Controller

JAMES BARDON, CPA

Lebanon, Tennessee

615-***-**** *****.******@*****.***

FINANCIAL EXECUTIVE / CFO / CONTROLLER

A successful financial leader with many years of progressive experience managing people, multi-location operations/multi-entities, highly proficient in ERP systems, M&A, private equity, and delivering great results.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

DREAMLINER LUXURY COACHES, LLC Whites Creek, TN

(Entertainer Transportation Services)

CONTROLLER NOVEMBER 2022 TO OCTOBER 2024

Current and active CPA

Hired as this startup company’s first financial leader, reporting to the CEO

Corrected errors made by consultants to comply with GAAP

Prepared financial statements, state & local taxes, annual tax and audit preparation & support, and government/financial compliance

Hired the initial accounting team of seven and built out functions

Developed a new process for revenue recognition

Integrated two acquisitions & purchase accounting to double and then triple the company’s size

Led an implementation to convert the accounting software from QuickBooks Online to Sage Intacct

Prepared the company for its first annual audit with a favorable opinion

Handled multiple entities, consolidated financial statements, and multiple locations

Advanced Excel, MS Office 365, cloud computing & file storage, and IT proficiency

UNITED CABINET COMPANY, LLC (Manufacturing) Nashville, TN

CONTROLLER SEPTEMBER 2021 TO NOV. 2022

The company was purchased by private equity firm, Hyperion, in April 2021

Hired as the company’s financial leader, reporting to the CEO, and brought financial strength that did not previously exist in the prior family-owned company

Developed the financial reporting package

Developed a management P&L with variances to budget and prior year to focus on improving the profitability of operations

Developed forecast and budget processes

Coordinated open-balance-sheet and year-end audits with the audit firm

Prepared financial & covenant reporting to the PE firm

Managed the company's insurance programs and administration

Google Sheets, virtual meetings, ERP system: xData

Developed various analyses for customer price increases & customer profitability

Reduced monthly close from 3 weeks to 5 days

Cash management and reporting

INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS, LLC AUGUST 2014 TO SEP. 2021

(Private Equity Firm) Hendersonville, TN

PLANT CONTROLLER GT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Automotive)

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER BETTY MACHINE COMPANY, INC. (Automotive)

Financial reporting and analysis to the Chairman and private equity principals

Managed cash flow, liquidity, working capital, and treasury functions

Managed collateral-based revolving loan and borrowing base reporting

Managed bank relationships, debt financing, covenants, and agreements

Administered the company’s 401k and benefit plans

Reviewed and set standard costs

Managed inventory counts and inventory accounting

Negotiated and managed the company’s insurance plans

Interacted with the PE firm and made board meeting presentations

Secured financing for growth and expansion

Proficient ERP system user: Epicor Vantage; Fixed Assets: BNA

Capital planning, justification, and tracking results

WERTHAN PACKAGING, INC. (Manufacturing) JAN. 2012 TO AUGUST 2014

VP & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER White House, TN

Directed financial reporting to stakeholders

As a member of the executive team, collaborated with the Chairman and CEO on business direction and strategies.

Implemented financial strategies to meet the company’s business needs

Strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling

Managed and developed the accounting department

Internal controls, GAAP & governmental compliance

Managed inventory and standard cost processes

Directed accounting policies and procedures

Coordinated external audits/valuations/exams/tax preparation

Managed pension plan investments, funding, and reporting

A member of the Administrative Committee for the company’s benefit plans

Negotiated with a new lender to refinance the company’s debt

Designed and led the implementation of a $6 million cost-reduction plan

Directed financial analysis for two customer bids worth $30 million

Helped the CEO and National Account Manager negotiate a $24 million customer contract

Secured debt financing for two new production lines

Proficient ERP system user: Infor/BPCS; Fixed Assets: Best, Sage

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Bachelor’s degree, Accounting and Management - University of North Alabama

Certified Public Accountant, Tennessee Member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs

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