Richard Simon Email and Phone Number

• Directed 5-person team to handle all accounting functions, financial statement preparation, budgets and audits for Shepherd Hardware Products-U.S. and Shepherd Hardware Ltd.-Canada.• Increased competitive edge by using average-cost system to provide up-to-date product cost and inventory values; maintained labor & overhead rates, and freight & duty drivers.• Drove pricing decisions and sales proposals by developing activity-based research of by-customer and by-product profitability.• Maximized company-wide performance by guiding Sales and Operations with data analytics. • Maintained compliance with all state and federal tax returns and requirements.• Increased cash flow efficiency by directing credit, collections, and cash flow forecasting.• Supervised 2-person Information Technology department to bring projects in on time: 1. Installed computer systems for new company (U.S. - later Canada). 2. Added MRP & Forecasting reporting (U.S. - later Canada). 3. Implemented RF Scanning for Shipping Department (U.S. and Canada). 4. Activity-based costing analysis as a pilot project. 5. Upgraded computer systems (new ERP & Warehouse mgmt. systems) U.S. and Canada. 6. Developed Accts. Rec. collection follow-up system, coding and notes (in Access).• Provided Group consolidation reporting with (proforma) financial statements and budgets for all companies in the Shepherd Hardware Group - including these additional regions: 1. Select Hardware-England (Start-up in 1993, I assisted with major acquisitions in 2001, 2005 and 2011.) 2. EHI-Australia Pty. Ltd. (I was the accounting lead for this 2001 acquisition.) 3. Shepherd Hardware de Mexico (I was the accounting lead for this 2005 start-up.) 4. Shepherd Hardware Products-China (Previously a Rep Office – I was the accounting lead for start-up of this WOFE in 2008.) 5. Shepherd Hardware Products-France (I was the accounting lead for this 2011 start-up.)

• Directed all accounting functions, including preparation of financial statements, budgets, tax returns.• Standard cost system - determination of product costs and inventory values, labor & overhead rates. • Supervised General Accountant, Cost Accountant, Credit & Collections, Accounts Payable, Order Entry and Personnel department staff.