Finance and Accounting Manager

Accounting and Finance Professional

Financial Planning and Analysis / General Accounting / Project Accounting / Cost Accounting / Payroll

Accounts Payable / Cash Management / Contract Management / Risk Management

Corporate, Operating, and Project Environments / Restructuring / System Conversions / M&A

Demonstrated success improving financial performance and internal controls

Finance and accounting leader that implements best demonstrated practices. Consistent record of improving finance and accounting performance through workflow process improvement, cash flow prioritization, financial planning and analysis, and internal controls. Demonstrated ability to improve operations through operational reporting, budgeting, cost reduction, and project management. Experience with project management, system conversion, reorganization, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning. Committed to staff development, through consistent feedback, coaching, stretch assignments, and training. Successful working in headquarters and field environments. Gets results from all levels of an organization by working collaboratively with staff, peers, and the leadership team.

Functional Skills

General Management and Leadership

Managed the accounting and finance department for the Build LACCD program

Responsible for all accounting and finance activities for Schindler Elevator’s West Region

Created and managed the risk and credit department for the correspondent lending division of Countrywide

Created the financial planning and analysis function for the commercial lending division of Home Savings

Managed the due diligence and integration of the $100 million merger between Schindler and Millar Elevator

Responsible for due diligence and integration of the acquisitions of Hotchkiss and Sterling into Schindler

Financial Planning and Analysis

Improved cash flow forecasting and accounting processing through data mining of system information.

Developed annual plans with 12 month rolling forecasts in partnership with regional and senior managers

Conducted monthly variance analysis ranging from cost center to operating division levels

Identified risks and opportunities to monthly and annual performance in coordination with operating managers

Consolidated P&L for 24 offices into a cost/volume performance reporting format

Analyzed performance of major projects to identify costing errors and billing opportunities

Risk Management

Reduced payment processing risk at Build LACCD by 40% through optimizing workflows and increasing accountability of each workflow process owner.

Lowered bad debt expense 20% for Schindler by developing a system to identify high payback opportunities

Mitigated loss exposure 10% at Countrywide by developing a systematic approach to identify account risk

Reduced credit losses 15% for Countrywide through negotiated settlements

Reduced non-performing assets 75% and credit losses by 50% at Home Savings by creating an asset management system

Profitability Enhancements

Reduced operating costs 10% for Build LACCD by reducing workflow processing requirements.

Increased operating margin 5% at Schindler by identifying contractual billing opportunities

Improved cash flow 10% for Schindler by eliminating workflow bottlenecks and setting billing targets

Reduced operating expenses 5% at Schindler by reviewing vendor terms and pricing

Increased origination income 10% for Home Savings by developing a risk based pricing model

Professional Experience

Finance Manager, Build LACCD, March 2017-now

Controller responsible for all accounting and finance activities of a $9 billion dollar bond program

Managed staff of 12 and provided functional finance / accounting direction for field teams

Minimized operating and financial risks by reengineering approval workflows and realigning KPIs.

Consultant, April 2016 – March 2017

Provided CFO level support to organizations by identifying efficiency improvements through restructuring, system conversion and implementing best demonstrated practices for accounting and finance functions

Contracted to convert an ERP system that was delayed over a year: implemented the conversion in 4 months.

Contracted to identify opportunities to double operating margin to 10%: developed a restructuring plan that reduced personnel costs $1 million per year: reduce Workers Compensation charges by implementing a safety program and an early return to work program

Contracted to evaluate payroll, benefits, and 401K programs: identified opportunities to improve programs without increasing costs; managed converting human resources processing systems to ADP

Finance Manager, Schindler Elevator Corporation, January 2000- April 2016

Controller for a $300 million operation responsible for all accounting and finance activities.

Managed administrative staff of 24 offices across 12 states.

Partnered with operating managers to achieve operating and financial goals.

Vice President of Finance, Countrywide Home Loans, August 1996- January 2000

Responsible for risk management of a $10 billion operation

Managed $1 billion per year of commercial credit requests

Reduced credit losses by $1 million per year through negotiated settlements

Vice President of Finance and Administration, Home Savings of America, November 1992-August 1996

Responsible for all financial activities of a $500 million a year operation

Created a financial planning and analysis function for the Commercial Lending division

Financial Planning and Analysis, Atlantic Richfield, June 1984- November 1992

Financial Accounting Supervisor responsible for financial accounting and capital budgeting

Senior Financial Analyst responsible for financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and reporting

Education

Master of Business Administration, University of Southern California, 1984

Bachelor of Science in Economics, Pennsylvania State University, 1980

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