Providing strategic financial leadership, decision support and business process re-engineering to a branded consumer products company.

Responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning & analysis, bank and investor relations for a $2.5 billion global manufacturer of retail and healthcare products. •Strengthened the finance function by improving the annual budget, forecasting and long-term planning processes.•Prepared 5-year business plans that were utilized for debt refinancing, bond offerings and acquisitions. •Improved the capital structure by balancing floating and fixed rate debt to support long-term capacity expansion plans. Worked proactively with senior management and external advisors (bankers, attorneys, auditors) on credit line expansions and private placement of debt securities.•Developed monthly management reporting packages, quarterly financial statements, management discussion & analysis, debt compliance certificates and a robust investor relations process.•Managed monthly, quarterly and year-end closing process including analytical reviews, audit and the preparation of consolidated financial statements and related footnotes.•Researched and prepared financial analysis on a variety of matters including investment alternatives, potential acquisitions and numerous process improvement initiatives.•Collaborated closely with IT to support the financial system conversion to an SAP platform.•Hired, trained and developed several high potential individuals as a member of the finance leadership team.

Altria a $26 billion publicly traded company acquired UST, Inc. on 1/6/09. Assumed responsibility for post-merger financial reporting, financial planning & analysis and decision support. •Improved the quality and effectiveness of financial reporting, forecasting and analysis. Developed reporting packages that identified key performance indicators and reduced reporting turnaround time. Result was enhanced information available in a concise fashion for senior management and the board. •Synthesized all financial information for the purposes of strategic planning, management reporting, support of SEC filings, md&a and investor relations guidance.•Recognized by the CEO for material prepared and utilized in his presentation at the national sales conference. Material included a detailed competitive analysis and market review.•Reduced the turnaround time on the company’s long-range planning cycle by three weeks.•Reduced the Compliance Risk Assessment (CRA) submission schedule by two months.•Achieved $300 million in post-merger synergy savings by closing over 250 business units and transitioning responsibilities to other areas.•Assumed responsibilities for manufacturing budgeting, planning and reporting including the accounting for all lead market activities and support for new product introduction.•Provided leadership, mentoring and development opportunities for the finance team.

Responsible for the preparation and consolidation of forecasts, budgets and providing financial support to Domestic Manufacturing, Research & Development and International Operations for a $2.0 billion publicly traded manufacturer and marketer of consumer products. •Streamlined numerous manual forecasting and financial reporting processes resulting in improved accuracy and reduced turnaround time.•Developed and presented monthly financial review materials to Senior Management. •Participated on numerous cross functional teams and provided a high level of support for manufacturing plant optimization project, outsourcing initiatives and new product introductions.•Partnered with Sales, Marketing, R&D and Manufacturing to evaluate new product introductions, product and commodities costs and product pricing strategies.

Managed, coordinated and continuously improved the company-wide budgeting, forecasting, long-term planning and financial analysis processes. Supported UST Senior Management, Board and Strategic Review Committee growth initiatives. •Prepared long-term projections and business plans, including advanced scenario development and financial modeling of Income Statements, Balance Sheets and Cash Flows. (These plans were utilized in the merger negotiations with Altria and assisted Senior Management in delivering a 29% premium to UST shareholders). •Provided customer focused financial and operating support to department heads, operating divisions, project managers and outside consultants.•Made recommendations and led project teams that resulted in over $40 million in cost savings. •Supported project teams that generated an additional $150 million in annual cost savings. •Responsible for business unit performance, competitive and acquisition analysis.•Ensured effective resource allocation for the group, while continuing to develop, mentor, train and motivate a dedicated team of financial professionals.

Managed and developed the company-wide budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and planning processes. •Developed financial statement models used for planning and forecasting. This includes advanced scenario development of P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and EPS forecasts.•Improved the major forecast update process by gaining acceptance and providing training to 50 department heads on Performance & Financial Management Software.•Developed documentation, SOX controls and testing procedures for all department accruals.•Improved the quality of financial information flow to rating agencies.•Analyzed financial performance, working capital, cost of capital, discounted cash flow, free cash flow, internal rate of return, return on assets and economic value added.