Leanne Cole Email & Phone Number

Battle Creek, Michigan, United States

In this role, I led and transformed team of ~30 for optimal alignment with business needs; created leadership roles (no added headcount) and standardized processes to elevate engagement and productivity inclusive of managing A/P and A/R for improved accounting accuracy and processing time, accelerating month-end close via improved reporting, Excel templates, and developing/measuring KPIs to drive continuous improvement across accounting processes; produced and analyzed monthly financial statements. Additionally, I collaborated cross-functionally (e.g., FP&A, Financial Reporting, Audit, IT) on budgeting, eliminating compliance issues, and aligning technology systems with accounting needs/best practices, including internal controls.

In this role, I partnered on enterprise source to pay project, from requirements gathering to RFP process, strategy, testing, and deployment; drove automation and best practices to strengthen compliance, accuracy, visibility, and efficiency while delivering a centralized electronic repository for contracts and invoices while raising compliance with electronic payments to 99.9%, reducing risk (e.g., fraud, late payments, missed discounts); managed vendor relationships and planned/executed transitions to virtual card/ACH payments. Additionally, I owned strategy/execution of daily operations for accounting; aligned plans with company goals, guided billing and collections team on accurate processing, strong collections with accounts receivable reserve averaging 1.5% (outperforming industry standard), and handling additional billing volume/types efficiently as well as centralized A/P and A/R functions for manufacturing sites, driving cost savings via 50% headcount reduction and implementing process improvements to minimize errors while enhancing employee engagement.

In this role, I drove process improvements to reduce redundant efforts and errors and created training for 500+ IT employees to enhance fixed assets and SaaS accounting processes, significantly increasing operational efficiency; optimized capitalization thresholds, revamped asset inventory procedures, and partnered on the Capital Expenditure Committee to ensure timely classifications and budget/forecast alignment on Capex; proactively enhanced templates and aligned capital spending with enterprise-wide strategy. Additionally, I analyzed SOX compliance framework, documented risks/internal controls, and trained Global Finance and cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, eliminate audit deficiencies, and maintain strong controls elevating enterprise risk management (ERM) by working with internal and external audit teams, leveraging analytics, and leading corrective action plans; led to better controls and cost savings on audit fees. Additionally, I led the global implementation of an automated account reconciliation system (Blackline), including process enhancement and training; achieved 100% compliance and eliminated need to reconcile accounts where sub-ledger matched general ledger (GL).

In this role, I oversaw account reconciliations for the division general ledger inclusive of developing and delivering training programs which drive enhanced integrity and timely completion. To further enhance this process, I launched the global implementation of the BlackLine Account Reconciliation system on time and on budget from project plan initiation through the execution of the global training program. I developed, implemented and sustained a documented internal control structure inclusive of a comprehensive risk-control matrix, narrative and walkthrough documentation which evolved with the business through continuous cross-functional collaboration with over 100 cross functional colleagues cross-functionally with a proven track record of minimizing risk to the division’s GAAP financials. This led to significantly enhanced audit results and a strong partnership with our external auditors. Further, I guided financial decisions through successful coordination of divisional finance policy and procedure implementation.

In this role I led audit engagements including planning, coordination and establishment of relationships with our clients in addition to completing audit procedures for SOX 404, balance sheet reviews, FCPA, compliance, human resources and operational audit types. This included analysis of evidence, documentation of client processes, identification and definition of issues, communication of issues and reporting. In addition, I had the opportunity to play a key role in the development of the audit plans as well as audit programs and reports for human resources, compliance and data analytic audit types. Throughout, I identified and implemented efficiencies in quality of reporting, internal on-boarding and internal information sharing processes.

Master Of Accountancy, Accounting

Bachelor Of Arts, Accounting