Manage all daily, monthly and yearly accounting and reporting activities including internal and external audits. Coordinate period end closings, including preparation of journal entries, account reconciliations, variance analyses and headquarters reporting packages according to Local GAAP.Prepare financial statements and internal management reports, as well as various financial reporting requirements. Develop, implement and monitor all financial accounting policies and procedures with emphasis on strengthening and documenting internal controls. Ensure compliance with Colombian, Chilean, Puerto Rican, Panamanian and US federal and state regulations concerning business registrations, sales/use tax, and reporting. Verify banking and treasury needs and create and maintain beneficial related relationships. Responsible for ongoing process improvement.• Lead a successful team of multi-national staff while maintaining a busy travel schedule in Latin America.• Forecast and estimate taxes in order to analyze potential business opportunities.• File related tax returns and financial statements in compliance with various national regulations.• Design and implement controls and procedures in accordance with organizational objectives

Processed accounting transactions including: accounts payable, receivables, expenses, investments, and payroll. Maintained the general ledger and completes journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and monthly closing process for preparation of timely, accurate, and complete financial statements. Analyzed financials, trends, fluctuations, and ratios to explain results and identify improvement opportunities. Provided cash projections and evaluated funds available to support the day-to-day operating needs and capital or strategic investments. Led annual budget process by recommending assumptions, establishing schedules, collecting and analyzing data, and consolidating financial information.• Led annual operating budget process through interaction with leadership and staff and presentation of results.• Analyzed and reconciled bank accounts and loan reports from banks.• Reviewed legal documents (e.g., tax filings, loan agreements, real estate contracts).• Served as primary contact with accounting firms in Chile and China.• Assessed best financing and funding options to support investments/expansions.

Audited 2 subsidiaries in Mexico ($1.3B), 1 in Chicago ($100M) and Saint Louis Headquarters ($7B), including SOX and non-SOX audit. Process involved inventory, treasury, accounts payable, and cash disbursements. Updated company policies, sent to locations in Central, North and South America, Europe and Asia, and followed up implementation. • Identified controls, assessed adequacy of control design and determined whether control was operating effectively. Determined if compensating controls existed and whether mitigated any residual risk.• Facilitated implementation of recommendations and corrective actions.• Conducted audits, summarized information and communicated audit findings, recommendations and remediation plans to Internal Audit.• Uncovered inappropriate use of petty cash which reduced risk.

Provided leadership in the development of 10 professional employees and continuous evaluation of short and long- term strategic financial objectives for start-up company in Colombia ($35K). Directed the preparation of financial statements, business activity reports, financial position forecasts, and / or reports required by regulatory agencies.• Identified and evaluated the risks to the organization's people (clients, staff, and management).• Built strong relationships with peers and vendors, providing outsourced services to influence and optimize business results.• Coached and mentored Chilean staff as appropriate, improving performance

Drove business operating mechanisms to monitor and improve key financial metrics and profitability ($10B). Oversaw and directed accounting functions including general ledger, cost accounting, inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, information technology, and fixed assets management with a team of 150 employees.• Appraised organization's financial position and issues periodic reports on company's financial stability and growth to President, senior leadership team and Board of Directors.• Provided overall leadership, vision setting, and coaching for staff, fostering inclusive team environment.• Reviewed project contracts and researched questionable clauses or contacts legal representatives.• Completed lease negotiations and office expansion and relocation activities.

Organized and oversaw annual budgeting and forecasting activities ($2B). Provided input to annual business planning and strategic planning processes. Directed team of 25 employees and analyzed studies of general economic, business, legislative and financial conditions and impact on organization's policies and operations.• Oversaw and directed accounting functions, including general ledger, cost accounting, inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and fixed assets management.• Built strong relationships with peers and vendors, providing outsourced services to influence and optimize business results.• Provided overall leadership, vision setting, and coaching for staff and fosters an inclusive team environment.