Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Karen N. Taylor CPA

Brunswick,OH

Summary

Results-driven finance executive with 20+ years of experience in business controlling, financial consulting, identifying and analyzing fiscal trends, and partnering with operational directors and other departmental leaders to create and implement strategic plans. Experience includes demonstrating exceptional performance by outlining strategic financial directions for business growth and tracking actual results against plans, including Merger and Acquisition experience and lead SAP integration.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Controller/Assistant Treasurer

Demag Cranes & Components Corp.
2015.01 - Current
  • Implemented strategies to improve organizational financial performance
  • Directed corporate decision-making and planning by monitoring and setting policies and procedures to optimize fiscal performance
  • Prepared corporate fiscal and business plans to help strategically direct business operations and strengthen controls
  • Implemented cost reduction initiatives and process improvements to optimize efficiency and productivity
  • Analyzed operational issues and implemented corrective action to maximize profits
  • Conducted detailed analysis of company financial information and oversaw preparation of all financial reports
  • Increased profitability by optimizing sales, increasing product margins, and fulfilling lower overhead costs past 3 years
  • Collected and interpreted key performance metrics to determine if met desired outcomes to hit targets for costs of quality, KPI's, targeted gross margins by product line, DSO and DPO
  • Successfully executed and managed SAP FICO implementation project providing training support as FICO Key User
  • Credit management by utilizing credit reports, credit insurance and financial instruments to establish credit limits for new accounts evaluating customers creditworthiness and risk factors
  • Supervised team of accounting analysts and credit/collections specialists, collaborating between colleagues, customers and management team.
  • Performed due diligence requirements of global acquisition and current merger of brands along with preparing restructuring plans
  • Conducted detailed analysis of company financial information and oversaw preparation of related reports.
  • ISO Process owner of evaluating risks and keeping processes updated to ensure continued ISO compliance

Financial Controller

Ergomat LLC
2011.01 - 2015.01
  • Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management
  • Prepared balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements. Managed foreign currency hedge contracts
  • Managed budgets, assets, portfolios, accounts payable and receivable, and general financial reporting procedures
  • Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages
  • Oversaw purchasing process from initiating requests to finalizing contracts to deliver smooth transaction
  • Organized work to meet demanding production goals
  • Managed inventory levels and restocked supplies to keep up with high production needs

Independent Business Consultant

Karen N Taylor CPA Ltd
1993.05 - 2011.01
  • Developed financial strategies for clients and guided clients to establish their financial goals to be successful business owners
  • Provided controller advisory functions onsite and provided advice regarding tax audits with IRS
  • Provided financial reporting management information by preparing financial status analysis and reports
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on professional accounting standards and maintained CPA firm credential regulations
  • Prepared and filed tax forms to meet needs of customers
  • Researched technical tax issues to define tax effect or impact of certain tax positions
  • Utilized latest tax software to prepare returns and meet deadlines filing returns at local, state, and federal levels

Education

BBA - Accounting

Kent State University
Kent, OH
08.1983

Skills

  • Financial Reporting Expertise & Analysis
  • Corporate Strategy and Development
  • Leadership and People Development
  • Annual Planning, Forecasting and Consulting
  • Management Team Leadership
  • Officer and Board Member
  • SAP Integration
  • Acquisition and Merger Due Diligence
  • Development of Downsizing Restructuring Plans
  • Internal Controls and Reporting Systems
  • Finance and Accounting Operations

Timeline

Business Controller/Assistant Treasurer

Demag Cranes & Components Corp.
2015.01 - Current

Financial Controller

Ergomat LLC
2011.01 - 2015.01

Independent Business Consultant

Karen N Taylor CPA Ltd
1993.05 - 2011.01

BBA - Accounting

Kent State University
Karen N. Taylor CPA