Project Management Data Analysis

Christopher J. Hughes

Results-oriented Credit and AR Management professional with over two decades of experience in credit and collections leadership, financial performance improvement, and order-to-cash process optimization. Proven history of managing large-scale AR portfolios, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and financial results. Skilled in policy development, SOX compliance, and advanced data analysis, with expertise in project management and system implementations. Adept at fostering strong stakeholder communication, driving process improvements, and delivering high-impact financial results. Strong leader with a commitment to team development and customer relationship management, consistently achieving performance excellence in dynamic and challenging environments.

Education

University Of Houston ( B.S.)

Accounting & Credit Management

Core Competencies

AR Management

Credit & Collections Leadership

Order to Cash (OTC) Process Optimization

Cross-Functional Team Collaboration

Financial Performance Improvement

Policy Development

SOX Compliance

Data Analysis

System Implementations

Project Management

Process Improvement

Team Leadership & Development

Stakeholder Communication

Reporting

Customer Relationship Management

Risk Assessment

Credit Policy Enforcement

Expense Management

Strategic Planning & Execution

Technical Competencies

PeopleSoft 7.5/8.8/9.1/9.2, Concur, Bill-trust, Data-Magine Agilysis, OpenText, Rite-Fax, Transactis, TalentQuest, MS Office with advanced Excel.

Professional Experience Family Trust Administrator – [Contract] 04/2024 – Present Confidential Family Trust

Set up / Implementing / Will updating & managing

Funeral Arranging/Procurement Directive

Public Filings ( Power of Attorney filing Financial & Durable)

GPC- SP Richards Company – Smyrna, GA 04/1998 – 04/2024

Senior Credit Manager (04/2008 – 04/2024)

Managed a team of 5 direct reports, including 3 Payment Application Specialists, overseeing a $450M AR portfolio across KY, MN, WI, IL, OH, PA, NJ, and NY.

Partnered with 4 additional Credit Managers to manage a $1.4B annual sales book for SP Richards Co., enhancing cross-functional collaboration.

Led the re-write of the company Credit Policy in March 2024, aligning it with current business needs and market conditions.

Managed the largest AR market share for the independent client base, consistently maintaining AR current status in the low to mid-90% range and achieving a 37-39 DSO.

Achieved negative write-offs at year-end in 2015 and 2020, contributing to strong financial performance.

Developed and implemented an End of Month Reminder Process using Excel Macros to streamline query extraction from PeopleSoft 9.1.

Led and supervised all departmental projects, workflow, and process changes, ensuring smooth operations and enhanced efficiency.

Utilized advanced Excel functions and platforms such as PeopleSoft (7.5/8.8/9.1/9.2), OpenText, SharePoint Management, Data-Magine (Agilysys), and Billtrust to improve AR processes and reporting.

Conducted monthly reports and meetings with internal and senior management at the parent company, providing insights and updates on AR performance.

Performed mid-year and annual performance reviews for direct reports using TalentQuest, fostering employee development and accountability.

Managed travel and entertainment expenses through the Concur Expense System, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.

Attended national sales meetings, business conferences, and NACM conferences, staying updated on industry trends and best practices.

Served as department representative for workflow/process change directives and ensured compliance with SOX requirements.

Spearheaded the rollout of online payment portals, including Transactis and Bill-Trust.

Account Executive (04/1998 – 03/2008)

Managed a sales territory generating $25M in annual sales, covering Northern Texas, Southern Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Northern Louisiana.

Maintained an 88% market share from 2000-2008, setting a company record that remains unbroken.

Led Annual Catalog Launch Presentation and event for the entire sales territory, with an audience of approximately 100 attendees, including Senior Management.

Conducted numerous sales meetings for reseller and sales teams throughout tenure.

Earned Presidents Club Sales Achievement Award and incentive trips for six out of ten years.

Additional Experience

CompCon, Inc. – DBA Fort Bend Office Supply 06/1986 - 03/1998

CFO/COO

Held 1/3 ownership of Fort Bend Office Supply, a $7M annual revenue office supply and printing company.

Directed financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and cash flow management, to ensure sustained profitability.

Oversaw all operational aspects of the company, managing 12 employees across sales, distribution, and customer service functions.

Led business growth initiatives, resulting in steady revenue increases and improved operational efficiencies.

Assumed dual role as CFO and COO in September 1989, overseeing both the financial and operational departments.

Sold ownership interest in the company in December 1998 following a successful tenure of strategic leadership.

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