Finance Manager/Controller

HOWARD CHESLER, CPA *************@*********.***

* *********** ***** **** *****, NJ 07058 Mobile - 973-***-****

Personal Work Portfolio: http://execmktg.com/hchesler/index.php

CFO/CONTROLLER FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT NON-PROFIT

PROFILE

Financial Executive with extensive experience and success in improving accounting processes and instituting cost efficiencies. Wide-ranging skills and understanding in all aspects of accounting, budgeting, planning, analysis and reporting. Knowledgeable with Not-for-Profit Financial, Administrative and Compliance Management. Results driven “Big Four” (E&Y) CPA with strong analytical, problem solving and planning abilities combined with excellent leadership, interpersonal and communications skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Financial Management & Controls P & L Responsibilities Operational Experience

Financial Process Improvement Forecasting & Budgeting Accounting Experience

Financial Analysis & Compliance Non-Profit Experience/Oversight Compliance/Regulations

Process & Procedure Improvement Mentoring/Coaching Multi-Tasking

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Reduced outside Legal Counsel Fees by $10M (20%-25%) allowing for lower rates, higher discounts and more effective control of fees charged through installation of a Matter Management and Electronic Billing System. (SCHERING-PLOUGH CORPORATION)

• Conceptualized and developed an enhanced Corporate Consolidation process accelerating completion time by 20%. (SCHERING-PLOUGH CORPORATION)

• Designed and developed a PC based cash flow management system providing senior management with more flexible, timely and effective reporting. (SCHERING-PLOUGH CORPORATION)

• Gained Tax Exempt status by developing financial statements in compliance with bank loan covenants and the State of New York (RED APPLE GROUP)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

RED APPLE GROUP - NEW YORK, NEW YORK 2008 - 2010

Senior Corporate Controller

Functioned as the financial lead supporting the Real Estate and Aircraft groups and the Compliance and Auditing functions in the Corporate and Supermarket area.

• Successfully reduced lawsuit settlement by $1M (75%) as team lead investigating claims

by a Grocery Store Union.

• Established procedure to implement and control cutoffs at primary sourcing grocery warehouse and set-up physical inventory policies.

• Audited financial statements that were five years in arrears were issued through coordination with the external auditors.

• Supervised the accounting and financial analysis for the Aircraft division. Established procedure for the monthly review of charges from third party providers of management services.

SCHERING-PLOUGH CORPORATION, Kenilworth, New Jersey

Finance Director Global Functions 2001 – 2008

Provided financial support and guidance to the Worldwide General Counsel and Global Corporate Compliance functions (over $300 million spend). Supervised the preparation of operating plans, forecasts and actual results.

• In compliance with Federal Mandates, established new reporting unit resulting from a government investigation.

• Introduced efficiencies and a more professional and effective work environment by coordinating with office planning for the complete redesign of the General Counsels’ office/work areas

• Developed and controlled acquisition/integration related expenditures in order to allow

for review of both continuing and future costs.

• Conceptualized and developed formalized budget meetings and reporting to senior management on outside counsel spending.

Director Accounting Services 1999 - 2000

Supervised analysis/payment of worldwide royalties (over $500 million), accounting for domestic banking transactions and the reconciliation of intercompany accounts.

• Implemented new system to image receipts on-line to improve and expedite the review

of expense reports. Reduced the time of reviews over 25%.

• Supervised royalty audits by outside firms and auditors.

Director Corporate Budget Control and Coordination 1997 – 1999

Supervised planning and analysis for Headquarters support Function (Human Resources, Information Technology, Law and Finance) of over $500 million.

• Perceived and facilitated the development of estimates and actual data by outside consultants related to corporate fringe benefits (group insurance, pension) and operating insurance policies.

Schering-Plough Foundation - Finance and Administrative Director 1991 - 2000

Responsible for financial management and administrative oversight. Insure compliance with all Corporate and governmental regulations. Coordinate relationships with outside auditors.

• Introduced financial controls, standardization and time management by computerizing all reporting functions.

Manager Accounting Services and Reporting 1991 - 1996

• Supervised worldwide consolidation of multidivisional fortune 200 Company including the accounting for parent and elimination companies.

• Developed balance sheet reporting package which allowed senior management to focus on the highlights of the multidivisional results.

• Coordinated with technical accounting to implement various pronouncements including FASB’s and SEC regulations and with Tax and Treasury areas to insure that all accounting procedures were followed and properly recorded.

EDUCATION

• Masters in Business Administration – Major in Accounting

Rutgers Graduate School of Business, Newark, N.J.

• Bachelor of Arts – Major in Economics

Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N.J.

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