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Renee Beckman

Jamie D. CPA Chicago, IL

Jamie D. CPA Chicago, IL

Audit Expert/GAAP Accounting

Highlights: External Audit expert, Public & Private companies, GAAP, General Accounting

PREVIOUSLY AT

FGMK

Jamie is available for hire

Hire Jamie

Jamie identifies and recommends best practices, working collaboratively with clients and engaging all levels of organizations across departments to bring a sense of ownership to everyone in mitigating risk, and improving operations, reporting, and controls.

Skills: Public Company external audits, GAAP, Small and Large Cap Companies, Client facing

Work Experience

FGMK, LLC — Chicago, Illinois                                                                                                2007 – 2020

FGMK – one of the top-ranked accounting firms in the United States – provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to private businesses, global public companies, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and not-for-profit organizations.

Assurance Director

Assurance Engagements

  • Assessed client needs, then assembled and led teams best suited to ensure optimal client satisfaction
  • Managed client service teams of 5 to 12 members, depending on engagement scopes
  • Defined timelines, tracked progress, and provided clients with status updates at regular intervals
  • Served as the communications hub, managing interactions with tax, quality control, valuation, and other relevant professional service lines to ensure that engagements continued on target to meet deadlines
  • Directed each engagement to guide team members and facilitate their professional development
  • Identified, researched, and resolved technical issues in tandem with quality control

Internal Control Engagements

  • Advised clients throughout each engagements life cycle: risk assessment analysis, identification and documentation of key controls and business processes, and identification and implementation of improved controls and process recommendations
  • Consulted with the audit team to identify opportunities, develop and document plans to present to clients, and develop recommendations for improved procedures and/or controls based on best practices
  • Solicited input from all stakeholders – FGMK and client – and synthesized findings into reports, then marshalled reports through the required levels of review

Consultation Engagements

  • Consulted with clients regarding ASC 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers – and other new accounting standards; inventory costing methods; complex consolidated financial statements, including international subsidiaries; and preparation methods and analysis of internally prepared financial statements, and client-prepared risk assessment and internal control documentation
  • Utilized data extraction software to analyze key accounting cycles, and identify control and process improvements to improve cash flow, reduce inventory obsolescence, mitigate any potential vendor issues, and convey recommended improvements
  • Flagged anomalies and consulted with relevant parties to understand, resolve, and/or develop and implement best practices or policies to prevent anomalies from recurring

FGMK, LLC — continued

Communications  |  Advisory Services  |  Business and Professional Development

  • Prepared stand-alone and consolidated financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles [ GAAP ] and International Financial Reporting Standards [ IFRS ]
  • Communicated with business owners, boards of directors, and audit committees on audit reports, audit findings, internal control findings, and specific communications as required by professional standards
  • Created reports to detail significant findings and provide references that served to reinforce suggestions and assist with adoption
  • Consulted with clients, lenders, and other consultants regarding loan agreements, acquisitions, business restructurings, and other business agreements
  • Took particular care in determining the best customized approaches for smaller and mid-size organizations to implement findings and improve practices
  • Fostered adoption of suggestions by presenting to entire organizations; for example, from management to production to shipping/receiving on internal control findings and recommended improvements
  • Provided technical and quality reviews of assurance engagement files and financial statements to ensure compliance with firm and professional standards
  • Prepared continuing professional education course materials and facilitated trainings, including methodology and technical accounting concepts
  • Consulted with firm’s tax department and clients on various tax calculations and filings to reduce the burden on clients to provide detailed information
  • Mentored staff both formally and informally, and recruited and interviewed experienced prospects who were identified through an extensive network of contacts, as well as recruiting prospects from college
  • Identified and closed win-win business development opportunities, helping FGMK expand the breadth of services it provided to clients while helping clients save fees and/or improve processes

Grant Thornton LLP — Chicago, Illinois                                                                                  2002 – 2007

Grant Thornton – the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd., one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms – serves publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations.

Assurance Senior Manager

  • Served a wide array of client industries, including, manufacturing, professional services, non-profit, family office, private equity. Managed a breadth of assurance responsibilities, establishing the foundation that enabled success with clients.

Education  |  Affiliations

Northern Illinois University — DeKalb, Illinois

Bachelor of Science – Accountancy

American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants  |  Illinois CPA Society

Renee Beckman

Lisbeth T. Readsboro, VT

Lisbeth T. Readsboro, VT

Controller/Accounting Manager

Highlights: Expert in operational accounting, including A/P, A/R, Payroll, Tax compliance in Privately held companies

PREVIOUSLY AT

SPLASH CAR WASH HEADQUARTERS

Lisbeth is available for hire

Hire Lisbeth

Lisbeth is an ethical and dedicated accounting professional with extensive experience developing and implementing money saving strategies that significantly improve P&L using initiative, determination, and best practices. Expert at account reconciliation and standardization of accounting processes to save time and money.

Skills: Operational Accounting, Transactional Tax, Payroll, General Accounting, NetSuite, Great Plains

Work Experience

SPLASH CAR WASH HEADQUARTERS                                                                                              MILFORD, CT

Controller – Expanding business with subscription washes, detailing and oil changes                                  2019 to 2023

  • Built an efficient and synchronized team in the accounting department by hiring, training, supervising, and mentoring
  • Implemented cross-training and fostered an atmosphere for covering each other’s positions for increased efficiency
  • Supervisor for AP, AR and Payroll and backup persons for payroll, AP, AR and HR
  • Promoting open communication and modern telecommuting processes during work from home Covid protocol’s
  • Adapted, simplified, and standardized existing processes in AR, AP, Payroll and Sales Reporting for 25 locations
  • Documented new processes online in community storage access and recordings of Video training with narration
  • Implemented automated invoicing for AR in Micrologic and set up a system to track open amounts and payments
  • Organized and oversaw the annual open enrollment for Health Insurance, assisted in collecting data from employees, tracking declining and acceptance of Health Insurance, FSA medical, FSA childcare and HSA accounts, organized final data to agents for implementation. Set up online enrollments and assisted with manual signups
  • Primary on all daily issues payroll, handling issues with lost or damaged checks, missing data from positive pay at bank branches, W-2’s requests, tax issues, employee loans, child support, garnishments, employment letters, Cobra letters, employment verifications, unemployment issues and inquiries, employee issues with Healthcare, Aflac, Colonial Penn Administer participant requests for 401k, enter changes, assure weekly reports accuracy, assist with signups, login issues and basic 401k information
  • Primary on all AP issues, settling problems, handling inquiries from vendors, researching and processing missing invoices or payments, 1099 information & processing, initializing ACH set up for faster & efficient payment processing
  • Primary on all AR – processing approved customer refunds and damage claims in a timely manner, supervising AR House accounts, monthly processing of payments, collection issues, billing errors, customer contact issues
  • Monthly Sales Tax filings and payments for all of our Connecticut locations
  • Prepared the paperwork and processed claim for Hertz and received full amount owed through the bankruptcy claim
  • Assist with annual company audit for investors, prepare and submit reports of requested data and separation of duties
  • Upgraded cloud file storage to a faster platform with easy and secured file sharing, & data protection using Office365
  • Administer and direct annual Workers Comp annual audits for and seven different companies with fifty locations
  • Communicated and processed information for State of New York payroll audit, follow up with employees and implemented historical and future corrective measures for bonus overtime protocols.

GREENLOVE LLC                                                                                                                         NORTHHAMPTON, MA Accountant / Payroll – Residential and Commercial Cleaning part-time remote                                        2022

  • Processing and categorizing transactions to prepare for tax filing

CONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT GROUP                                                                                           ORANGE, CT

Assistant Controller – Property Management                                                                                                        2018

  • Handled the financials for 70 plus Condominium Associations, cash flows, bank statements, balance sheets, AR and AP
  • Managed the AP and AR Departments standardizing processes to decreasing processing times

Community Radiology Network                                                                                           Southbury, CT

Controller – Network of Radiology Offices, PC, Partners and Buying Group                                                     2015 to 2017

Proprietary System for shared costs between eight independent, related facilities and holding companies and partners

  • Oversee payables department to standardizing processes to decrease processing times
  • Input receivables data manually from multiple disparate and independent system recording shared costs
  • Implemented Credit Card processing and earnings discounts of 4k in under six months
  • Decreased property taxes analyzing purchases and disposals from prior years and initial costs
  • Updated excel documentation, implemented digital filing systems, expanded float
  • Actioned the setup of Crystal report output from CMS to standardize reporting from Excel sheets
  • Communication with Board, Management, Owners, Vendors, CPA firm

SANITARY EQUIPMENT COMPANY                                                                                             WEST HAVEN, CT

Replaced Controller and Assistant Controller – Waste Management Vehicle P&R                                       2012 to 2015

Reconciliation of past accounting transactions done through general ledger and corrected through software

  • Standardized Accounts Payable procedures, negotiated lowered PR costs, increased discounts earned
  • Investigated errors and fixed cash reconciliation from three years of Bank Reconciliations
  • Implemented first inventory in a number of years partnering with the Parts Department Head found low discrepancies
  • Reduced processing times for AP and AR and found of $50k in unused credits
  • Decreased property taxes by auditing fixed assets, tracking unrecorded disposals
  • Created a filing system for PR & month-end filing, reduced processing times for AP and PR

 

Tomasetti, Kulas & Company, P.C.                                                                                           Hartford, CT

Auditor, Staff Accountant – Tax and Accounting Firm                                                                                2011 to 2012

Handled all aspects of preparation from interviews to financial statement preparation and tax forms

  • Performed Audits, Compilations and Reviews, prepared financials, State and Federal tax returns
  • Assisted with new business plan and cold call letter, performed onsite Bookkeeping for client
  • Processed and analyzed variances in Excel sheets

MEDIA ASSOCIATES, INC.                                                                                                                            DANBURY, CT

Accounting Manager – Media buying firm                                                                                                 2007 to 2010

Reorganized accounting department by implementing segregation of duties for multi-million dollar media business

  • Greatly improved productivity and efficiency by reducing errors through standardization,
  • Negotiated large discounts for payroll processing and supplies, HR, PR, 401k, Cobra, purchasing
  • Increased participation in 401k encouraging participation during bonuses
  • Earned up to 15k per month in the Accounts Payable department
  • Uncovered $97k in fraudulent international checks and found over $40k in unused credits
  • Increased and expanded float while establishing trust and rapport with vendors

BLUMENTAL, SQUIRE AND BLANCK, CPA                                                                                                     HAMDEN, CT

Tax Accountant – Small Tax and Accounting Firm                                                                                 2006 to 2007

Prepared large volumes of personal taxes and K-1 forms, prepared quarterly payroll taxes, property tax forms and researched tax issues, performed monthly bookkeeping services for clients and created financial reports

  • Utilized TaxPro in preparation of business and personal tax returns
  • Manually processed payroll taxes, property tax and sales tax returns
  • Bookkeeping: QuickBooks and Peachtree, prepared financial reports, researched tax and investment issues

MCLAUGHLIN, DELVECCHIO AND CASEY, INC.                                                                                             NEW HAVEN, CT

Accounting Manager – Advertising Design Agency                                                                                    1998 to 2006

Handled all functions of A/P, A/R and office management for this creative Advertising Agency specializing in CT tourism

  • Supervised office staff, interviewed and hired an assistant and updated and maintained software, virus protection
  • Managed the billing processes accruing all costs and expenses associated with creative process
  • Handled all the Accounts Payable processing and purchasing negotiating all supply costs to reduce expenses
  • Researched and negotiated copier and postage machine contracts saving over 50%

 

EDUCATION

FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY                                                                                                                    FAIRFIELD, CT

Master of Business Administration, Accounting                                                                                              May 2012

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY                                                                           NEW HAVEN, CT

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting                                                                           May 2006

 Software: NetSuite, TaxPro, Soloman, Adman, Advantage, AdAssist, Great Plains, MS Office, CMS, Tops, TPI, WashAssist, Divvy, Everything Benefits, Bill.com, SalesForce, Oracle

Renee Beckman

Justin G. CPA, Chicago, IL

Justin G. CPA, Chicago, IL

Controller/Accounting Manager

Highlights: Large company consulting background across multiple industries, privately held companies

PREVIOUSLY AT The Hacket Group

Justin is available for hire

Hire Justin

Justin is a versatile professional with experience in in Big 4 and large company consulting. He has an entrepreneurial background being a part of a 4 generation home-builder company and has taken the finance leadership role.

Skills: Process Improvements, Pitch and Board Presentations, General Accounting

Work Experience

January 2022–Present | Gallagher & Henry | Countryside, IL

Controller

  • Direct all aspects of accounting functions for residential home builder, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and general ledger maintenance, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial transactions
  • Developed and maintained financial models to forecast cash flow, project costs, and revenue projections, providing insights to inform business planning and resource allocation
  • Recruit, onboard, and train new employees in addition to administering employee benefit programs, including health insurance and retirement plan
  • Point of contact for ownership as well as subcontractors, external auditors, tax preparers/tax authorities, and banking institutions

November 2018–January 2022 | The Hackett Group | Boston, MA

Senior Consultant

  • Managed project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure successful project delivery within scope and client expectations
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of client processes and systems, identifying areas for improvement, recommending actionable strategies for optimization, implementing recommendations and driving change
  • Developed and delivered impactful presentations and reports to communicate findings, insights, and recommendations to key stakeholder C- suite executives to rank-and-file employees
  • Selected project experiences available upon request

October 2017–August 2018 | PwC | Chicago, IL

Core Tax Associate

  • Played an integral role in providing tax compliance, consulting and planning services to clients in the Private Company Services group, including clients in the Private Equity, Manufacturing and Retail industries
  • Participated in a team environment to set and meet timelines and budgets for client deliverables while assuming the primary responsibility for managing resources and work products of global service delivery centers
  • Researched tax laws, rules and regulations and analyze application to specific

 EDUCATION

Bachelor in Business Administration Accountancy, International Business, University of Notre Dame, May 2017

Certified Public Accountant, State of Illinois December 2017

Renee Beckman

Kate D. CPA, Chicago, IL

Kate D. CPA, Chicago, IL

VP of Finance/Controller

Highlights: Highly versed in Real Estate, Public & Private companies, High-growth organizations

PREVIOUSLY AT Logistics Property Company

Kate is available for hire

Hire Kate

Kate is a results-driven, highly detail-oriented VP/Controller delivering comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles, team leadership, management, and team development. Demonstrates strategic planning and forecasting expertise

Skills: Controllership, GAAP/IFRS, Cash Management, Financial Reporting, Internal Controls, Yardi

Work Experience

Logistics Property Company, LLC | Chicago, IL                                                               2019 – Present
SVP and Fund Controller
Manages 2 funds with AUM of approximately 6B. Supervises and mentors team of 4 direct and 8 indirect reports. Responsible
for planning, directing, and coordinating all accounting functions in a fast paced transaction heavy environment. Analyzes fund’s
organizational documents. Researches and resolves accounting, financial, tax and audit issues that arise.

Accomplishments:

  • Ensures compliance with IFRS, tax regulations and REIT compliance.
  • Communicates with investors.
  • Manages cash across portfolios.
  • Collaborates with various departments to resolve cross functional issues to meet company’s goals.
  • Successful handles ambiguity and effectively multitasks within deadline-oriented environment.

Revantage Blackstone Company | Chicago, IL                                                                2017 – 2019
Accounting Manager
Managed publicly listed multifamily/manufactured housing/student housing portfolios that trade NAV. Supervised a team of
six direct reports. Conducted owner-level accounting procedures including analysis of revenue and expenses. Delivered property
and fund accounting for complex JV partnerships and wholly owned properties. Applied meticulous attention to detail to gather,
organize, and analyze financial data, compiles and evaluates financial reports, detects discrepancies, and reports issues promptly.

Accomplishments:

  • Ensured compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) standards and regulations.
  • Onboarded new assets.
  • Collaborated with FP&A and asset management teams to ensure open lines of communication.

RMK Corporation| Chicago, IL                                                                                             2015 – 2017
Accounting Manager
Supervised and mentored a team of accountants. Analyzed cash and accrual based residential properties’ financials. Evaluated
monthly cash flow projects. Delivered accounting functions for construction projects by monitoring costs and budget. Submitted
applications for FEIN numbers.
Accomplishments:

  • Prepared monthly construction draws for two concurrent residential development projects.
  • Managed all communication regarding reporting to owners, lenders, and equity partners.
  • Worked closely with Chicago Title, wired funds, and consolidated documentation including lien waivers and subcontractor bonds/contracts.
  • Analyzed and recorded K-1s for partnership entities, liaising with auditors for annual reviews and audits. Prepared tax returns.
  • Recorded acquisitions and dispositions, accurately calculating gain on sale.

LILLIBRIDGE HEALTHCARE- Medical Offices Property Manager | Chicago, IL  2012 – 2015

Accounting Manager

Created a personnel strategy by hiring and training a qualified accounting team consisting of six accountants and an accounts payable clerk. Reviewed monthly financials, debt compliance reports, cash flow analysis, and ad hoc reports required for Joint Venture reporting. Increased accuracy and consistency by supporting the budget review process.

Accomplishments:

  • Served as an integral project team member in the conversion of MRI to Yardi Voyager.
  • Accurately validated data between systems during conversion.
  • Successfully transitioned accounting of a newly acquired NC portfolio comprised of more than 100 wholly owned and fee managed MOBs to the corporate office in Chicago.
  • Contributed to company-wide optimization initiatives, collaborating with the VP of Financial Reporting to monitor initiatives to budget and previous year performance.
  • Selected to participate in GE Work Out and CAP techniques and philosophies training, overseeing the first WorkOut session in the company. Then co-facilitated an additional WorkOut session to create process improvements.
  • Served as member of the task force to implement organization-wide rollout of Net Promoter Score (NPS) system.

Weaver Boos Consultants, Professional Services | Chicago, IL                                                 2010 – 2012
Assistant Controller
Delivered comprehensive support to controller in the planning, organization, and supervision of accounting activities. Created
solutions for existing financial and profitability reporting bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Analyzed financial data to identify cost
saving opportunities. Reviewed profitability reports and metrics. Assessed internal multi-company monthly financial statements,
prepared quarterly financials for the bank, reviewed year-end schedules for audit, and evaluated intercompany reconciliations
and monitored balances.
Accomplishments:

  • Streamlined a wide-range of accounting processes, resulting in the improvement of staff efficiency and product accuracy.
  • Developed a strategy to improve accounts receivable collection process, reducing unbilled revenue balances.
  • Implemented a new accounting system, leading the transition from an outdated accounting system to the new ERP system,
    Deltek Vision.
  • Created and executed new and improved internal controls.

Early Career

  • Senior Accountant, First Industrial Realty Trust-Industrial Real Estate Manager/Developer/REIT, Chicago, IL, 2007 – 2010
  • Senior Accountant, Lane Hospitality-Hotel Owner and Operator, Northbrook, IL, 2000 – 2006

Education

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

CPA Preparation Program, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies, Chicago, IL

 Certifications

 

  • Certified Public Accountant, CPA
  • NPS Certified Associate

 Technical Skills

Yardi, Adobe, Procore, MRI, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Renee Beckman

Gary V. New York, NY

Gary V.

Financial Expert

Highlights: Start-ups in the SAAS, FinTech, and Consumer Goods industries

PREVIOUSLY AT

Gary is available for hire

Hire Gary

Gary is an innovative finance and accounting professional with experience primarily in business, accounting, financial systems, planning, business planning systems, IT process integration, team building, and extensive cross-functional collaboration with internal and external resources.

Skills: Revenue Recognition , Data Analysis, Audit Remediation, FP&A, SAP

Work Experience

 Consulting                                                                                 April 2017 – Present

  • Led finance organization as Director of Finance and Transformation at a FinTech company leading initiatives to enhance financial processes, technology, and strategies.   Enhanced utilization of existing finance and accounting technology stack, optimizing workflows, and driving efficiencies to the support the company’s growth.
  • Served as controller for a dual use AI SaaS startup leading the controllership function, playing a crucial role in financial management in handling the budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.   Additionally, contributing to building out the FP&A function and strategic decision-making by providing valuable financial insights to support the company’s growth.
  • Assisted a Fortune 100 company in audit remediation by implementing corrective actions, improving internal controls, and ensuring compliance with regulations.  Strengthened the company’s financial processes ensuring accurate and transparent financial reporting, and mitigated risks identified through the audit.
  • Led the controller and FP&A functions at family office overseeing budgeting and financial reporting.  Optimized the Finance and Accounting functions for the family’s portfolio companies.

 KPMG                                                                                          May 1991 – April 2017

 Associate Director, Finance and Accounting

  • Led the Northeast Engagement Management Coordinator(EMC) team (Audit, TAX, and Advisory). Team consisted of 40 team members and 6 direct reports.
  • Served as a key subject matter resource in the firm’s engagement accounting and risk management systems, within SAP (CRM, Engagement, Management and Billing) and CLEAS (Client/Engagement Acceptance and Set-up).
  • Served as a key liaison between senior leadership and the EMC organization to address engagement accounting issues. Met regularly with business leaders, including area practice leaders and area risk leaders.
  • Developed the strategies for our finance team through active involvement in the roll out of National Firm wide initiatives. Played a key role in the design and implementation of new procedures, special projects and strategies.
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures and processes for engagement, quality, and risk management within the Finance and Accounting organization.
  • Managed, planned and forecasted the team’s budget and yearly compensation packages.
  • Oversaw the recruiting, hiring, learning, development, mentoring and counseling of EMC staff and ensuring compliance with the Firm’s goal setting and performance management programs. Motivating the team to excellence and operational efficiency.
  • Participated in the Global Risk Compliance review. Led the Northeast Engagement Management Coordinator(EMC) team (Audit, TAX, and Advisory). Team consisted of 40 team members and 6 direct reports. Served as a key subject matter resource in the firm’s engagement accounting and risk management systems, within SAP (CRM, Engagement, Management and Billing) and CLEAS (Client/Engagement Acceptance and Set-up).
  • Served as a key liaison between senior leadership and the EMC organization to address engagement accounting issues Developed the strategies for our finance team through active involvement in the roll out of National Firm wide initiatives.
  • Played a key role in the design and implementation of new procedures, special projects and strategies. Developed and implemented standard operating procedures and processes for engagement, quality, and risk management within the Finance and Accounting organization. Managed, planned and forecasted the team’s budget and yearly compensation packages.
  • Oversaw the recruiting, hiring, learning, development, mentoring and counseling of EMC staff and ensuring compliance with the Firm’s goal setting and performance management programs. Motivating the team to excellence and operational efficiency. Developed Project Management Engagement setup template to facilitate the implementation of Sabrix.
  • Drove vision and strategy benchmarking for the existing roles within EMC organization. Supported the growth and career development of junior resources by serving as an informal mentor and, as assigned, a formal Counselor to my direct reports, providing them with regular career and professional development guidance. Member of the SAP testing team for the deployment and implementation of the new firm ERP system. Participated in the Global Risk Compliance review,

Manager, Finance and Accounting

  • Supported and assisted the NE Audit practice in exceeding their plans and cash goals.
  • Developed best practices for NYC Metro Audit and NY FS Audit reporting i.e. G/L reporting.

Senior Associate, Finance and Accounting

  • Performed and managed department project management office (PMO) functional tasks and performed day-to-day contract management activities

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree, Accounting, Fordham University, 1996