Finance & Operations Controller - Strategic Finance Leader

STEVEN SAADI

Woodland Hills, CA ***** 818-***-**** *********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/steven-saadi-470a4316

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Highly Specialized Finance & Operations Executive with over 20 years of experience driving financial performance, control, and operational efficiency across complex, high-stakes sectors, including construction, private equity-backed e-commerce, and global spirits distribution. Proven technical mastery in advanced financial compliance and costing methodologies, including WIP/Percentage-of-Completion accounting, GAAP, SOX, and TTB. Track record of success is defined by quantifiable results: scaling a business to a $150M+ acquisition, achieving consistent 15% average annual revenue growth and 20% EBITDA increase through strategic supply chain and administrative optimization. Expertise includes directing comprehensive operational functions, global logistics, high-volume inventory management, and technical systems implementation (ERP/QuickBooks Pro Enterprise)—to deliver maximum enterprise value.

KEY SKILLS

QuickBooks Pro

NetSuite

Budgeting and forecasting

Cost control

Revenue management

Process optimization

Cash flow management.

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Operational efficiency

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Digital transformation

Risk management proficiency.

Financial analysis expertise

Cost reduction strategies

Financial strategy development

ERP system implementation

Investor relations management

Tax planning and strategy.

Strategic financial planning

Financial policy formulation

International finance

Business valuation techniques

Cross-functional team leadership

Working in capital management

Debt financing expertise

Financial process improvement

Operational management

Fiscal management

Logistical oversight

Documentation compliance

Accounting principles

Accounting principles understanding

Public accounting

Intellectual property management

Financial policy creation

Program leadership

Financial administration

Regulatory requirements

Fiscal Management

Reporting skills

Infrastructure planning

Regulatory Compliance Knowledge

Budget development

Capital raising

Debt management expertise

Documentation requirements

Operational decision making

Joint venture development

Business forecasting

Reporting expertise

Budget planning

Strategic planning and execution

Employee coaching

Competitive analysis

Complex Problem-solving

Develop business structures.

Crisis management

Relationship and team building

Departmental coordination

Executive Financial Leadership: Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Budgeting, Forecasting, & Variance Analysis, Financial Modeling for Growth & Acquisitions, Profitability Optimization & Cost Control, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Support & Due Diligence.

Tax & Compliance Expertise: Tax Planning & Strategy for multi-jurisdictional compliance, including alcohol excise taxes. Corporate Tax Compliance (Federal, State, Local), and specific experience with multi-state beverage alcohol taxation. Strict adherence to industry-specific regulatory frameworks like Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Compliance and TTB Reporting.

Operational & Accounting Excellence: Operational Leadership & Process Optimization, Supply Chain & Inventory Management, GAAP & IFRS Compliance & Reporting, and leading month-end and year-end close processes.

Technical Proficiency: QuickBooks Pro, ERP System Implementation, Financial Reporting, Data Analysis.

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

ERP System Implementation & Digital Transformation: Successfully led transformative digital initiatives by implementing new systems and technologies to improve operational efficiency, including ERP system implementation and financial software systems.

Advanced Data & Tool Integration: Experience introducing agentic AI tools and automation to enhance forecasting accuracy, scenario modeling, and strategic decision support.

Financial Software Proficiency: Highly proficient with financial software, including QuickBooks Pro and specific experience implementing Oracle NetSuite.

Operational Optimization: Leveraged technology to provide real-time data visibility, leading to a 25% improvement in operational efficiency and streamlining financial reporting processes.

Specific Tracking Systems: Implemented advanced inventory tracking within QuickBooks for regulated beverage stock, which enhanced financial transparency and reduced discrepancies by 15%.

WORK HISTORY

Finance and Operations Controller (PE-Backed)

Oaks Liquors E-commerce Thousand Oaks, CA March 2014 – May 2025 (Concurrent Role)

P&L and Growth Leadership: Provided strategic financial and operational leadership, driving a consistent 15% average annual growth by optimizing vendor agreements and diversifying revenue streams.

Profitability & Cost Control: Successfully implemented comprehensive cost control measures that led to a 20% increase in EBITDA through supply chain and administrative process optimization.

Operational Scaling: Directed the scaling of operational infrastructure (logistics and distribution) to support a 3x increase in customer base and transaction volume.

Financial Systems & Controls: Implemented advanced inventory tracking within QuickBooks for regulated beverage stock, which enhanced financial transparency and reduced discrepancies by 15%. Led the modeling, planning, and execution of all financial processes using the QuickBooks Pro Enterprise System.

Regulatory & Compliance: Prepared all complex financial and regulatory reports required by laws and regulations. Analyzed complex regulation and policy documents that directly impacted budgetary and financial matters.

Contract Negotiation: Negotiated and reviewed business contracts and financial models with profitability and financial success as the primary objective.

Digital Commerce & Process Improvement: Developed the e-commerce website, oaksliquors.com, from inception. Developed and implemented efficient accounting, financial, and operational systems. Executed accounts receivable reporting enhancements and reconciliation procedures.

EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE (Strategic Spirits Import, Distribution, & Acquisition)

Finance and Operations Controller

Alexander Murray & Co. / J&D Wines Imports & Rebel Spirits Distributor Los Angeles, CA February 2004 – January 2014 (Concurrent Roles)

Strategic Growth & Exit: Played a pivotal role as a start-up scaling the company from an emerging enterprise to a successful acquisition at a $150M+ valuation. Directed the financial strategy and daily operations across multiple wine import and spirits distribution companies, successfully supporting significant business growth.

Account Acquisition & Private Label: Led high-level strategic account acquisition (e.g., Costco, Trader Joe's) and spearheaded private label branding initiatives, establishing key revenue streams.

Digital Transformation: Led transformative digital initiatives by implementing new systems and technologies, which provided real-time data visibility and improved operational efficiency by 25%.

Global Logistics & Supply Chain: Optimized logistics and distribution for imported products from Scotland and France. Led a team responsible for import/export operations, logistics, distribution center management, and supply chain optimization.

Financial Management & Cash Flow: Managed all aspects of business operations, including financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance. Enhanced cash flow and optimized working capital through rigorous financial oversight for spirits-focused business.

Compliance & Tax Reporting: Managed all aspects of corporate tax compliance and reporting, including federal and state excise taxes, import duties, and ABC regulations for multiple legal entities.

Process Improvement: Developed and implemented data-driven strategies for continuous improvement in manufacturing processes. Prepared insightful executive reports highlighting business trends, potential risks, and profit opportunities.

Director of Finance & Accounting (Multi-Unit Operations)

Down and Out Bar Restaurant, Little Easy Bar and Restaurant, Adelita’s Bars & Restaurant Los Angeles, CA June 2003 – February 2020

(Managing a Portfolio of 4 Bar/Restaurant Entities)

P&L and Margin Improvement: Provided strategic financial leadership for a portfolio of three high-volume bar and restaurant entities, ensuring GAAP compliance and driving fiscal oversight for ownership. Led a profitability improvement program focused on F&B (Food & Beverage) Cost Control, which included successful renegotiations of key supplier contracts and inventory optimization, resulting in a sustained 10% increase in overall operating margins.

Budgeting & Forecasting Leadership: Designed and implemented unified budgeting and forecasting models across all three distinct units, significantly improving the accuracy of P&L projections and reducing forecast variance year-over-year. Prepared monthly and annual expense forecasts, including recommended actions required to manage costs to achieve budget.

Accounting Systems & Reporting: Spearheaded all financial management and accounting operations. Revamped the month-end close procedures and critical financial reporting package for executive leadership, cutting report turnaround time by over 30% and ensuring timely cash flow analysis for proactive decision-making. Oversaw the restaurant accounting system using QuickBooks Pro Enterprise, ensuring accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions.

Compliance & Internal Controls: Ensured the restaurant complied with all federal, state, and local tax regulations and implemented internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.

Operational Analysis: Monitored and managed all restaurant expenses (food costs, labor costs, etc.). Assisted with menu pricing to ensure profitability and analyzed financial data to identify trends, assess financial health, and make informed business decisions.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (Construction Focus)

Finance and Operations Controller

Thad Friday Construction Los Angeles, CA Jan 2014 – Oct 2025

Enhanced financial efficiency by streamlining and automating financial reporting processes, including job costing and precise Work-in-Progress (WIP) tracking.

Managed multimillion-dollar project and company budgets, ensuring accurate resource allocation and minimizing variance through rigorous expense tracking.

Strengthened internal controls through regular audits and adherence to regulatory requirements, ensuring full compliance with construction accounting standards.

Negotiated favorable terms with vendors and subcontractors across multiple projects, generating significant cost savings and enhancing budget control.

Spearheaded the implementation of financial software systems and streamlined month-end close processes to improve reporting speed and accuracy.

Analysis & Strategy: Created and implemented comprehensive financial models to support informed decision-making. Generated detailed executive analysis reports, identifying key business issues, risks, and profit opportunities.

Finance Operations Controller

Krisp Diggs Construction Reseda, CA 2011–2014 323-***-****

Managed all facets of project accounting, including WIP (Work in Process), job costing, and accurate application of percentage-of-completion accounting.

Oversaw all accounting functions, including AP, AR, payroll, cash management, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with GAAP.

Team Leadership: Led and mentored a small accounting team and partnered with the Owner and COO to provide timely financial insights, directly influencing operational decisions and project profitability.

Developed SOPs, month-end close checklists, and financial workflows to streamline internal operations.

Regulatory Analysis: Analyzed complex regulations and policies impacting financial matters.

Finance Operations Controller

Sadeco Construction Co. Walnut Ca 1985–2011

Oversaw all accounting functions, including AP, AR, payroll, cash management, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with GAAP.

Streamlined and automated financial reporting processes resulting in demonstrable improvements in operational efficiency and report turnaround time.

Implemented robust expense tracking and strategic cost reduction initiatives, successfully enhancing overall budget control.

Managed large-scale budgets, ensuring precise allocation of resources across diverse departmental functions and project scopes.

Process Improvement: Developed SOPs and financial workflows to streamline operations.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science: Business and Advanced Mathematics. Finance Administration California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

Certifications: QuickBooks Pro Enterprise; California Board of Real Estate

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