Melissa Howerton Email & Phone Number

Rexdale, On

From concept to distribution, PRODESIGN’s team works together to design and deliver extraordinary samples and displays.

Toronto, Canada Area

BRIAR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CONSULTING (principal) Client consultation on process and system evaluations; accounting policies and procedures; audit management; project scope and implementation managementPerformance Results:•Developed and executed a thorough action plan that identified and bridged the gap between vision and strategy to amalgamate 2 arcade divisions; gaps were vetted and resolved which allowed the process to be completed within the 3 month goal•Consolidated 2 unsupported route software systems into a single updated version; allowing the route employees to use current technology to complete their tasks accurately and efficiently; produced managerial reports that reviewed field assets, analyzed profitability and set asset standards•Developed strategic documentation to enhance internal controls for warehousing and inventory controls; prepared the business for a successful internal/external audit•Researched and analyzed complex accounting and tax issues and exposures for the vending industry; reworked policy and procedures for individual companies to minimize future risks

Controller for CMS – Canada & Streamware (software division); North America Commercial Analyst; Financial processes and ImprovementPerformance Results:•Demonstrated the ability to develop and lead the Canadian accounting team through the full cycle of accounting, financial reporting, budgets and forecasting therefore acquired the software division to mentor and supervise•Strong communication and systems skills landed me the position of “Finance Member” on new product development teams; developed and monitored spending in each area of the product development phase to ensure successful launch of new innovations; Projects ranged from $.5 million to $1.75 million USD•Spearheaded changes to the Canadian commercial pricing structures, rebates and transfer pricing due to the volatile changing USD vs CDND; company increased customer base due to the new competitive pricing•Ability to work collaboratively across departmental functions; advised and coached sales initiatives through to accounting processes; launched a defined bonus initiative; assisted with CRM set up; developed a budget process to seamlessly rollup to accounting software•Redesigned the company policies/procedures to ensure accordance with GAAP and SOX requirements. Implemented necessary changes which ensured a positive compliance audit•Incorporated efficiencies in accounting processes by consolidating the software division with parent company eliminating the software division’s accounting department

Full sales and operational leadership of a distribution operation facing rapidly declining revenues. P&L and staff accountability with control over all new sales strategies, sales forecasting, marketing, pricing and business development. Performance Results:•Directed the Canadian division through corporate changes to budgeting and forecasting, management reporting formats, accounting processes, employee onboarding, performance reviews and bonus initiatives•Coordinated the restructuring of sales and service strategies to change the route to market; enhancing customer call cycles, establishing new customers guidelines, and led customer focus group to determine issues customer were facing in their markets; which increased revenues 12% in a flat market and improved customer relations•Increased market share from 75% to over 85% by sourcing different markets across Canada; redirected the distribution of sales and services network within Canada delivering on customer expectations for service and warranty•Demonstrated ability to form, lead and develop a high performing team both internal and external which led to achievement of budgetary goals, employee goals and a “highly satisfactory” rating for each employee at the annual review•Converted local accounting systems to adjust for corporate migration from FRX system to Hyperion systems; selected as the lead division to test implementations, accuracy and efficiencies

Toronto, On Canada

Restructured the Canadian Accounting department to become cost efficient and to establish reporting tools for management. Technical and operational accounting. Improved functionality in Human Resources, Inventories and Warehousing. System migration from Accpac to Great Plaines Dynamics.Performance Results: •Improved general accounting and financial reporting functions reducing month-end, year-end closing from 5 days to 3 days•Established rolling forecasts and 3 year budgets for the Canadian division. Re-designed reports by product categories assisting management with making tactical decisions•Created financial analysis tools and reconciliation processes to ensure smooth and timely reporting; intercompany accounting; cash management; journal entries•Instituted a financing program to assist customers’ in becoming more profitable; growing their route base and ultimately purchasing more equipment•Structured accounting and financial policies/procedures to ensure compliance with GAAP/SOX criteria achieving successful internal audits

St. Louis Mo, Usa

Analysis and financial consolidation of foreign sales divisions; consolidated fiscal budgets with ratio analysis; employee training on use of current software

St. Louis Mo

Financial, foreign exchange and warranty analysis; expense reconciliations

St. Louis Mo

General ledger account analysis; assisted with budget preparations; expense report analysis

Bachelor Of Science, Accounting; Computer Science

Activities and Societies: Phi Beta Lambda - Accounting Association

Education record