Keith Howard Email & Phone Number

Cincinnati, OH, US

Champaign, Illinois, US

• Key strategic leader responsible for Finance, IT, and Legal for a family office private-equity backed organization and the undisputed leader in radio control products and accessories with 500+ employees around the.
• Led Horizon through 4 brand acquisitions of various sizes, integrating acquired companies seamlessly into existing operations while ensuring compliance and financial stability.
• Held key leadership roles as Managing Director in Germany and the UK, overseeing critical initiatives such as negotiating leases, managing shared services, and serving as the primary point of contact for key.
• Spearheaded the replacement of the previous ecommerce platform with Salesforce Commerce Cloud, modernizing the company's website and enhancing customer experience, additionally implementing Service Cloud, Sales Cloud.
• Focused on continuous improvement and teamwork, leveraging the company's 35+ year heritage while identifying opportunities for growth and enhancement on a daily basis.

Boulder, Colorado, US

• Spearheaded the transformation of a product-focused business into a brand-centric entity, contributing to the growth and stability of a $20M Private Equity-backed manufacturer of baby carriers, slings, and wraps.
• Implemented NetSuite from QuickBooks, overseeing the seamless transition of the entire financial platform within a year, while simultaneously managing responsibilities as Head of IT, HR, and Finance, optimizing.
• Negotiated advantageous contracts with shipping and 3PL providers, resulting in estimated annual savings of $250,000 (30%+ savings), leveraging expertise in strategic contract negotiations and collaboration with major.
• Played a critical role in addressing major business challenges including a credit card data breach, new product recall, and internal fraud incidents, demonstrating adept crisis management skills and proactive.
• Actively participated in an ITC patent infringement lawsuit against 29 respondents, contributing to legal strategies and representing the company's interests in complex litigation proceedings.
• Ensured compliance with sales taxes across 40+ states and 7+ countries, rectifying previous lapses in sales tax remittance and establishing robust tax compliance protocols.

London, England, GB

• Advanced from Senior Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis to Vice President of Finance within a publicly traded $500 million international crafts manufacturing and distribution business overseeing operations in.
• Established and led the Financial Planning and Analysis (FPA) department at Coats, facilitating comprehensive tracking, analysis, and reporting of business performance across all levels and roles within the Crafts.
• Recognized as the 2015 H2 Runner-up Global Business Partner of the Year, reflecting exceptional contributions to business success and collaboration with senior management and global finance leadership.
• Demonstrated crisis management expertise by handling insurance claims exceeding $25 million due to a tornado striking a Coats distribution center, ensuring effective resolution and mitigation of financial impacts.
• Played a pivotal role in the reorganization of the Crafts NAM workforce in 2017/2018 including the divestiture of a business, contributing to organizational efficiency and alignment with strategic objectives.

London, England, GB

Finance Director - Westminster Fibers, Coats & Clark, Coats & Clark Canada, UK Crafts - $200M sales

London, England, GB

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis - North America Crafts

London, England, GB

Global Crafts - EMEA,NAM, and LATAM - $500M sales

Denver, CO, US

• Established and directed a dynamic department for forecasting, analysis, and budgeting operations for a $500M division of a prominent public retail manufacturing entity, fostering robust financial strategies to drive.
• Played a pivotal role in negotiating vendor agreements and optimizing existing contracts, resulting in cost savings exceeding $300,000, demonstrating astute negotiation skills and financial acumen.
• Cultivated strategic partnerships both internally and externally, serving as a pivotal liaison across all departments, professional leagues, and management tiers, facilitating seamless collaboration and alignment of.
• Demonstrated innovative thinking by conceptualizing and championing a groundbreaking idea from inception, poised to yield a net income upside exceeding $2 million while mitigating risk, underscoring entrepreneurial.
• Acted as the primary liaison for major professional sports leagues including MLB, NFL, NHL, and Harley, orchestrating financial reporting and spearheading contract negotiations, ensuring adherence to industry.
• Directed the development of novel reporting mechanisms, including Customer P&Ls, Product P&Ls, and Brand P&Ls, providing comprehensive insights to support strategic business reviews and drive future growth initiatives.

Denver, CO, US

Coordinated and conducted reviews and audits in areas including, but not restricted to, the application of Sarbanes Oxley, licensing, retailing, and accounting and financial reporting. All work was completed in a timely, efficient, and detailed manner and no project has exceeded budget to date. Instrumental in the retooling of the Retail Store Internal.

GB

• Spearheaded audit activities for a Big 4 accounting firm with clients including industrial products corporations boasting over $1 billion in annual sales, ensuring adherence to GAAP and PCAOB regulations, bolstering.
• Led and managed two high-profile audit engagements during the final two years, demonstrating proficiency in navigating complex financial environments.
• Directed audit operations for a $6 billion domestic public retail chain, a $1 billion international public industrial products conglomerate, and a $250 million private-sector communication services firm, showcasing.
• Demonstrated adeptness in engaging with C-level executives and stakeholders, fostering strong client relationships, and delivering tailored audit solutions to meet specific organizational needs.
• Fully responsible for oversight of engagement logistics including budgeting, client deliverables, staffing, and ensuring staff's coaching and development.
• Developed and executed audit plans including testing approach, coordination of international teams, and timing of the completion of procedures.

Mba, Focus In Accounting

Bba, Accounting