within SOX compliance.

Joe Wells Enterprises, Inc., dba Max Muscle, Orange, CA 2005 - 2017

CONTROLLER

Balanced shifting priorities within a fast paced $20 Million dollar sports nutrition product manufacturer and franchise business. Monitored daily operations and cash flow for all departments, handling all financial reporting, monthly/annual closes and general ledger. Analyzed financial results for both internal and external use. Acted as partner to the leadership team to drive cost & productivity initiatives. Primary duties included approval of purchase orders and invoices, addressing franchisee inquiries, and managing royalty collections. Provided additional support for human resources, with oversight of workers’ compensation, benefits administration, payroll execution, and employee relations.

Key Contributions:

Led coordination of facility move during company expansion. Procured computer and warehouse equipment, servers, and furniture, interacting with vendors and contractors to ensure smooth transition.

Established international shipping policies and procedures for Asia and Europe clients. Prepared Bills of Lading with overseas freight forwarders, including all proper support documents

Prevented significant price increase by renegotiating raw materials purchases and expanding business to include new vendors.

Accountable for inventory & cost management, ensuring the warehouse inventory controls were adequate, and reconciling monthly inventory balances

Assessed and upgraded finance organization as needed to meet the changing needs of the business. Exercised strong leadership skills including communications and teamwork between finance, operating groups, and corporate staff.

Transitioned payroll services from Wells Fargo to local vendor, resulting in 50% cost savings while maintaining expected service levels.

Ensured compliance with all federal and state regulations

Conducted preparations for partial sale of company, performing all due diligence documentation. Assisted with the successful sale of 51% of the company.

Served as primary point of contact for 130 U.S. franchises on credit approval and management, monthly royalties and advice on accounting and finance. Partnered with CPA’s, attorneys and the Operation Manager to obtain annual updates for franchise agreements.

Relsys International, Inc, Irvine, CA 2002 - 2005

ASSISTANT CONTROLLER

Coordinated accounting, finance and operational functions at this company that developed software for medical devices, pharmaceutical testing and data migration for clients in the medical industry. Responsible for the GL, financial statements, balance sheet schedules, bank reconciliations, A/P, A/R, cash receipts, PO’s and fixed assets. Assisted with audits.

Key contributions:

Authored Business Continuity Plan, developed procedures for disaster events, including office data storage and back-up scheduling and documentation.

Additional Experience

Controller Westways Staffing Services, Inc. Orange, CA

Assistant Controller/Staff Accountant Esquire Deposition Services Santa Ana, CA

Controller/Production Manager Giant Advertising, Inc. Huntington Beach, CA

Staff Accountant Moffatt & Nichol Engineers Long Beach, CA

Accounting Administrator On-Site Fabricare Service, Inc Downey, CA

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting,

University of Phoenix, Costa Mesa, CA

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