Financial Management Professional
Resume:
Mark A. Halper, CPA
Lemont, Illinois 60439
Financial Management Professional
Broad experience in all aspects of accounting, taxation, and financial management. Highly proficient in analyzing operations and results, while identifying opportunities to reduce costs and strengthen business partner and customer relationships. Proven ability to research accounting and tax issues, manage and implement efficient control systems that improve profitability and deliver results within high-pressure, time-sensitive environments.
* Financial Analysis & Reporting
* Profit & Loss Responsibility
* Staff Management, Training & Development
* SEC Reporting
* Audit and Compliance
* Organizational/Multi-Tasking Ability
* Analytical/Problem Solving Skills
* Budgeting & Forecasting
* Internal Control Evaluation and Development
* Domestic/International Taxation
* Merger & Acquisition Research
* Exposure to Diverse Industries/Company Sizes
* Consulting & International Experience
* SAP Proficient
Professional Experience
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Chicago, Illinois
2006 - 2009
Financial Analysis Manager, VP (8/06 – 8/09)
Responsible for the finance activities of the Commercial Bank Technology group, including preparation of annual budget and monthly forecasts, analysis of budget and forecast variances of direct and indirect costs, preparation of monthly executive management reports, monitoring and adjusting monthly allocations to LOBs and ad hoc projects, as required.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
* Worked effectively with application managers and business partners to develop the group’s annual $60 million budget. Delivered budget data into corporate systems and prepared schedules for presentations to Senior Management.
* Delivered timely monthly executive management reports including detailed descriptions of cost variance analysis. Effectively forecasted monthly operations within the 2% targeted tolerance level.
* Eliminated in excess of $1.3 million of expenses through cost analysis projects and vendor negotiations.
* Calculated resource standard rate used to recover costs. Monitored the group’s monthly LOB allocations to achieve flat absorption for the year.
* Successfully engaged all relevant parties to comply with Company’s project spending policies for application investment spend. Reviewed data to ensure all costs and other related information were properly reflected in Business Case used to present to Senior Management. Monitored actual and forecasted cost for proper inclusion to investment projects.
* Coordinated merger of the WaMu Commercial Term Lending Technology group operations into Commercial Bank Technology.
* Served as acting CFO during two separate instances where managers were gone for extended periods. Prepared and provided required deliverables with no interruptions to operations.
J&J FOREST PRODUCTS/ AMERICA’S BACKYARD, INC, Lemont, Illinois
2005 - 2006
Controller (5/05 – 7/06)
Managed all financial, accounting and operations activities for this entrepreneurial wholesale and construction businesses with two related companies. Led a staff of 3 employees to complete functions including financial reporting; general ledger, month-end procedures, cash management, accounts receivable and billings, accounts payable and purchases, and inventory functions. Worked directly with owner to analyze results.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
* Effectively implemented an inventory management system using existing software, resulting in enhanced inventory control and efficiencies in purchasing.
* Developed current year’s budget for Companies. Assisted owner in developing annual strategic plan. Prepared and presented budget variance analysis to owner.
* Developed product costing model used in setting product prices.
* Prepared and delivered monthly asset reports required by bank for line of credit.
* Automated the entire accounts receivable and accounts payable process.
KLESMAN, HALPER & CO., P.C., Palos Heights, Illinois
1988 - 2005
Partner (10/88 – 3/05)
Managed all aspects of client’s accounting, audit and tax engagements, including planning, budgeting, staffing, preparation, supervision, review and billing of work product. Oversaw daily operations of this local public accounting firm with clients in retail, wholesale, construction, manufacturing, mortgage banking and professional service industries.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
* Provided clients with internal and external financial statement reporting through audit and accounting engagements. Effectively communicated results and findings to senior management, Board of Directors, and Audit Committees or equivalent.
* Assisted client with preparation of its SEC filings, including identifying required financial statement presentation and disclosure through research and correspondence with SEC staff member.
* Acquired in-depth technical knowledge in preparing and reviewing federal and state income tax returns and related current and deferred tax accruals in compliance with FAS 107.
* Managed the tax and accounting services of a publicly held, global technology company, including multiple level consolidation of financial statements. Consulted on the worldwide business restructuring of the company with client’s management team, Ernst & Young team members, and attorneys.
* Reviewed and evaluated internal control systems for compliance and improvement and effectively communicated findings and recommendations to Senior Management.
* Responsible for the maintenance of the Company’s computer network system, including installation of software updates, implementation and conversion of accounting and tax software systems and staff training.
* Partner in charge of quality review through performance of pre-issuance review and the annual monitoring procedures, review and training of new audit and accounting pronouncements and coordinating the firm’s outside peer review.
Education
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, Master of Science in Taxation
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, Bachelor of Science, Accountancy
Technical Proficiencies
SAP, ESSBASE, Microsoft Office (advanced excel skills), Creative Solutions, Ultratax, Lotus Notes
PAR, Titan, Goliath, Emport (JPMorgan Chase developed)
Professional Organizations/Affiliations
Member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Member of Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants
Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois
(previously held license in states of Indiana and Florida)
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