1. JESSICA RICHARDS
ALEXANDRIA, VA
703-489-6972 / jessica.dively@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-richards-43149a8
OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a leadership position in accounting/finance that will make use of my extensive experience in accounting and
finance operations, cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting and analysis, strategic
planning and execution, and employee management.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
• Financial leader with extensive experience in general accounting & operations, cash flow management,
budgeting and forecasting, financial statement analysis and reporting, strategic planning, internal control
compliance, workflow and process improvement, and financial systems conversion
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision making skills
• Practiced manager, mentor, and coach of multiple employees at varied skill levels
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with ability to gain the confidence of senior executives
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Broad experience with Lawson Accounting systems and SAP EPM
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:
CCA Floors & Interiors May 2016-Present
Vice President of Finance & Corporate Controller
• Manage all finance and human resources operations for $35M+ privately held company. Key member of the
senior leadership team, working hand in hand with CEO to implement strategies to grow the business on both
the top and bottom line, as well as identify and manage risk factors affecting the business.
• Top line management including forecasting, reporting & analysis of written & delivered revenue; revenue
recognition policies & practices, and revenue growth strategies.
• Analyze and report on cost of goods and overhead expenses; recommend measures to manage and control costs
in order to produce improved profit margins.
• Personnel management including headcount planning & forecasting and commission plan design and execution.
• Direct and manage budgeting & forecasting activities including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and capital
expenditures. Activities include both short term detailed budgets and forecasts as well as long term strategy and
financial outlook.
• Direct all accounting operations and financial reporting activities. Includes month end and other periodic closing
cycles, and monthly reporting and analysis to internal stakeholders, banking partners, and private equity firm.
• Maintain appropriate and effective internal controls, driving accuracy and managing risk.
• Prepare and present quarterly financial results and other communications at quarterly board of directors meeting.
• Manage day-to-day cash flow and treasury operations as well as long term financing strategies and banking
relationships.
• Coordinate and participate in audit activities including quarterly bank audits and annual external audit
• Interface with external tax accounting firm in preparation of quarterly and annual tax filings.
• Oversee human resources functions including recruiting, hiring, employee benefits, company policies, retirement
plan administration, insurance, payroll, and regulatory and legal compliance.
• Foster a healthy work environment that encourages and rewards teamwork, cooperation, relationship building
and top-notch customer service
• Manage and develop a team of 5 staff members.
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2. Gannett Co, Inc.
Senior Director/Finance USA TODAY 2010-2016
Controller & Group Accounting Director Gannett Offset 2008-2010
Controller Gannett Offset 2004-2008
Accounting Manager Gannett Offset 2002-2004
Senior Internal Auditor Gannett HQ 2000-2002
Senior Director/ Finance
• Manage preparation of annual operating and capital budgets, and monthly and quarterly estimates for USA
TODAY and its subsidiary properties. This includes aligning budget assumptions with strategic initiatives,
developing plans for incorporating new initiatives into the operating budget/estimate and P&L, interacting with
senior executives and other department heads, and ensuring that overall budget and forecast submissions are in
line with company strategy and corporate directives.
• Responsible for month end analysis process. This includes analysis and interpretation of results against estimates
/plan/prior year, researching and requesting correcting entries, and other month end analysis as needed.
Prepare and provide analysis against multiple month end reports and dashboards for senior management and
corporate reporting.
• Manage sales analysis. Sales analysis functions include revenue and expense forecasting, compensation planning,
CRM reporting, and day-to-day support of the Chief Revenue Officer and the sales teams.
• Prepare models and business cases to assess viability of strategic initiatives, business partnerships, acquisitions,
and other opportunities.
• Develop reporting necessary to support business results tracking and decision making associated with strategic
business arrangements, new initiatives, and other opportunities. This includes indentifying KPI’s and methods of
measuring metrics, determining effective methods for analyzing and communicating results, and providing input
on future steps based on the results.
• Manage the onboarding process for M&A activity.
• Frequently interact with senior executives to provide insight on various projects and initiatives. Provide color
commentary on performance results that can be quickly digested and used for decision making.
• Review and recommend accounting practices associated with new business opportunities.
• Coach and mentor staff members.
Controller & Group Accounting Director
• Responsible for all accounting and financial reporting functions for multi-company entity grossing more than
$100 million in annual revenue
• Oversaw monthly, quarterly, and annual closing cycles
• Directed annual budgeting process for multiple companies. This included budgeting for individual cost and
profit centers, as well as coordinating and approving overall budget plan for submission to corporate office. Also
included planning for $5M+ in capital expenditures annually.
• Fostered a positive customer service environment to ensure high level service to various departments and all
levels of staff and management.
• Managed up to 10+ staff members.
• Member of Executive Operating Committee, providing input on company strategy and profit initiatives.
Accounting Manager
• Responsible for timely and accurate posting of journal entries, as well as subsequent account reconciliation
preparation and clearing of reconciling items
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3. • Oversaw high volume accounting processes including accounts payable, billing/AR, and inventory
• Maintained adequate internal controls and remained in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements and
internal company policies
2000-2002 Senior Internal Auditor
• Led financial and operational audits at various properties, both domestically and abroad
• Identified, documented, and presented internal control and efficiency recommendations
• Performed due diligence in connection with acquisition activities.
• Participated in the development of the Sarbanes-Oxley compliance process.
EDUCATION:
James Madison University, 1999
B.B.A, Finance
University of Maryland
Continuing Education, Accounting Courses required for CPA Exam eligibility
OTHER INFORMATION:
• CPA Candidate
• US Citizen
• References available upon request
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