James T. Stern Email & Phone Number

Santa Monica, Ca

Spearheading company financial initiatives and activities. Ensuring all production accounting needs are successfully fulfilled. Helping our team maximize their capabilities.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Highlights: Took over the company finances during a time of industry upheaval when introduction of ad agency cost consultants and cost-plus categories were drastically affecting profits. Navigated the finer points of managing the financial side of the business and the key players involved. As a result of instituting budgetary and corporate restructuring along with key cash flow management changes, re-sized the company and moved from a loss position of $700k to a profit of $600k in 1 year and retained the company’s roster of 12 production directors, previously suffering a crisis of confidence.Guided company through merger with new partner and debt restructuring that resulted in capital infusion and conversion of matured credit line to term loan which significantly reduced debt on company's balance sheet allowing company to move forward on stronger financial footing.Spearheaded cost cutting initiative across all departments, resulting in 125% increase in profitability by year's end 2017.Secured a $3 million line of credit critical to opening new client account with General Motors.Developed metrics and key performance indicators used to revamp marketing and sales approach, resulting in increasing company's closing rate of bids from 33% to 50%.Navigated company through a 25% decrease in sales by negotiating new terms with vendors to slow down payables, thus improving cash flow while maintaining amicable relationships.Role Description: Manage and oversee accounting/financial and human resource functions for Backyard, as well as related entities. Responsibilities include cash flow management, budgeting & forecasting, financial reporting and analysis, contracts administration, business & legal affairs, insurance administration, HR management including oversight of company health care and 401(k) plans, and supervision of employees.

Greater New York City Area

Controller / Business ManagerTRANSISTOR STUDIOS - Venice, California, and Brooklyn, New YorkFebruary 2005 to December 2010Highlights: Recruited when the company was in growth mode but lacked the proper internal financial controls to guide it successfully. Drastically improved the internal communication among the key players through implementation and monthly review of plans, metrics, and results. Built camaraderie throughout company by instituting open lines of communication and developing a culture of accountability. As a result, cash flow became manageable without infusions from the owners. Within 1 year, moved from a loss position to over $800k in profit.Working bi-coastally, increased profitability by 33% through new accounting and financial procedures for internal operations and production. Emphasized improving performance and implementing tighter controls.Reduced inaccuracies and increased efficiencies through reorganization of production accounting policies and procedures that streamlined, centralized, and standardized methods.Increased Accounts Receivable turnover by 35% within 12 months by improving relationship with agency business managers.Role Description: Managed and coordinated accounting & financial functions of commercial motion graphics production company. Responsibilities included cash management, billing & collections, budgeting & forecasting, financial reporting and analysis, contracts administration, business & legal affairs, job auditing & cost actualizing, insurance administration, profit participation.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Managed marketing department of largest independent musical instruments and recording equipment retail company in Southern California. Responsibilities included creation and implementation of strategic marketing plans and tactics including: direct mail, email campaigns, and website development. Developed marketing budgets including ROI forecasts. Created press releases, generated press and third party event reviews. Created and supervised business development activities including in-store events. Supervised marketing department staff.• Developed new strategic partnerships including Apple Stores.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Managed the marketing and sales activities of cash flow and profit management software publisher. Responsibilities included creating and implementing strategic marketing plans, designing and supervising business development activities, establishing partner programs and distribution relationships. Developed manuals and end-user course materials for software.• Leveraged existing customer base to develop the National Cash Flow Network, a marketing vehicle for CPAs and accounting firms. Directly sold network memberships that resulted in a 40% increase in company revenue.

Valencia, Ca

Led classroom style training sessions on custom software applications for large corporate vendors. Developed course structure, application workbooks and reference materials for training classes. Interfaced with corporate boards to develop programs for launch of new corporate-wide applications.• Designed course materials and gave presentation that landed ARCO Petroleum account and won contract approval from board for TechWorks to implement ClearAccess database management application training and documentation.