Susan E. Basting, Cpa Cma Email & Phone Number

Columbus, Oh, Us

Columbus, Ohio Area

Columbus, Ohio Area

Brought in to administer accounting operations while simultaneously modernizing processes and procedures focused on financial information timing, consistency and accuracy for multiple construction, housing and commercial firms. Oversee 4 direct and 12 indirect reports in accounting, commercial management, construction accounting, and employee benefits/payroll groups. Manage HR functions and authorize payroll, benefits and 401K transactions for 6 companies and 350 employees. Maintain IT platforms and resources consistent with operating objectives.* Captured significant savings – reducing costs by 50% – after evaluating banking relationship and services.* Vastly improved senior management ability of executives to strategize, formulate and execute business decisions by creating innovative review and organization of entire financial and support package into consistent and accessible PDF binder.- Developed disciplined and streamlined paperless process to successfully complete accurate financials with 15-day improvement.- Achieved year end and monthly deadlines by guiding staff through productivity improvement initiative reducing financial statement preparation time 50%.- Reconciled cash distribution account out of balance $400,000 for 7+ years – coaching staff on best practices.* Assumed role of project manager to coordinate software upgrade and conversion. Facilitated efforts between IT team and the accountants. Reduced cost of software through consolidation and trained staff on new software. Following upgrade, uncovered several inefficiencies and subsequently trained staff to utilize such elements as re-occurring and auto-reversing entries, budget importing and other system options.* After introduction of Affordable Care Act and changes to Department of Labor FSLA exempt and non-exempt rules, analyzed regulations, determined probable impacts and required modifications, presented effects to executive staff, implemented and ensured compliance.

Columbus, Ohio Area

Assumed role of performance officer and vice president over asset management with P&L responsibilities. Directed 100 projects, overseeing 20 funds and 15 direct reports.Continued to manage investor reporting, auditing, technology, human resource and payroll, organizational financial reporting, and tax return preparation (both 990s and 1065s) functions. Transferred focus to leveraging asset management skills to increase volume of bank REO transactions and holdings, establishing board investment committee and board reports, as well as overseeing quality of equity sales. Formulated strategic business and marketing plan for asset management division, completing comprehensive three-year forecast with multiple outcomes targeting economic downturn.* Established Corporate and Board “Investment Committees” to oversee equity investments/sales. Assessed existing governance, determined appropriate structure of committees, secured Board approval to create committees. Named by Board to Chair committee which held ultimate responsibility for final closing approval.* Utilized database efficiencies to enable 40% workforce reduction during economic downturn while continuing to deliver exemplary customer service to investors and external clients. Strategy maintained employee morale and motivation.* Facilitated introduction of both accounting and operations technology – complemented by supporting processes, procedures and protocols – which facilitated significant company growth ($900,000 in net assets to $5.5 million in net assets).* Coordinated evaluation of joint venture with industry competitor with focus on collaborative partnership. Served as core executive team member, evaluating proposals, running forecasts and coordinating processes once deal was signed.

Originally hired as company Controller and CPA (1996-1998) – sole accounting person – promoted to joint position of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer to oversee and administer significant growth in sales and assets under management. Oversaw employee functions (payroll, human resources and employee benefits) – as well as financial, investor reporting, asset management, closing, investor sales and financial modeling departments covering LIHTC syndication – maintained day-to-day company operations while driving growth, with accountability for up to 45 total employees, including seven remote offices.* Utilized comprehensive knowledge and expertise to function in compliance capacity and ensured: 1) financial model met investor standards, (2) reporting of public fund to SEC occurred in accurate and timely manner, and (3) projects met tax credit lease-up projections (funds met IRR projections on annual basis.* Realized record sales of $120 million; controlled expenses to obtain an increased operating profit, utilized technology to create infrastructure allowing organization to grow 2.5-fold. Increased employee productivity, efficiency of workflow while establishing engaged employee workforce.* Administered treasury assets of $5 million, negotiating credit lines, establishing banking relationships and developing strategy to diversify funds while maintaining fiduciary responsibility to board and investors.* Achieved <5% turnover rate by setting a tone for a team-based culture, instituted development plans for growth and promotion, and increased customer service.* Provided oversight and direction for special projects such as formation of the audit committee, development of a business continuity plan and corporate governance policies, wrap-up and dissolution of an SEC regulated limited partnership, and assessment of the costs and benefits of employee welfare programs.