Wayne York Email & Phone Number

Greater Atlanta Area

Greater Atlanta Area

From the moment I joined the WestRock team, I rode rapid promotions to the top. As the Director of Controllership, I collaborated with corporate finance, executive teams, and divisional management to enact and enforce best practices and improvement initiatives. This resulted in accounting success for 13 paper mills, international sales office, and $3.5B annual revenues.And as Divisional Controller, I oversaw a $2B division with 3.5K employees that spanned 25 domestic and international sites. I empowered improved visibility into processes and results. AREAS OF EXPERTISE▶Optimized closing activities.▶Elevated & centralized processes.▶Assessed reporting & inventory reporting needs to launch new procedures & streamline work.▶Ensured timely & accurate financial statements that complied with policies, SOX requirements & GAAP.▶Supported internal & external audits.WINDOW INTO MY SUCCESS▶Integrated financial processes following major acquisitions—Gulf States, MeadWestvaco, and Cenveo.▶Implemented standard costing and redesigned management reporting to empower best financial view.▶Established variance reporting controls and governance with auditors, benchmarking across a network of assets and enabling customer level profitability. ▶Standardized internal controls, establishing uniform policies and procedures. Annualized >$900K SG&A savings through accounting centralization.▶Strengthened data compilation for improved coverage and expedited quarterly process by implementing automated reporting matrix that summarized change-in-cost index for LIFO reporting.▶Slashed auditor time and coverage with divisional inventory procedures.

Greater Atlanta Area

DescriptionPlaced by a recruiting firm in Atlanta, I started with WestRock by reading and reviewing customer and supplier contracts to identify accounting issues. Within a month, the then-controller approached me and offered me a permanent position. Within 9 months, I was promoted to my next position.WINDOW INTO MY SUCCESS▶Directed monthly close for 25 plants with inventory reconciliations, analyzing balance sheets to ensure all reconciliations were completed and verified.

Greater Atlanta Area

Winning this position based on my already demonstrated accounting expertise, UtiliQuest asked me to guide their accounting department through the close and consolidation of 43 locations. This included providing the California-based private-equity ownership weekly feedback.I created a constant flow of clear communication and served in the absence of a CFO and finance team. That included helming balance sheet, pro forma, and P&L to support financial decisions while directing audits and leading the treasury functions.WINDOW INTO MY SUCCESS▶Created budget model for use in forecasting, which incorporated balance sheet and cash flow.▶Compiled closing balance sheet with supporting schedules for company sale to Dycom Industries.

Greater Atlanta Area

Starting my career with Flexible Products Company as an accounting manager, I became intimately involved in all aspects of the business by developing a mentoring relationship with the then CFO. Dow acquired Flexible in 2000. Before and after the acquisition, I managed operating and capital plans, monthly close and forecasting, financial analysis, and credit lines. I directed corporate banking and general insurance programs and oversaw the annual financial audit as well as the 401K and ESOP audits.WINDOW INTO MY SUCCESS▶Assisted with acquisition and divestiture of divisions, teaming with CFO on due diligence and company sale to Dow Chemical.▶Directed accounting services consolidation and centralization on new software platform.▶Implemented internal administration of Employee Stock Ownership Plan.▶Upgraded 401K plan to increase participation and contribution levels.▶Improved processes, implementing timely and consistent reporting procedures.▶Streamlined travel and expense process for greater controls.