Robert Pape Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Guided initial planning, legal research, website design, branding, hiring, team training, and creation of financial infrastructure. Participate and co-manage onsite planning, setup, and sales--often performing up to four sales per week. Prepare tax filings and returns, customer reporting packages, and oversee weekly payroll.--In two years built the company to a "Top Five" in a growing field of over 200 plus Estate Sale companies in Illinois.--Ranked "Top Three" (on-going) designation for "Most Viewed Estate Sale Companies in Illinois" for website "Hits", and have been awarded the "Top" status 4 times this past year.--Development and training of over fifteen team members. Promote, mentor, and support specialization in areas such as antiques, artwork, collectibles, coins, and furniture.

Chicago, Il 60654

Hired to replace under-performing predecessor, super-charge the level of financial sophistication for growth-mode, and to raise the bar and expectations of and from the financial team. In 2008, 12 locations existed in 8 states: I became an integral part of the construction/implementation team as two additional locations were completed. In 2009 Stir Crazy (as the acquirer) and Flat Top Grill were merged to form Flat Out Crazy for a total of 28 units. Responsible for evaluating and integrating the systems, processes, and financial teams. During late 2010 and 2011 my position and staff played a significant role in the construction phase while 9 additional units were opened in 5 additional states. Full P & L and contract accountability, 6 direct reports.• My initial task was to strengthen and build a top-tier financial department to handle the significant growth plans of Stir Crazy. Having managed financial teams throughout my career allowed me to effectively evaluate candidate attributes to find those with the desire and personal drive to fit the growth strategy. Hired 5 of my current team of 6, most have earned well-deserved promotions and they all are held in high regard.• As a growth company, my role primarily executed process simplification, cost savings through time evaluations and contract renegotiation, and the elimination of non-value added processes. The objective was to provide more cash to build additional units, reduce our G & A percentage, and improve store economics as we broadened our scope to attract additional equity partners and secure bank financing. • Directed a payroll provider review for cost savings and synergies as headcounts increased towards 1,900. This 3 month review and subsequent installation process of moving from Ceridian to ADP saved $150,000 the first year and $100,000 for each of the following 2 years. This also allowed for the creation of a Tax & Licensing Accountant position as a result of a payroll position reduction.

Chicago, Il

Hired to create financial statements with QuickBooks Retail. Developed process for sales tax, payroll, business procedures, internal controls, and prepared business and individual tax returns.

Buffalo Grove, Il 60089

Recruited to lead reorganization, gain financial control, and provide stability. Responsible for rebuilding the finance team, developing a cash tracking and management plan, coordinating and re-tooling for a new Mexico Maquiladora operation, and managing strategic lender relationships and borrowings. Full P & L accountability, 5 direct reports.• Within the first four months, saved over $100,000 by reviewing operations, reducing headcounts, decreasing borrowing ineligibles by $600,000, communicating and acting on inefficiencies, and re-negotiating contracts.• Instituted a rigorous strategy to identify and reduce receivables “over 90 days” and “cross-aging” by $850,000.• Identified new approaches and data reporting along with mentoring of existing Credit Coordinator to achieve a reduction in Days Sales Outstanding from 66 to 49 days preserving $1,700,000 of cash flow.• Performing a financial turn-around for R. G. Ray Corporation, a highly leveraged/financially challenged company. Was at the forefront of change by improving (banking and credit metrics) and developing financial and operational reporting, reviewing and investigating better methodologies to analyze inventory costing, monitoring and controlling capital expenditures and operational expenses, in addition to creating cost reductions.• Significant experience at R. G. Ray Corporation in product-line cost and profitability analyses and forecasting including analyzing product labor, material and tooling costs to support product pricing for automotive/truck part manufacturing.• Established and executed product cost and overhead analytical reports to track key measures for each facility.• Experienced with foreign investments and contracts. Integral part of Management team to open a Maquiladora in Juarez Mexico employing 150.

Rosemont, Il 60018

Responsible for financial reporting, consolidations, coordination of all tax matters, and the creation and management of budgets and forecasts. Developed and directed the U.S. and Canadian Finance Teams comprised of 33 Associates. Automated manual processes and coached and motivated all Corporate departments, encompassing over 200 Associates, to accelerate initiatives towards “best practices”.• Developed a detailed $22 million Corporate Zero-Based-Budget, non-existent in the prior year, under rigid cost constraints; then managed to systematically trim costs and reduce non-value added processes to realize $850,000 in additional savings.• Negotiated and implemented a company-wide $1 million computer leasing strategy/resource with Comdisco.• Spearheaded the selection and implementation of an internet outsource solution to significantly reduce processing costs and manage the 5,000 expense reports processed yearly.• Streamlined manual processes utilizing NxTrend operating system applications and provided downloadable data formats to service providers which saved hundreds of labor hours.• Restructured and refocused the various tax filing processes to eliminate penalties and correspondence. Negotiated the abatement of a substantial portion of inherited fines and interest from acquired companies.• A primary focus of my position was to act as a business partner to each of the various Group Vice Presidents. This activity involved helping them comprehend what needed to be accomplished, defining their needs and cultivating alternatives, and then assisting them in implementing any appropriate opportunities.

Skokie, Il 60076

Full P & L responsibility and in charge of day-to-day operations including investments often exceeding $7 million. Analyzed, recommended, and implemented changes in support systems and processes to effect cost savings. Evaluated inventory values, obsolescence reserves, and profit margins, and was financial liaison for the various subsidiaries worldwide. • Researched unused and underutilized IBM AS400 MAPICS modules and teamed with IT to upgrade to an A/P invoice/PO match process to eliminate paper flow and labor costs.• Administrator for the 401k Profit-Sharing/Savings Plan that grew from $0 to $2.5 million in net assets. Managed critical plan testing to maximize contributions and handled strategic relations with the Trustee.• Spearheaded the re-characterization of the financial statements into five strategic business units, and four functional markets.• Introduced the Philip Crosby Quality Education System into the Accounting team. Championed continuous improvement programs and goals, and initiated a review of bench-marking results and best practices found in the manufacturing industry.

Skokie, Il 60076

Responsible for a staff of 12 who performed general accounting, credit, accounts payable, cash application, and payroll. Handled the year-end financial audit and prepared all tax returns. • Appointed Facilitator of the Quality Improvement Team and member of the ISO 9000 Implementation Team.• Installed a SAGE computerized fixed asset system to simplify the tracking of 2,500 assets valued at $12 million.• Researched, proposed, and implemented the outsourcing of payroll to minimize tax liabilities. The savings were utilized to provide enhanced benefits and a Section 125 Plan for the employees.

Des Plaines, Il

Responsible for researching and implementing cost savings and profit enhancements. Supervised 3 Freight Analysts.• Recommended and instituted strategies to maximize freight recovery billings to save an additional $100,000 per year and improved the effectiveness and customer satisfaction of a rebate program.• Established written policies and procedures including a specialized menu-driven program designed for monthly reporting by all local, bulk, and regional Distribution centers.• Corporate liaison between Financial and Operational Management for the Western Region. Traveled to the various divisions across the country to assist with budget preparations, implementation of Company-wide programs, and training to meet Corporate needs.

Des Plaines, Il

Responsible for overseeing all financial, budgeting, and reporting aspects of the $40 millionTransportation Accounting area. Restructured manual accounting and reporting processes to create savings by incorporating McCormack & Dodge software systems as the Company expanded from 7 to 14 regional locations

Chicago, Il

Managed and coordinated audit and review engagements for a diverse SEC client base.

Chicago, Il

Performed the planning and completion of fieldwork testing, financial statement analysis, governmental client management, and inventory count supervision. Hired as a "Tax Heavy" and prepared a wide range of tax returns.