Inventory & Financial Operations Leader

KAREN M BLACKWELL

Matteson IL ***** 708-***-**** **************@*****.***

Summary

Results-driven accounting and inventory professional with 15+ years of experience overseeing financial records, reconciliations, and inventory operations for high-volume manufacturing environments. Proven success in streamlining accounts payable and receivable processes, maintaining precise inventory controls, and improving reporting accuracy to support strategic decision-making. Recognized for exceptional attention to detail, cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to operational efficiency and cost reduction. Skills

• Accounts Payable & Receivable Management

• Inventory Control & Optimization

• Financial Reporting & Reconciliation

• General Ledger Accounting

• Budgeting & Variance Analysis

• Oracle & QuickBooks (ERP Systems)

• Data-Driven Forecasting & Cost Analysis

• Microsoft Excel & Office Suite (Advanced

Proficiency)

• Process Improvement & Waste Reduction

• Cross-Functional Team Collaboration

• Attention to Detail & Data Accuracy

• Time Management & Organizational Efficiency

Experience

. 09/2017 to 03/2025

Bimbo Bakeries USA Chicago, IL

Inventory Control Manager

September 2017 – March 2025

• Directed inventory operations across five warehouses, maintaining 99% stock accuracy while supporting two leading brands — Lender's Bagels and Bays English Muffins.

• Implemented data-driven forecasting models to optimize inventory turnover, reducing excess stock by 15% and minimizing product waste.

• Partnered with warehouse, logistics, and sales teams to streamline stock movement and ensure on-time replenishment, improving order fulfillment efficiency by 20%.

• Established and monitored inventory KPIs, enabling proactive resolution of discrepancies and improved reporting transparency across multiple distribution centers.

• Championed continuous process improvements, leveraging ERP systems and Lean principles to enhance supply chain flow and support overall business performance. Order Management

September 2019 – August 2023

• Streamlined the end-to-end production order lifecycle, improving on-time order fulfillment by 15% through enhanced coordination between manufacturing, warehouse, and sales teams.

• Developed and executed optimized production schedules that reduced material waste by 10% and improved resource utilization across multiple production lines.

• Collaborated cross-functionally with inventory and logistics teams to maintain real-time visibility of stock levels, cutting replenishment delays by 20%.

• Implemented process improvements leveraging real-time tracking systems, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring strict adherence to quality standards.

• Supported business goals by aligning production planning with customer demand forecasts, contributing to increased customer satisfaction and cost savings.

Bookkeeper, Detroit Bakery/Warehouse 09/2000 to 09/2017 Bays Corporation Chicago, IL

• Coordinated the end-to-end lifecycle of manufacturing orders, ensuring 98% on-time fulfillment and alignment with production schedules and customer requirements.

• Streamlined order planning and scheduling processes, improving resource utilization and reducing production waste by 12%.

• Oversaw creation, execution, and tracking of production orders to ensure accurate allocation of materials, labor, and equipment.

• Partnered cross-functionally with warehouse, inventory, and sales teams to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce order discrepancies by 15%.

• Leveraged real-time ERP and tracking systems to monitor order status, proactively address bottlenecks, and sustain continuous production flow.

• Supported capacity planning and forecast accuracy through data-driven insights that enhanced manufacturing predictability and cost efficiency.

• Implemented workflow improvements that reduced lead times and increased production throughput across multiple product lines.

• Maintained strict adherence to quality, safety, and food compliance standards while meeting dynamic customer and market demands.

ADDITIONAL RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Right Management Corporation, Chicago, IL

• Processed and issued high-volume invoices with precision, ensuring 100% compliance with corporate billing policies and timelines.

• Managed end-to-end payment collections, maintaining a consistent 95%+ on-time payment rate across client accounts.

• Accurately reconciled the accounts receivable ledger, identifying and resolving discrepancies to maintain clean financial records.

• Monitored and tracked outstanding balances, proactively communicating with customers to resolve billing issues and reduce overdue accounts.

• Maintained organized and up-to-date records of transactions, supporting smooth month-end and year-end close processes.

• Collaborated with finance and operations teams to streamline invoice and reconciliation workflows, improving processing efficiency.

• Prepared detailed accounts receivable and aging reports, providing actionable insights to support management decision-making.

• Fostered strong client relationships through professional communication and timely issue resolution, enhancing customer satisfaction and retention.

Education and Training

Accounting

Chicago State University

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