Michael Bennett Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Nashville, Tn, Us

Avant CFO provides fractional CFO services to companies in the technology and professional services industries.

Attending Networking Events Researching Industry LeadersTracking Industry TrendsParticipating in Industry Discussions

Chicago, Illinois, Us

For 26 years, the National Student Leadership Conference has invited a select group of outstanding high school students to participate in its fast-paced, high-level, interactive summer sessions.Sponsored by the National Student Leadership Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan, education organization, the NSLC provides students with the opportunity to experience life on a college campus; develop essential leadership skills; and explore a future career through exciting simulations, exclusive site visits and interactive meetings with renowned leaders in their chosen field.

10th Magnitude was the top Microsoft Azure gold partner in the United States. I was part of the wonderful executive team that helped the company attain sensational growth over 6 years leading up to the sale of the company to Cognizant. 10th Magnitude was Microsoft Partner of the Year for three straight years. 10th Magnitude won awards for Best Workplace from both Inc. Magazine and Crain's Chicago Business multiple times.I led all finance, accounting, and elements of operations for the company.

Teaneck, Us

Helped in the transition of 10th Magnitude into Cognizant after the purchase of 10th Magnitude in September of 2020.

Philadelphia, Pa, Us

Chief Financial OfficerA national provider of web analytics consulting services, staffing and recruiting to fortune 500 companies. Responsible for finance and operations of two business units of the company. Realized significant operational effectiveness and annual cost savings through the implementation and of NetSuite’s OpenAir professional services automation solution. The new processes and system enabled the company to scale services at a growth rate of over 35%. Identified key drivers of the target business model and established and tracked key performance metrics to achieve operational and financial goals and boost cash flow 40% and profits by 25%. Increased cash flow by slashing days of sales outstanding in receivables (by streamlining invoicing processes, negotiating superior terms with clients, and applying enhanced collection strategies), restructuring the incentive plan, and enhancing accounts payable processes. Strengthened relationship with existing lenders and identified and established relationship with new lenders to secure a critical need for outside financing. Implemented stock option plan to increase retention of critical employees by effectively negotiating with company board and executive management.

Philadelphia, Pa, Us

Member of the board of directors of this closely held company that is part of the Numeric Group.

A $25 million venture capital backed digital marketing services provider to companies ranging in size from small to Fortune 500. LSF Interactive acquired ClearGauge in December of 2010. Established all financial and operations management from the ground up. Helped to set business strategy and oversaw budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Established and monitored relevant KPIs to most effectively direct business operations deploy resources. Increased revenue by identifying and cultivating new business opportunities. Liaised closely with board of directors providing strategic and financial guidance. Conducted due diligence during the acquisition of eVisibility by LSF Interactive, recouping 10% of the price paid for the target by finding incorrect revenue recognition. Helped manage post acquisition integration of acquisitions. Secured significant debt financing for company acquisitions.

Consulting firm offering operational, financial, and strategic consulting to startups primarily in the eLearning marketplace. Helped clients develop strategic business models and evaluate business opportunities. Provided incisive analysis and recommendations for clients that were pursuing acquisition targets and seeking potential buyers.

Led senior management team in design and implementation of global blended learning initiative for internal professionals and clients. Transformed training vendor function and procurement processes. Restructured existing training vendor contracts to incorporate price reductions and increased flexibilities. Introduced the concept of master services agreements to the training function. Managed alliances between Andersen and eLearning companies. Executed special strategic and operational projects for chief learning officer. Led and contributed to success of cross-functional team efforts.

A $30 million division of Arthur Andersen’s Business Consulting practice providing Internet-based information services, global best practices, online learning software, and other online services to both internal and external clients. Managed accounting and operations team of five. Oversaw strategic investments in technology partners aligned with professional services practices. Liaised with clients to build relationships and deliver guidance for clients holding initial public offerings. Selected and deployed OLAP-based financial system. Directed financial management for operations across multiple locations and operating segments.

Directed finance, information systems, and HR of eLearning software and content solutions business. Designed and implemented a financial reporting system and key performance measures supporting unique accounting and reporting needs of the company. Developed business plan, pro forma financials, confidential information memoranda, and participated in road show of business unit funding. Led buy-side and sell-side due diligence around sale of business. Set pricing and negotiated terms of custom software development projects.

Directed the planning, forecasting, reporting, and analysis of Andersen's $3 billion global operations.

Mba, Finance

Bba, Accounting