Charles Player is a senior accounting professional, expert in driving business results through cost reduction strategies...
C HARLES P LAYER , CPA, EA Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 438-2147
[email protected]
CONTROLLER
Senior accounting professional, expert in driving business results through cost reduction strategies, internal controls, and process efficiencies; deep understanding of accounting influences on business processes with full scope of experience in financial reporting, analysis, forecasting, cash management, and auditing; history of managing multi-million dollar budgets, establishing effective accounting/finance platforms, and ensuring compliance.
Experience leading critical planning, development, and implementation of accounting functions, procedures, and controls; Involvement in strategic-level business and financial planning/execution.
Proven success delivering business improvements and optimization through development of key performance metrics, implementation of efficiency tools and internal controls, and staff training.
Solid cross-functional team interaction, superb team building and leadership abilities; highly skilled in relationship building and negotiations with key decision makers, stakeholders, vendors, management, and executives.
Possess business acumen, managing vision, customer focus, and strategic agility; deliver pragmatic, focused leadership of staff and processes; thrive in dynamic, fluid environments with resilience and focused results. Core Competencies -
Full Service General Ledger and Payroll Management Process Improvement / Restructuring Internal Controls and Fiscal Procedures Financial Reports, Statements, and Budgets Accounting and Administration Operations Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Business Implementation / HR Functions
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Financial Systems Implementation/Management Tax Reporting and Preparation Statutory Audit Requirements / S-OX Budgeting and Forecasting Cost Containment Strategies Team Leadership / Staff Management Project Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Financial Consultant, Marietta, GA 2006–present Direct or contribute to projects that provide expert accounting and tax services to various individual and small business clients, including Intuit. Contributed to improved tax software product through extensive product testing and quality assurance. Saved ~ $508K on a corporation's officers’ tax liabilities by implementing effective tax strategies. HURON CONSULTING GROUP, Atlanta, GA 2004–2006 Project Accounting Consultant Selected as key contributor to provide forensic finance/accounting functions for a major southeastern U.S. healthcare provider as part of several teams tasked to analyze, reconstruct and successfully restate financial records totaling ~ $5 billion covering 11 accounting periods. Executed in-depth analyses, reconciliations, and finalizations of financial statement accounts. Delivered Sarbanes-Oxley assessments resulting in remediation of internal controls for restatement process. RESOURCES GLOBAL PROFESSIONALS, Atlanta, GA 2000–2001 Project Accounting Consultant Provided finance and accounting consulting services for several large telecommunications companies; inaugurated audits and provided recommendations for improvement in accounting and finance functions. Led procurement process audit that delivered immeasurable cost savings and operational efficiencies, eliminating the delays that were caused by the procurement cycle. Improved financial statement accuracy and reliability by presenting detailed analyses and reconciliations of financial statement accounts and fixed asset records. Conducted fixed asset analyses/reconciliations that improved accuracy and efficiency.
CHARLES PLAYER, CPA, EA
(770) 438-2147 Page 2
DIVI FLAMINGO BEACH RESORT & CASINO, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles 1998–1999 Financial Controller Planned, managed, and provided leadership for accounting department including budgeting, cost accounting, managerial accounting, financial reporting, and financial analysis; utilized U.S. and Dutch GAAP. Managed $3.5M annual operating budget allocated for personnel, facilities, and administration. Effectively co-managed property during General Manager's frequent and extended absences; accountable for managing and training staff of ~ 25; served as property's IT Manager. Directed the full cycle general ledger and cash flow management including month/quarter/year-end closes, balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, reserves and accruals for accounting operations, and ad hoc projects. Produced timely, accurate, and meaningful financial statements each month that were relied upon by corporate management and the Dutch government. Instituted meetings with department heads (12), educating them on expense management and cultivating appreciation for fiscal practices that led to departmental cost savings and improved performance against budget. WYNDHAM SUGAR BAY RESORT & SPA, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 1996–1997 Hotel Controller Successfully directed project to reopen the property following extensive hurricane damage. Recruited, trained, and directed the development of ~ 40 employees. Achieved triumphant grand opening in 3 months, on time and on budget. Managed $12M annual budget and provided timely financial reporting to local and corporate management. Supervised the set up and maintenance of accounting office equipment and internal controls; directed timely, full cycle general ledger management; structured hotel revenue/expense monitoring and cash flow issues. RAMADA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS & RESORTS, St. Georges, Grenada 1991–1993 Hotel Controller Directed accounting department, overseeing A/R, A/P, payroll, cash management, and inventory control. Strengthened accounting functions and implemented/maintained financial controls. Initiated actions that collected ~ $140K in written-off receivables from the government. Supported strategic planning efforts through forecasting and operational budget development activities. Directed full cycle g/l management, month/year-end closes and financial statement preparation/analysis, cash flows; prepared MD&A of financial performance.
EDUCATION | CERTIFICATION UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, Amherst, MA Bachelor of Business Administration, concentration in Accounting CPA License—Georgia, New Jersey Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) • Certified Hospitality Account Executive (CHAE) • Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) • Enrolled Agent (EA) • Project Management Professional (PMP – expected in August 2011) Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), federal/state tax packages, PMS/HMS, POS systems, and ERPs (ACCPAC, MAS90, SOLOMON, PeopleSoft)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountant (GSCPA), Hospitality Finance & Technology Professionals (HFTP), Financial Executives Networking Group (FENG)
