Controller/Accounting Manager
Resume:
Pegeen A LaRosa
League City, TX 77573
Cell: 409-***-****
**********@*****.***
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
To fully utilize the work experience, education and training I have acquired to serve as the controller or lead accountant/human resources professional in a progressive, growing company.
PERSONAL SUMMARY
Controller offering 15+ years of progressive, comprehensive experience as an innovative accounting professional. Demonstrates ability to effectively plan, coordinate and meet deadlines of multiple projects. Maintains an enthusiastic, positive rapport with co-workers and clients. Detail oriented, with a proven ability to successfully contribute to company objectives and profitability. A firm believer in the use of policies, procedures and results analysis to prevent fraud, improve collection ratios, analyze turnover and create more standardized and efficient outcomes adding directly to bottom line success. Certified in HR Management, achieved a BA in Accounting with honors, and obtained a Masters Degree in Accounting & Finance.
EXPERIENCE
2001 – June 2009 Controller, American United Taxicab Company, Milwaukee, WI
General duties include internal auditing, bank statements reconciliation, income and balance sheet preparation, and problem solving. Responsible for general ledger analysis, month end closings, journal entries, accounts payable and receivable functions and creation of depreciation and amortization schedules. Oversee daily driver cashiering processes including implementation of new cashiering and direct pay system for drivers. Additionally, manages the accounting and finances of other corporation interests including Horner Sod Partnerships and Carpet Lawn Sod Farm. Supervises a six member team.
Prevented a $240K fraud attempt. Implemented Positive Pay program to prevent future situations.
Managed launch of new cashiering system and direct pay method to drivers. Resulting restructuring of accounting office resulted in annual operating savings greater than $250k.
Strategizes to reduce costs, improve performance, and meet future cash requirements.
Oversight and verification of the Charge Cashing Department reduced billing errors by 75%.
Performs a variety of accounting duties including budgeting, journal entries, and preparing financial statements.
Demonstrates adept communication and problem solving skills on a daily basis as liaison between the President and Director of Operations, support staff, and customers.
Performs internal audits on drivers’ payments, billing audit rates, leasing amounts, and direct payment to drivers between three different control systems.
1999 – 2002 Controller, American Commercial Services, Inc., Brookfield, WI
Accounting duties included budgeting, spreadsheet analyses, A/P, A/R, P/R, G/L, journal entries, and preparing financial statements, income and payroll tax returns. Supervised a staff of four professionals.
Collection efforts reduced past due receivables balance by 25% within 3 months.
Converted office into a computerized and efficient accounting operation by creation and implementation of specific policies and procedures.
Originated policies and procedures for new customers, credit approval and collections.
Successful conversation and implementation to new Great Plains Dynamics software.
Performed administrative duties relative to the collection of returned checks, posted charges to accounts, and maintained accurate records.
Primary manager and communicator of all financial and accounting information.
Structured policies and procedures for job costing and inventory maintenance.
1994 – 1999 Market Business Manager, Clear Channel Broadcasting, Milwaukee, WI
Managed all aspects of the accounting function within corporate policies and procedures. Prepared consolidated financial statements and coordinated annual audits. Supervised ten corporate accounting staff members. Implemented accounting system conversions for five acquired (WKKV, WMIL, WOKY, WZTR, and Direct Publishing Magazine) Milwaukee Radio stations and media outlets.
Planned, coordinated and monitored performance of financial audits, reviewed entire accounting cycle, and evaluated the adequacy of internal controls.
Perfected and reported on budgets and financial statements at weekly meetings.
Created annual budgets and strategic plans for the Milwaukee market.
Developed an office policy and procedure manual for collections.
Recruited, trained, hired and managed Traffic, Accounting, and Support Staff.
Controlled all Human Resources functions for over 300 employees including insurance, payroll, 401K, and taxes.
EDUCATION
MFMA (Masters of Finance and Managerial Accounting)
Keller Graduate School of Management Graduated in 2006
C.P.A. Candidate, C.M.A. Candidate; GPA 3.75/4.00
B.A., Accounting
Lakeland College, Milwaukee, WI Graduated in 2002
Attended Lakeland College with 3.85/4.00 GPA in Accounting.
Magna cum Laude graduate.
Dean's List
UWM - Milwaukee
Nursing coursework.
SKILLS SUMMARY
Software knowledge: Great Plains, CabMaestro, Ledgerbase, MS Office, Quickbooks, Soloman, some Peachtree.
Payroll Administration, ADP Payroll, Payroll Administration, Human Resource Manager, Efficiency Management and Appraisal Processes, Organization and Administrative Assessment and Resolution and Payroll Administration
Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable, Accounts Receivable and Billing, Customer Relationship Management, and Debt Collection/Payment Arrangements
Bank and Statement Reconciliations, Cash Management Technique, Financial Account Analysis, and General Ledger in compliance with GAAP.
Budget Models, Budget Preparation, Budget/Forecast Variances, Capital Budgets and Operating Budgets, Capital, Fixed, and Variable Budgets, Financial Management / Analysis, and Operations and related Financial Analysis.
Inventory management and control expertise.
Ability to revise and institute Office Controls, Procedures and Systems that ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Prepared Corporate/Personal Taxes for LLC.
April 22, 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
Please allow this letter to serve as a reference for Ms. Pegeen LaRosa. I was responsible for interviewing Pegeen and recommending her for employment as Controller with American United Taxicab. When I first met Pegeen, I was obviously impressed by her work history, technical background and her initial presentation. After working with her for almost four years, I continue to be impressed with the initial attributes, which she demonstrated, i.e. knowledge and experience in handling all aspects of our Accounting Department, communicative ability and professionalism. During our working relationship, however, I have witnessed other attributes, which I consider significant personal and professional traits. For example, Pegeen has proven to be a team player and a leader; she has also demonstrated loyalty, a strong work ethic, quick learning ability, and commitment to performing tasks in a timely and efficient manner, a willingness to accept challenges, an appreciation for confidentiality and openness to constructive criticism.
I consider Pegeen an ideal candidate for any Accounting profession, or in any other area requiring attention to detail, bottom line responsibility or management of both systems and personnel. I would not hesitate to hire or re-engage Pegeen in any business environment.
The only fault I would articulate is Pegeen’s failure to complete her formal education. I am truly impressed with her ability to handle both a full time work and school environment to achieve this goal. We have often spoken about the advantages of obtaining her Master’s degree certifies her competencies. I truly hope that Pegeen’s future will afford her the opportunity to finish these goals. Notwithstanding my feelings about Pegeen’s formal education, I still consider her to be a fully capable professional.
In closing, I not only developed a warm regard for Pegeen as a business associate, I feel similarly about her as a compassionate person. As I move on with my career pursuits and discontinue our professional connection, I wish Pegeen the best in her career endeavors as well as her life interests. I am confidant that Ms. LaRosa will make an excellent contribution to whatever she handles.
Very truly yours,
Richard (Red) Christensen
American United Taxicab, Inc.
VP/Director of Operations
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