Laura Degroot Email & Phone Number

Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, United States

Recently obtained Universal Accounting’s “Professional Bookkeeper Certification” and am announcing the opening of my home-based accounting and bookkeeping business “Perfect Balanced Accounting Services LLC” Work with small business owners to establish a solid, measureable accounting system providing measureable results with minimal impact to the bottom line. Services include managing financial records, accounts receivable and payable and other bookkeeping services, monthly quarterly and annual reporting is also included. Also provided is the consultation with business owners to review tax planning, provide advice on strategies to control their cash flow with the most important goal of increasing profits. My main interest is helping the small business owner evaluate their financial standing and improve their returns. Over 50% of small businesses fail due to poor financial planning. I would like to reduce that percent in southeastern Wisconsin. I have specific experience in Real Estate accounting, and am aware of the special accounting needs associated with buying, selling and managing the books for multiple properties.

As part of the Delivery Excellence and Quality organization, the Quality Process Consultant serves on multiple projects in the dual role of a resource on, as well as a consultant to, IS Corporate large projects. The consultant assists in, and shares the goals of, the project being accountable to the successful delivery of the project within scope, schedule and budget. As well, the consultant is accountable to provide the project team, as needed, knowledge, processes and tools to successfully deliver projects following the Standard Project Management Process/Solution Delivery Process. This position participates in identifying improvement strategies in the processes and delivery execution of projects, to include areas such as education, metrics, identification of project risk and mitigation strategies.

Project Manager Consultant, MillerCoors JV • Responsible for integration activities associated with Customer Supply Chain. Worked as part of an integration team of 14, reporting Miller’s Senior Director of Supply Chain and Coors Vice President, Customer Service and Product Support. • Using formal project management approach created and maintained 1000 line project plan with associated deliverables. Operated under hard deadlines while successfully motivating a diverse group of team members in multiple locations to trust one another and reach common goal. Coordinated work plans both geographically and functionally with interdependences. Responsible for status reporting, team meeting facilitation/reporting, brain storming sessions, and process mapping (both as-is and to-be).• Sub-functions included Supply Footprint and Planning, Demand Planning, Network Modeling (what beer is brewed in which brewery), Customer Service, Import and Export and Transportation.

Responsible for leading execution of customized communications projects including sales collateral, user materials in multiple languages. Oversaw distribution logistic activities for 2,500 North American Customers with a $500,000 budget. Managed staff of graphic designers and production coordinators.• Aligned customer communications needs with abilities to produce. Utilized lean-six-sigma and technology for all process improvements, resulting in empowerment of field sales reps with a documented time savings of 38% and cost avoidance of $100K in six months. • Managed multiple vendor development projects, resulting in performance improvement of up to 75%. • Interfaced daily with in-house vendors to adhere to schedules, managed day-to-day activities of the customized communications solutions team. • Developed on-going metrics to ensure automation of projects continue in a systematic fashion.

Responsible for implementing Six Sigma and quality methodologies to align business objectives with profitability goals.• Selected for Six Sigma Black Belt initiative to train and coach all business units within Capital organization on process improvement methodologies, managed 18 projects simultaneously. • Employed Six Sigma black belt methodologies to facilitate strategic planning process, ensuring achievement of business goals through appropriate quality and project management practices.• Led 18 Green and Black belts in project selection, development and implementation to support strategic direction for positioning of financial service products. Results included profitability improvement in excess of $2 M.• Recruited to manage two week user acceptance testing for leasing product – Maseratti. • Recruited for special credit card servicing project to streamline business development process.

Developed business plans and provided project management expertise for global project management activities. Subject matter expert in the fields of Visibility and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). • Lead cross-functional teams through supplier selection processes resulting in price negotiations and structures below industry / corporate standards. • Developed and implemented project plans and managed cross-functional teams to support visibility pilot for supplier members. Project met objectives within deadline and budget parameters with annual savings exceeding $2 M.• Created Visibility and RFID Business Plans, providing recommendations and implementation strategies that resulted ROI within nine months. • Developed communication plan, branded and launched supply chain initiative that streamlined business processes, improved delivery time and increased customer satisfaction. Overall program reduced inventory $8 M while improving customer service levels up-to 90%.

Responsible for team of seven to support reengineered supply chain vision for OEM produced equipment with an annual volume in excess of 25,000 units. • Developed global production plans through use of simulation models, providing improved inventory planning and retail flow while allowing for fluctuations in global demand. • Engineered innovative approach and business plan for managing supply chain activities for purchased whole goods, meeting delivery goals while improving customer service. • Developed supplier key performance indicators that resulted in improved supplier relationships, delivery responsiveness, $250 M in revenues and $38 M increase in gross margin.

Responsible for worldwide vision and strategy for Advanced Business Communications (ABC), a technologically advanced computer business system for use in dealerships across North America.• Developed comprehensive marketing and branding strategy, including consistent brand identity and delivery mechanisms that enhanced communication to employees, field staff and dealers. • Coordinated all aspects of direct marketing identity initiative, including advertising, public relations, training materials, dealer communication packages, promotional materials and tradeshow support materials. Results included successful product launch within budget.

Responsible for sales promotional activities to support construction equipment sales. Responsible for planning and execution of construction equipment business meetings and industry / professional functions.• Created, promoted and administered dealer and field staff employee sales promotion programs, developing goals, marketing collateral and reporting methods that resulted in increased sales. • Developed and managed all activities for Agricultural/Construction Equipment Dealer Advisory Boards and National Dealer Sales Meetings, including venue, content, speech preparation, display and promotional items, resulting in successful new product introductions. • Tracked program costs against $7 M annual budget to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

Certification, Bookkeeper

Activities and Societies: Certified Professional Bookkeeper

Mba, Marketing

Ba, Business Administration -

Activities and Societies: Ski Club