Nick Shields Email & Phone Number

As a seasoned and meticulous Accounting and Financial Thought Leader, I bring over 19 years of experience in orchestrating financial excellence and driving strategic initiatives. Currently serving as the Controller for North American General Accounting and Closing at ADM, I lead a diverse team of 150 professionals, shaping processes and optimizing performance to deliver accurate and timely financial reporting.I excel in my field because:▪️ Strategic Process Optimization: I have a proven track record of enhancing financial processes and systems. At ADM, I accelerated month-end closing cycles by over 28% and engineered process improvements that reduced reconciliation exceptions by 25%. My expertise in integrating SAP S/4 Hana and Blackline has streamlined operations.▪️ Expertise in Financial Systems: My deep mastery of key financial systems—including SAP S/4 Hana, Blackline, JDE Edwards, Hyperion, BI, and Concur Administration—enables me to optimize complex financial workflows and enhance data accuracy. ▪️ Strong Leadership and Team Development: Leading a dynamic team of 150 employees, I focus on mentoring and developing talent while fostering a collaborative environment. My leadership has consistently improved team efficiency and reduced error rates, demonstrating my commitment to team success and operational excellence.▪️ Proven Cost Savings and Efficiency Gains: My role as an Accounting Manager for EMEAI Corporate FP&A involved discovering cost-saving opportunities that led to a 23% reduction in operational expenses. By optimizing inventory management systems and financial processes, I drive significant cost efficiencies and value creation.▪️ Cross-Functional Collaboration: I excel in steering cross-functional initiatives and aligning strategic objectives across various teams.▪️ Commitment to Compliance and Accuracy: My dedication to adhering to regulatory standards and ensuring 100% accuracy in financial reporting is a cornerstone of my approach. Whether it’s using Hyperion Financial Close Manager for rigorous compliance or implementing automated reporting solutions, I prioritize accuracy and integrity in all financial operations.Fluent in English and with growing proficiency in German, I thrive in multicultural environments and am passionate about fostering collaborative and efficient teams. Let’s connect to explore how my expertise in financial planning, technical implementations, and cross-functional team leadership can drive value and innovation for your organization.

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  Eastern Illinois University

  Accounting