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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Redesigned the company policies/procedures to ensure accordance with GAAP and SOX requirements. Implemented necessary changes which ensured a positive compliance audit

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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