Ben Haas Email and Phone Number

Assisted clients with a variety of financial/controllership needs. At Belden, managed the development of the 2008 consolidated budget for a $2.0B manufacturing company. Improved the annual budget process by establishing a calendar of budget activities and balancing transfer pricing between divisions. At Armstrong Coal Company, provided significant leadership in establishing all accounting processes, systems, procedures and documentation utilizing "Best Practices" methods for a start-up coal company. Managed the preparation and coordination of all audit and tax lead schedules requested by outside auditors. Implemented procedures for leases, reclamation, mineral rights, bond tracking, tax reporting, minority interest, construction-in-progress and fixed assets. At Smurfit-Stone, led efforts to resolve all tax claims so that Smurfit could emerge from bankruptcy. Provided weekly cash forecasts and coordinated tax payments.

Improved operations in both the Accounting and Supply Chain Departments. In Accounting, developed and implemented SOX procedures/documentation and managed inventory. Inventory levels were reduced 30% through better controls, disposing of obsolete inventory, and establishing more realistic order quantities. In Supply Chain, trouble-shooted problem areas that prevented timely shipments of the correct order quantities. Recommended and implemented corrective actions that prevented future problems. Instituted a Vendor Manual to provide vendors with procedures and contacts when interfacing with Aclara.

As Director Sales & Manufacturing Analysis, directed the financial reporting and analysis functions for the Bakery Division. Performed financial/operational reporting and analysis, measured performance of key business benchmarks, prepared data for senior management decision making, and implemented strategic plans. Provided strong leadership in successful integration of eight acquisitions during five year period. Responsible for bonus administration, capital administration, system enhancements, division budgeting, forecasting of business activity, and liaison with other departments/field locations. As Manager Budget & Analysis, directed the coordination and development of the annual budget for all domestic divisions. Initiated all system enhancements. Managed a professional staff who were heavily involved in standard cost development, special projects, variance analysis, training, and financial forecasts. As Plant Controller, directed all accounting, standard costing, inventory control, computer and administrative functions for a manufacturing plant.

Directed all accounting, standard costing, purchasing and administrative functions for a food manufacturing plant.

Directed all accounting, contract administration, purchasing and administrative functions for a fire sprinkler contractor.