HTML Preview Financial Manager page number 1.
1965 5
TH
Avenue New York, NY
Cell: 212.666.3132 lgbranso[email protected]
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER / VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
Strategic and hands-on executive deeply experienced in accounting and financial management. Expert generalist in overseeing
all aspects of a multi-million dollar business. Proven talent in managing and motivating teams of loyal and productive
employees. Leader who uses an “out-of-the-box” approach to problem solving, and consistently drives bottom-line
performance, efficiency, process and profit improvements. Spearheaded the turnaround of a $84,000,000 high-end fine
jewel conglomerate despite formidable international and economic challenges.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
DIAMONE’S New York, NY 1992 – present
An $84,000,000 division of Fine Gems, Inc., one of the largest importers and purveyors of fine jewels
VP – Finance & Administration (2000 – present) / AVP – Finance & Administration (1992 – 2000)
Tapped to co-lead division in 2000 following a period of slumping sales and to reinvigorate a division plagued with
productivity and morale issues. Challenged to help regain profitability. Hold full P&L of $84,000,000. Direct 16 managers
with 600 indirect and dotted line reports.
Scope of diverse responsibilities and achievements include:
Finance, Treasury & Accounting – manage and negotiate all insurances, including business and travel plans. Manage primary
banking line and monitor cash flow and interest rates for US and UK divisions. Continuously seek debt reduction options that
include leases, currency cap contracts and government loans. Oversee purchasing, payroll, inventory and pricing, tax and
currency, audits and stock transactions. Perform capital budgeting and ROI analysis. Accountable for all regulatory reporting,
including SOX. Sit on executive board with representatives from parent company.
f Slashed bank loan debt from $30,000,000 to $6,500,000 in 4 years by developing weekly forecasts, controlling capital
spending and splitting divisional capital needs.
f Gained an average of $750,000 annually by successfully lobbying for a reduction in import duties through a
miscellaneous tariff rate on a raw product.
f Successfully argued 5-year real estate tax assessments, winning back $50,000 to $100,000. Captured $2,400,000
annual reduction in property tax through a capital inventory audit and write-off.
f Generated a 26% savings on final product cost through NAFTA tariff that cuts final cost to customers by $475 — helping to
drive up sales by 40% on one of the biggest profit-making diamond rings.
f Captured a tax shield of $14,000,000 and saved $1,200,000 in annual customs duties integrating 3 separate companies.
f Realized $4,000,000 in interest earnings in 5 years by working with Goldman Sachs to maximize an underperforming
investment portfolio.
f Streamlined payroll processing from 4 remote locations and banks to 1, with a salary savings of almost $300,000, annually.
General Management/Operations – active in divisional initiatives regarding capital improvements, large-scale facility and
maintenance projects. Key strategist in corporate issues impacting US and international operations.
f Co-orchestrated the transformation of the company from its multi-million dollar loss position in 2000 to a net income of
10.5% at the close of 2005. Consolidated operations, reduced headcount, combined jobs, computerized operations and
lobbied for legal changes on import taxes.
f Secured financing through state and bank loans to fund the renovation and equipment for a capital project costing
$13,400,000. Helped to work out a savings of $2,500,000 on original agreement following lawsuit with originally
contracted equipment manufacturer.
f Currently working on an initiative that is projected to reduce overhead costs by $1,200,000 yearly by consolidating 7
small retail stores into 3 stores in large mall complexes.
LINDA G. BRANSON, CPA