Extensive knowledge in GAAP and financial reporting for C-Corporations, Non-Profits, LLC’s and financial institutions. Successful track record of reducing costs, increasing investment returns and streamlining financial reporting processes. Excellent problem solving, financial modeling, relationship building, and collaborative team leadership skills. |
Liza M Fitzgerald, CPA
1924 King Street
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 588-0173 lizafco@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/lizamfitzgerald
FINANCIAL EXECUTIVE AND CPA
Extensive knowledge in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and financial reporting for C-Corporations, Non-Profits, LLC’s and financial institutions. Successful track record of significantly reducing office operations costs, increasing investment returns and streamlining financial reporting processes. Excellent problem solving, financial modeling, relationship building, negotiations and collaborative team leadership skills. A results oriented, innovative team leader and member that can communicate with all levels of stakeholders and manage multiple priorities. Extensive experience in financial reporting and analysis including:
* Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis
* Forecasting & Budgeting
* Trouble shooting, Research & Reporting
* Process Improvement
* Risk Analysis
* Regulatory Reporting
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Credit Union Strategic Partners, Inc. (owned by Credit Union Association of Colorado, DBA Mountain West Credit Union Association), Denver, CO
Vice President of Finance and Administration 2002 - 2011
Chief Financial Officer for 13 organizations with $21M in assets, including a C-Corporation, Non-Profits, LLC’s and PAC’s. Supervised 16 staff and directed the operation of facilities and IT services for those organizations. Reported to all 13 Boards of Directors and actively participated on their committees, assisting them with strategic planning and evaluating risk over financial reporting per Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
* Reduced costs 20% and increased investment returns 2.5% by competitively bidding for new audit and investment management services.
* Reduced facility operating costs over 40% by locating, negotiating purchase of and overseeing the renovation of corporate headquarters.
* Reduced processing time 20% by developing policies and procedures for accounting, internal controls, investments, other employee benefits.
* Reduced expenses up to 20% by renegotiating vendor contracts for facilities, IT and telephone services.
* Reduced cycle time for monthly financial statements 35% by retooling budgeting, quick close, and cost accounting systems.
* Significantly enhanced the clarity of financial comparison reports for budget managers by improving departmental and fund accounting reporting processes.
Controller 1992 - 2002
Financial reporting for 11 organizations including a C-Corporation, LLC’s, and Non-Profits with over $21 million in assets, as well as 2 financial institutions with assets over $1B. Supervised a staff of 13 and directed the internal audit services for 20 credit unions while coordinating with external auditors and regulators.
* Successfully planned and implemented two on-time, error-free accounting software conversions that significantly enhanced the relevance and timeliness of financial reports to budget managers.
* Restored the profitability of the internal audit service provided to credit unions upon assuming control of this function.
* Established new income streams for the organization without increasing costs by utilizing existing staff and resources to develop and provide new accounting and IT services to credit union related entities.
* Increased finance staff initiative by establishing a team oriented culture and instituting regular departmental meetings.
* Increased the accuracy and timeliness of audit reports while minimizing associated costs by establishing various procedural improvements to better coordinate with outside auditors.
* Preserved accounting practices for SunCorp Credit Union by effectively negotiating with regulators to eliminate a series of reportable conditions.
Auditor/Senior Auditor 1989-1992
Planned, supervised and conducted annual internal audits and audit procedures for 20 Credit Unions with up to $500 million in assets. Reported findings and recommendations to Credit Union Boards and Supervisory (Audit) Committees.
* Solved critical issue by developing new regulatory capital requirements forms for credit unions.
* Reduced report completion time up to 1 week by retooling audit review and reporting processes.
ADDITIONAL RELATED EXPERIENCE
Worked in retail including managing daily operations. Experience includes balancing and reporting daily sales figures to corporate office, evaluating daily cash requirements and supervision of up to 30 employees.
EDUCATION
BS, Accounting, Metropolitan State College of Denver, Denver, CO
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Active license in Colorado
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Member, American Institute of CPA’s
Member, Colorado Society of CPA’s |
