Functional Resume version 2

1. JAMES E. THIES
James.e.thies@gmail.com | 630-697-7698
www.linkedin.com/in/jamesthies | Schaumburg, IL 60193
FINANCIAL DATA ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL
An organized problem solver with proven analytical skills, communication skills, and an eye for details. Apply
strong business acumen and drive to resolve issues. I continually strive for efficiency with a continuous
improvement mindset for sustained organizational growth. I have a tenacious aptitude to learn processes and
improve them. Military veteran with inactive security clearance.
SKILLS
Financial Analysis, P&L Financial Planning Financial Reporting/Modeling
Trends/Variance Analysis Business Reviews Budgeting and Forecasting
Data Analysis Business Metrics Analysis Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Process Improvement Proven Leadership Excellent Communication
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
 Utilizing organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills to address customer needs.
 Have used a number of major ERPs in my experience including SAP and Oracle.
 Reduced by 55% lag time for payment received through improved customer interaction.
 Developed Excel tool for the management of $2M in expenses for actual spends vs. budget review.
 Resolved issues by developing a cross-company Excel report of 20 entities by compiling SAP data.
System Capabilities: ERP, SAP, Oracle, Hyperion, SQL, Visio, Cognos, Crystal Reports, Microsoft Office:
Advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Lotus Notes, Google Docs, Google Sheets
EXPERIENCE
Post Commander VFW Post 2202 Schaumburg, IL 2018 – Present
Financial Trustee VFW Post 2202 Schaumburg, IL 2017 – 2018
Club Treasurer Career Communicators TM Club Palatine, IL 2017 – Present
Financial Secretary Christ the King Lutheran Church Palatine, IL 2020 – Present
Senior Financial Analyst Underwriters Laboratories Northbrook, IL 2014
Senior Acct. (Fin. Analyst) Zurich Insurance Schaumburg, IL 2007 - 2012
1LT / Engineer Officer U.S. Army Reserve Arlington Heights, IL 2007 – 2011
SGT / Finance Specialist U.S. Army Reserve Arlington Heights, IL 2004 - 2007
Financial Analyst Consultant Contracting Opportunities Chicago Area 2001 - 2005
Financial Experience
 Collaborate with Treasurer, for audits, budgeting and controlling of post funds for fiscal responsibility.
 Manage TM club funds through reporting, budgeting, and controlling spending and annual audit success.
 Collaborate with Church Council on business operations including budgeting, expenses, and management.
 Reduced anomalies by 34% of pricing issues using financial analysis with the FUS (Follow-Up Services)
Pricing Redesign Project within Oracle R12, as a reporting tool.
 The project team of 18 analysts; identified, documented, and corrected a 2010 backlog of $96 MM in
outstanding A/R account issues from an imperfect Oracle R12 implementation.
 Formulated an Excel plan (vlookup, pivot tables) of given accounts for expectations to management.
 Worked with A/P representatives from Fortune 500 client companies, resolved outstanding A/R issues,
secured payment, and worked to implement long term process improvements for IT solutions.
 Created monthly reporting of club financial activities for transparency to the club’s officer board.
 Analyzed and resolved EFT Returns and Positive Pay issues (combined average of 30 per month) with SAP,
for Zurich and Farmers, in conjunction with Bank of America CashPro online system.
 Executed $625MM ACH/Wire and check payment runs per month, including Farmers Insurance, by
collaborating with the Treasury Department, to meet company guidelines in cost transparency.
 Collaborated with SAP IT team for the resolution to enhancements for process implementation.

2. JAMES E. THIES, MBA 630-697-7698 james.e.thies@gmail.com
Financial Experience Continued
 Handle collectively with Treasurer the financial responsibilities of the VFW Post.
 Created a donation box program through local businesses for customers to donate.
 Work as the donation/contribution function to accurately reflect and report the information.
Awards
 Received Bronze Award at Zurich Insurance for Finance & Insurance Automation Conversion – 2011.
 The VFW Post earned All-State and All-American honors for the 2018-2019 and 2020-2021 years.
 Toastmasters Club earned President’s Distinguished Club for the 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020
years respectively.
 Toastmasters Awards of six include Advanced Communicator Gold and Advanced Leader Bronze.
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
U.S. ARMY RESERVE (Honorably Discharged in May 2011) March 2004 - May 2011
First Lieutenant - Repairs & Utilities Engineer Officer (2007 – 2011)
 Leadership role includes Senior Movement Officer (Logistics) to move a team of 12 personnel and equipment
resources safely and efficiently for small arms training of the full battalion.
 Leadership experience as Range Safety Officer, trainer of 100+ soldiers.
 Achieved proper signoff as Physical Security Officer for the audit of unit fixed assets.
Finance Specialist & Sergeant (2004 – 2007)
Mobilized / Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom - 2005 - 2006
 Performed exemplary work while disbursing over $1.5MM, with 100% accountability/internal controls.
 Paid contracts in excess of $800K under commercial vendor services through Contracting Officer.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Finance
Keller Graduate School of Management
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Sociology
Eastern Illinois University
New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, Chicago, IL, 2014
Includes: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and SQL courses.
SAP.ERP Business Intelligence (SAP BI) and SAP.ERP Financial Accounting and Control (SAP FICO) -
Advanced Computer Training (ACT), Glenview, IL, 2014
Toastmasters International (for articulate speaking and leadership) Six awards have been earned including
Advanced Leader Bronze – February 2018; Advanced Communicator Gold – June 2020