Joel Baker, Cpa, Clfp Email & Phone Number

Beverly Hills, California, United States

As Chief Financial Officer at SLIM Capital, I bring an extensive background in accounting, strategic planning, and financial leadership, guiding our team toward sustainable growth and excellence in the commercial finance sector. I oversee all aspects of financial operations, including portfolio accounting, budgeting, collections, financial reporting, forecasting, payroll, and benefits management. Working hand-in-hand with the executive team, I develop and implement financial strategies that align with business goals, optimize processes, and drive our long-term growth initiatives. My focus on operational efficiency and commitment to exceptional financial strategy ensures that SLIM Capital not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our clients and stakeholders. With a passion for driving impactful change, I’m dedicated to positioning SLIM Capital as a leader in delivering unparalleled financial solutions.

Newport, Kentucky, United States

As VP of Finance for MC2 Finance, a boutique commercial finance brokerage, I played a critical role in achieving annual sales funding of approximately $5 million. In my previous role as Vice President of Finance, I gained comprehensive experience across all key finance functions, including loan application submission, underwriting, funding, and accounting. Now, while serving as CFO at SLIM Capital, I continue to support MC2 Finance with essential accounting and bookkeeping services, ensuring robust financial management and operational continuity.

Kentucky, United States

As Assistant to the Finance Director, I played a pivotal role in driving the City’s financial strategy and optimizing budget operations. Collaborating closely with the Finance Director, I helped shape the City’s strategic plan and annual budget, providing critical insights through meticulous revenue and expenditure forecasting. My contributions enabled informed, data-driven decisions that aligned financial objectives with the City’s long-term vision.I championed financial efficiency by evaluating program performance and budget requests, delivering actionable recommendations that strengthened resource allocation and upheld fiscal accountability. Additionally, I prepared high-impact ad-hoc analyses for senior leadership and supported the City Manager’s budget presentations to the Board of Commissioners, ensuring clear communication and transparency of financial priorities.Beyond analysis and strategy, I empowered the Finance Office team by training staff at all levels in budget principles, creating a culture of financial acumen. I represented the Finance Department at Council meetings, public hearings, and community engagements, confidently presenting key insights as needed.My commitment to sound fiscal leadership and strategic vision made a lasting impact on the City’s financial health and operational success.

Hebron Kentucky

As a finance leader managing operations across 14 European countries—including Spain, France, the Netherlands, the UK, and more—I’ve driven financial excellence and operational efficiency across complex, multinational environments. Overseeing all European external bank audits conducted in Spain and the Netherlands, I streamlined audit processes to consistently achieve early completion, exceeding rigorous European audit timelines.In my role, I managed Human Resources, Payroll, and Accounting across Europe, negotiated reduced foreign exchange fees that saved $250K annually, and served as the lead coordinator for Project Europe, a major consolidation initiative merging various legal entities into our Netherlands HQ. Additionally, I successfully organized budgeting processes in collaboration with both European and Global CFOs, ensuring strategic alignment and financial precision.I managed Treasury functions for a portfolio exceeding 180 million euros (about $200 million), navigating eight foreign currencies to optimize cash flow, loans, and FX strategies. My work also included establishing new sales and commission databases, significantly reducing time and errors in commission calculations, as well as overseeing Corporate Income Tax filings across 15 European countries.I negotiated new agreements with local firms for Payroll, VAT, and CIT services, while also launching global accounting policies for streamlined, compliant operations. My commitment to timely financial closure ensured seamless reporting for the European HQ and all U.S. branches. Through detailed financial analysis and insightful commentary, I provided valuable decision-making support, while managing weekly BBC reporting and ABL loan requirements.With a proven record of handling high-stakes financial operations, implementing cost-saving strategies, and supporting large-scale projects, I bring strategic vision and operational excellence to each aspect of European finance management.

Florence Kentucky

As a financial leader, I’ve driven impactful improvements across critical accounting and finance functions, streamlining processes, enhancing reporting accuracy, and ensuring timely financial closures. By consolidating controller and assistant roles, I redefined the corporate closing process, consistently meeting deadlines within seven business days.I created the company’s only MS Access database, directly linked to Logic, featuring hundreds of customized queries and reports that provided daily, actionable insights for management. This database transformed data accessibility and accuracy, elevating decision-making at all levels. Additionally, I led the Logic Accounting System conversion and integration, ensuring seamless transitions and strong operational alignment.In cash management, I oversaw $3.5+ million in monthly disbursements and receipts, implemented enhanced billing processes to reduce allowances to $0, and optimized commission payout calculations, reducing processing time by a full day with new Sales and Commissions Reports.My role involved collaborating on the annual budget, aligning plant strategies with financial goals, and partnering with department managers in financial reviews to drive strategic initiatives. I also worked closely with internal and external auditors, providing essential support across full and limited scope audits and collaborating on sister company on-site financial audits.With expertise in managing accounting, billing, and purchasing teams, I maximized capital project requests by identifying cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies. Through these contributions, I’ve consistently delivered value, precision, and leadership, positioning the organization for sustained financial success.

Versailles Kentucky

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on advancing financial efficiency and operational excellence, rapidly progressing from Staff Accountant to Financial Analyst and then to Assistant Controller. Leading a team of accounting professionals, I implemented impactful strategies to streamline processes, improve reporting, and enhance profitability analysis for plant management.I played a key role in financial operations, approving expenditures, guiding profitability analysis, and collaborating with managers to identify efficiencies and cost savings. My contributions included executing monthly financial commentary, developing corporate reporting tools, and creating a production database that gave managers direct data access, reducing reliance on printed reports.In sales forecasting, I developed tools to predict Value Added Sales based on production schedules, strengthening our monthly and quarterly financial planning. I also supported a $100M annual budget alongside the Controller and department leaders, ensuring strategic alignment and fiscal accountability.I facilitated major system transitions, including AS400 to BGS mainframe and later to Lawson Financial Software, guiding the plant smoothly through these changes. As Interim Controller, I led budget reviews and year-end close, introduced an innovative WIP sales accrual method, and revamped the billing process, saving significant time in accounting.With responsibilities in job closure, balance sheet reconciliation, and managing $14M in annual capital spending, I ensured timely, accurate financial closes. My work introduced technology-driven sales reporting and efficient processes that left a lasting impact on the organization’s financial health and operational effectiveness.

Ma In Accountancy, Accounting

Bs In Accountancy, Accounting

Bs Business Finance, Accounting And Finance