I am a financial strategist with over 23 years progressive experience in all phases of strategic planning budgeting, accounting, finance, risk management, treasury management, and operations. I’m a collaborative partner at all levels of an organization and my perspective extends beyond the numbers of accounting and finance to show how I add value by cultivating a shared vision, engaging in customer relationship management, and continuous positive improvement.
My core areas of expertise are process analysis and improvement, key financial metrics and KPI development, cost containment, working capital management, operations and capital planning and investment. With competencies that span both strategic and tactical planning, I have been instrumental in managing cash flow, building banking and legal relationships, contract negotiations regarding insurance, auditors, and general business contracts, and mitigating financial risk.
My role on the Executive team as CFO for Surge Innovations, I was brought on not only to lead at the top financial position, but to be a partner to the CEO and President and the owners. I have been instrumental in growing our Premiums Service Group almost 30% in my first twenty-four months of employ. I decreased professional service fees by 50% in my first year. I am responsible for developing and leading the strategy team and work closely with new business development determining project/product choice. I used my change management skills to develop a new business model and co-managed a company wide reorganization/restructuring.
As CFO with Sam’s Wines & Spirits and using my broad business acumen, I boosted sales revenue by $750,000/year and increased cash flow by conceiving, developing, and implementing a new sales campaign. I developed and implemented inventory control process for all units including periodic cycle counts, new valuation methods, slow moving inventory management, and semi-annual physical counts. I negotiated smaller purchased lot sizes with a total savings including, inventory holding costs, of $200,000/year.
As FP&A Manager with R&CW/Bell & Gossett, I was responsible for the yearly budget and forecast for the organization
As Accounting Manager with ITT McDonnell & Miller, I was appointed to a leadership role collaborating with other departments and managing several teams in the reorganization and combination of two plants into a $350M organization. I took full responsibility for the accounting of all asset movement and the reconciliation of the two plant financial records as well as converting all current and open orders.
My last position was Financial & Operations Consultant for Food For Thought, Inc. in Lincolnwood, IL. In that capacity I strategically negotiated and executed an increase in the line of credit, developed a ten year financial statement projection and ROI analysis for a new franchise acquisition. I collaborated in the hiring of the VP of Finance and the Senior Financial Accountant to complete the Accounting/Finance team.
My prior professional roles were with Boldt Metronics International (BMI), in Palatine/Schaumburg, IL as Accounting Supervisor and International Cost Accountant. Hendrickson Spring, Chicago, IL as Cost Accountant.
I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from The University of Illinois and a MBA, Cum Laude, from The University of Notre Dame. My professional designations include Certified Public Accountant, Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, and Certified ISO Auditor.