PROFILE:

• A highly motivated CPA and MBA professional who offers proven results in Finance and Accounting.
• Possesses leadership experience, financial acumen, financial systems proficiency, passion for developing/implementing functional process improvements, strong analytical, quantitative and communication skills as well as the ability to learn and adapt quickly to changing business needs.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Managerial/Leadership skills
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects/deadlines
• Ability to build strong relationships throughout the organization
• ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle and PeopleSoft)
• Essbase/HFM/OBIEE/GL Wand/Cognos/Business Objects
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Reconciliation Managers (Oracle and Blackline)
• GEAC (Mainframe)
• Financial Reporting & Planning
• Process Improvements
• System Implementation
• Internal Audit
• GAAP/SOX/IFRS

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Confidential

Deerfield, Illinois

Accounting Manager

• Oversee and direct the team in accounting areas for close and reporting requirements:
• Direct/control the accounting for the division by ensuring timely/accurate reconciliations and transactions in accordance with GAAP and company policy as well as lead development and implementation of new accounting policies/procedures and changes
• Lead the month end close process to ensure accuracy of the business units’ financial statements as well as for +8K retail stores
• Prepare variance commentary reports to senior management
• Support internal and external audit teams with reporting and testing requirements, including developing new reporting/validations for Sales/GP SOX controls
• Transitioned reporting responsibilities from Corporate Accounting to division including Cash Flow reporting, footnote disclosures and quarterly PBC schedules for external audit team
• Support the implementation of the Oracle EBS general ledger system:
• Directed the documentation of current/future accounting procedures including journal entry mapping, chart of account changes, SOX requirements and shortened close initiative
• Trainer, Super User and UAT tester for Oracle EBS, Oracle Business Intelligence and Excel4apps/GL Wand to ensure accounting/finance employees corporate wide were prepared for go live and post implementation
• Created month end reporting packages for division reviews as well as assisted other departments throughout the organization with their reporting requirements utilizing new reporting tools
• Initiated process improvements including developing checklists/SOP’s to support close; eliminated/streamlined manual journal entries; developed/led Lunch N’ Learn presentations on best practices for balance sheet reconciliations, appropriate journal entry support and intermediate Excel functions

Northbrook, Illinois

Pizza Division - Finance Reporting & Planning Manager

•  Confidential acquired  Confidential Division on March 1, 2010. Main job responsibilities of  Confidential Division Finance Reporting & Planning Manager at Kraft Foods remained the same with additional integration assignments.
• SAP Financial Systems Implementation/Integration Lead—designated a key retention employee to ensure successful integration. Acted as functional lead in implementation of financial systems (SAP) and processes between Nestle USA and Kraft Foods for general ledger, purchasing, accounts payable, payroll and fixed assets streams; Served as liaison between Nestle USA, Pizza Division and Kraft Foods finance functions; Designed/mapped chart of accounts; Developed/executed test scripts; Designed financial reports using new system reporting tools; Identified and implemented "quick hit" process improvements; Performed post-implementation troubleshooting; Managed two ledgers/systems throughout TSA period prior to go-live in January 2011.

Northfield, Illinois

Pizza Division-Finance Reporting & Planning Manager

• Led and prepared reporting/planning activities for the $2.0 billion Pizza division. Prepared all month-end journal entries, monthly variance analysis/commentary, quarterly balance sheet reviews, managed activities for internal/external audits, led planning of monthly dynamic forecast and annual operating plan and developed/managed department overhead planning for all operating functions within the division.
• Developed sales reporting/training for division utilizing new system tools (Business Objects)
• Developed new internal controls for division including guarantees, management representation reporting, balance sheet reviews as well as point of contact for SOX testing (Kraft) and IFRS (Nestle)

Corporate Centralized Reporting-Finance Manager 

• Developed a well-rounded Finance background by consolidating/standardizing/documenting monthly reporting and close process/procedures for the  Confidential, Meals, Biscuit and Cereal divisions including volume, P&L results, EVA’s and Overheads as well as designated the Oracle Financial Analyzer and Essbase/HFM system implementation project lead.

Finance Supervisor

• Integration team member for  Confidential acquisition including mapping chart of accounts, report development, communicating new policies/procedures and training

Chicago, Illinois

Corporate-PeopleSoft GL Implementation Lead 

• Developed a well-rounded finance/systems background by leading the implementation of new GL ERP system (PeopleSoft) and creating re-engineered processes for the finance function at Tribune Company and its’ Broadcasting business units.
• Defined/managed software selection requirements; acted as functional lead for general ledger/reporting stream; designed/mapped chart of accounts; developed/executed test scripts; designed financial reports; led training classes and performed post-implementation troubleshooting

Finance Manager 

• Developed a well-rounded finance background by learning the operations of a broadcasting business unit of Tribune Company as well as managing the finance department
• Responsible for all financial reporting activities including general ledger, fixed assets, accounts payable/receivable, payroll and tax functions
• Reviewed, documented and implemented changes to accounting policies/procedures designed to increase efficiency and reporting deadlines to Tribune Company

Chicago Tribune-Finance Supervisor 

• Prepared monthly consolidation of financial statements and related information including variance analysis to assist in management decisions
• Prepared schedules for the annual operating/capital plan and responsible for managing overhead costs of Editorial and Advertising departments
• Developed financial reporting/planning for new acquisitions and businesses including CareerBuilder.com, Values Magazine and the establishment of the Tribune Interactive business unit
• Maintained the fixed asset subsystem and developed capital spending reporting

Chicago, Illinois

Sr. Financial Analyst

• Developed a well-rounded finance/accounting background by learning basic finance/accounting responsibilities and the operations of the health insurance industry
• Responsible for month-end close activities including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations and reporting
• Ensured accounting procedures and processes were in compliance with all federal, state and local reporting requirements

Chicago, Illinois

External Auditor

• Developed a well-rounded audit and business background by learning basic audit responsibilities and gaining exposure to the operations of mid-sized manufacturers across the US
• Performed financial examinations of manufacturing/service company clients and potential clients to ensure credit worthiness for the Commercial Finance Division. Examinations consisted of analyzing financial statements, collateral (receivables/inventory) and supporting documentation
• Performed other necessary review procedures, compiling results in report format to assist management in making credit decisions

Chicago, Illinois

External Auditor

Responsibilities:

• Developed a well-rounded audit and business background by learning basic audit responsibilities and gaining exposure to the operations of automotive dealerships across the US
• Verified balance sheet account balances per client's records with supporting documentation, agreed balances to financial statements, and adjusted/reclassified amounts based on audit findings
• Provided analytical and other information that benefitted management such as collectability of receivables, aging of receivables and payables, financial ratios, and comments about accounts and general observations