John Risko Email & Phone Number

Downers Grove, Il

Corporate Controller 12/2011 to 1/2013Charged with leading the creation of scalable accounting and financial infrastructure as part of turn-around strategy. Partnered with the new executive leadership team, providing accounting and financial counsel and system development to support corporate strategy, operations and project management. Spearheaded overhaul of accounting team as corporate headquarters moved from Eau Claire, WI to Downers Grove, IL. Played a key role on the operations improvement team, partnering with CEO and plant managers to reinvent production performance tracking, upgrade production scheduling, ensure data integrity and initiate plant cross-pollination. Directed all accounting, general ledger, financial statement preparation, internal controls, cost accounting and budgeting.Key Projects/Accomplishments:• Initiated and facilitated collaborative effort with three key executives in major equipment ROI analysis which resulted in a major plant reconfiguration plan with a projected $1 million improvement to the bottom line.• Conducted needs-based system analysis with project management team which led to the development of an automated, Excel-based, comprehensive project reporting platform summary with drill-down capability.• Using existing resources, planned and piloted the move from an obsolete production tracking system to an integrated schedule and performance-based system which supported the transition to Lean Manufacturing approach with complementary production and project tracking metrics.

Elk Grove Village, Il

Controller (Private Sector Division) 9/2007 to 9/2011Directly responsible for accounting governance of a national private sector, energy conservation contractor and manufacturer, reporting to CFO and the division president. Supervised and supported the professional development of senior accountant, part-time CPA, AP/AR staff and corporate and administrative managers.Key Projects/Accomplishments:• Led administrative integration and scalability of five, nearly simultaneous acquisitions and two startup locations in support of aggressive, high growth strategy.• Initiated, organized and facilitated a key national project meeting, assembling corporate and regional management, resulting in strategic transformation, best practices mapping and improved communication within and across divisions.• Created multi-layered financial reporting structure connecting executive and operational viewpoints.• Developed business intelligence processes and established an environment for creative thinking which resulted in new systems, including sales tax compliance in 35 states, paperless AP/AR, and travel and expense reporting.• Planned and directed establishment of accounting operations and controls for start-up light fixture manufacturing division, adding to Lime’s agility and expanding market share.

Chicago, Il

Controller (Chicago Plant) 1998 to 2007Managed plant’s accounting and financial systems. Reported directly to CFO, with ad hoc reporting to CEO and plant-based senior management. Reviewed standard costing and inventory flow of more than 400 million pounds of cocoa beans and other commodities annually. Directed staff accountant, AP/AR staff and payroll personnel.Key Projects/Accomplishments:• Directed multiple efficiency and automation initiatives, including monthly close, online banking, corporate credit card reporting, time card management and payroll outsourcing; company produced double-digit growth over nine years without increasing accounting staff.• Instrumental in the implementation of Score Warehouse Management, bar coding and RFID system, automating finished goods inventory tracking between plants and warehouse locations. • Following a serious manufacturing setback, managed corporate-wide cost impact study which resulted in the recovery of more than $15 million in operational losses.

Greater Chicago Area

Assistant Controller 1996 to 1998Instrumental in managing and directing all accounting, finance, tax, insurance and banking functions for a $20 million company. Managed financial statements, fixed asset reporting, A/P, A/R, G/L, auditing, consolidations, etc. Instrumental in preparation of budget and cash flow forecasts. Functioned independently and reported directly to the controller/CFO.