Kara Lawrence Mba, Cpa Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Fairfield, Ia, Us

FoodChain ID assists food, feed, and agricultural companies through certification, technical and testing services and solutions. We provide the knowledge, technologies and tools necessary to meet the growing demand for higher levels of transparency, accountability, safety and sustainability in the food industry.- Grew company 3x through organic growth, and acquisition and integration of seven companies in three years (including 3 SaaS companies). - Successfully sold company for significant return during the pandemic. - Created a global finance team to partner with the general managers to drive business results. - Led team to implement a global ERP system and harmonize and automate business processes.

Woodridge, Il, Us

Key member of senior leadership team with significant board and investor interactions and responsible for all aspects of finance:• As initial finance hire, determined staffing needs and hired and developed finance and accounting staff to support growing business.• Significant Board interaction including developing and presenting the corporate strategy and annual plan in addition to developing and managing the board and audit committee agenda • Raised over $370M financing including equity and convertible debt in seven capital raises. • Hired and managed audit firm to provide audited financials and appropriate control environment. Managed accounting team through complex transaction accounting.• Completed S-1 within 8 weeks with minimal comments.• Worked with Asian joint venture partner to develop and implement financial framework and financing strategy for manufacturing plant• Managed investor relations. • Led government relations activities including: developing strategy, presenting to Congressional constituents, briefing President’s staff on industry needs, and positioning company for access to governmental support mechanisms such as loan guarantees.• Developed tax structure and managed tax exposures globally. • Implemented insurance plan to ensure appropriate coverage at each stage of company development• Established banking relationships and investment policies.

Woodridge, Il, Us

Led finance and accounting teams to develop the financial processes and structure to support company growth from a technology development company through operating company. Key finance member of leadership team setting direction and strategy for company.• Established financial infrastructure to enable company to operate as a stand alone business including: - Established initial accounting and financial systems - Identified, negotiated contract and implemented initial ERP system - Established bank accounts and managed investments - Establish control structure & processes - Developed credit policies and procedures - Initiated management, investor and governmental reporting • Maintain effective system of financial controls and reporting system to issue timely and accurate financial statements as required through various phases of company growth• Identified, hired, and managed audit firm to provide initial audit and subsequent annual audited financial statements. • Led accounting team through annual audits accounting for complex transactions including warrant liability, equity compensation expense, intellectual property, and accounting for 50/50 joint venture• Developed and implemented internal audit process• Developed and implemented enterprise risk management system and processes• As initial finance hire, determined staffing needs and hired and developed finance and accounting staff to support growing business.

Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, Gb

Led team to develop capital structure and negotiate financial agreements that provided efficient funding and financial risk management for the corporation. Advised executives on strategic financial decisions. Initial member of Treasury team and instrumental in building the wider team of 15 people. Reported to the Treasurer.• Determined optimal internal and external capital structure for the company to raise $12 billion through debt and equity offerings• Led negotiations and structuring for $2 billion bond take out financing • Arranged the terms for a $500million mandatory convertible security as part of debt structuring• Selected lead arranging banks and negotiated syndication for a $2.2billion revolving credit agreement• Achieved target credit rating by creating a framework and presentation for the inaugural rating agency meeting and follow-on negotiations. Led team and coached executives through the phases of the rating process• Negotiated 40% reduction in fees from rating agencies.• Provided guidance to CEO and Senior Vice President of Portfolio on structuring and financing for various joint venture and acquisition projects• Negotiated agreements to acquire foreign exchange trading services, temporary assistance services and compensation for on-going guarantees of $300M• Developed a foreign exchange framework to manage a $3 billion euro and sterling exposure. Implemented and monitored the 2005 hedge position• Developed financial policies and provided guidance to the businesses on implementing the policies

London, England, Gb

Held various positions within BP including: Business Manager, Strategic Planning Manager, and Segment and Channel Manager.

Managed audits and advisory consulting services for financial services clients.

Mba, Finance And Strategy

Bba, Accounting And Finance