CPA Construction Controller Candidate

Diane Keating

Streamwood, IL 630-***-**** *************@*****.***

CPA with extensive experience leading financial operations, accounting, and audit functions across multiple industries. Proven track record in financial reporting, budgeting, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and cost control, with responsibility for multimillion-dollar budgets and measurable improvements in financial performance.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Director of Finance Cambridge Lakes Charter School 2024–2026

• Managed the school’s $12 million annual budget, including financial reporting, budgeting, reconciliations and compliance.

• Streamlined accounting processes and standardized procedures across the Business Office, reducing staffing needs from five employees to three.

• Led financial coordination for the issuance of $6 million in tax-exempt bonds to fund campus capital improvements.

• Redesigned collection processes, reducing past-due receivables by 56%.

• Implemented a money market account to increase returns on available funds, increasing interest income by 62%.

• Implemented Sage Intacct to modernize accounting processes and reporting.

• Transitioned the Business Office to a paperless, remote-work environment. Financial Controller Emergent Safety Supply, a Lawson Company 2021–2024

• Oversaw financial functions for a $16 million product brand within a publicly traded corporation.

• Led accounting transition activities following the company's acquisition by Lawson, supporting continuity of financial reporting and accounting operations.

• Prepared monthly and year-end financial statements for management; processed semimonthly payroll and employee goals, and mileage.

• Oversaw inventory controls and variance analysis, developed the annual operating budget, and prepared monthly budget-to-actual reports.

• Managed annual insurance audits and supervised one direct report and three indirect reports.

• Led cost-reduction initiatives targeting service costs, freight, and credit-card processing fees.

• Implemented Avalara sales tax software to support multistate sales tax compliance.

• Developed standard operating procedures to support accounting processes. Financial Accounting Manager The Protectoseal Company 2017–2020

• Managed weekly union payroll for 50 factory employees and filed monthly and quarterly payroll tax returns.

• Oversaw financial operations for a $28 million company and prepared monthly and year-end financial statements for review by the board of directors.

• Prepared monthly sales tax returns across 20 states.

• Managed foreign-currency transactions and prepared audit documentation in coordination with external auditors.

• Prepared supporting documentation for sales tax, workers’ compensation, and insurance audits.

• Supervised three staff across accounts receivable, accounts payable, and credit.

• Assisted the Cost Accountant with standard cost updates and annual physical inventory. Accounting Manager Jantzen International Freight Forwarder 2009–2017

• Managed all financial functions and prepared monthly and year-end financial statements.

• Managed $750,000–$1million in monthly receivables and reduced balances more than 90 days past due from 14% to 2%.

• Implemented a computerized accounting system and streamlined payroll and payroll tax processes.

• Negotiated and managed insurance policies, credit terms, and leases.

• Handled human resources responsibilities, including health insurance negotiations and 401(k) compliance.

• Maintained compliance with applicable federal, state, and international regulations. Audit Manager Deloitte & Touche 1989–1995

• Managed audit teams serving closely held companies with $20M+ in revenue.

• Trained client staff and internal departments; created and implemented audit procedures.

• Served as liaison among management, internal accounting teams, and external auditors.

• Reviewed and improved internal controls and procedures.

• Developed new client relationships and strengthened existing accounts. EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

DePaul University Bachelor of Science in Accounting, CPA Certification COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Treasurer — Hanover Countryside PTA, Canton Middle School PTO, and Boy Scouts Troop 10

• Secretary — Elgin High School PTO

• President — Illinois CPA Society, Salt Creek Chapter

• Finance Council — St. John’s the Evangelist Church

• Fundraising Chair — Canton Middle School and Elgin High School

• Volunteer — Lurie Children’s Hospital and National Kidney Foundation

• Village of Streamwood — Various planning committees TECHNICAL SKILLS

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Sage Intacct, Avante, IES, Open 4 Payroll System, and Epicor Prophet 21

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