Resume and CV

DAN STIRLING, MBA

Santa Monica, California 90403; 310-383-7849 (cell)

Email: danstirling2000@yahoo.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danstirling/

CONTROLLER & OPERATIONS

Financial leader adept at shepherding organizations through dynamic growth and change. Experienced in managing and improving complex financial and operational systems, with focus on cost efficiency and effectiveness. Experienced team builder, able to bring diverse personalities into unity with a shared purpose.

Strategic Planning • Cash Management • Process Improvements • Inventory Management • Project Management • Business Valuation • Financial Reporting & Analysis • Audit • Budget Preparation • Start-Ups and Mergers • Internal Controls • Tax and Compliance • HR • Salesforce • Sage/MAS • QuickBooks • Excel

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC., Calabasas, California • June – November 2017

Diverse IT company for testing, assurance, analytics, and security solutions

Senior Accounting Consultant, USA Accounting Shared Services (short-term project role)

  • Developed accounting and reporting systems and cleaned up balance sheet in a $200M revenue finance department undergoing radical change.

FERRAZZI GREENLIGHT, INC., Los Angeles, California • November 2013 – June 2017

Boutique management consulting firm specializing in Relationship and Change Management.

Finance and Operations Development, Accounting Manager

  • Built and restructured functioning Finance/Operations foundational structure, implementing a suite of technology tools to maximize transparency and efficiency.
  • Researched, selected and implemented Mavenlink SaaS project management system to replace existing manual system. Anticipated savings of hundreds of hours per month across projects.
  • Led initiative to reduce costs in travel and overhead as well as owner’s personal expenses, resulting in annual savings of 35% ($150,000) over prior year, which exceeded the expected goal.

InkaBinka Inc.; Exel Orbital Systems Inc.; Yoi Corporation; Plus Delta Consulting LLC • July 2012 – Current

  • Managing monthly close, financial reporting, tax compliance, and advising on operations.

EXCELLINE FOOD PRODUCTS, LLC, Chatsworth, California • August 2011 – October 2012

Food manufacturer specializing in Mexican and other ethnic foods, selling to Trader Joe’s, Costco, Sam’s Club and other retailers and service vendors, with 150 employees.

Controller

  • Developed process and template for determining the cost of manufacture for existing and potential products, enabling proper pricing and sales analysis. Resulting savings of 5-10% on several products while maintaining or improving quality.
  • Developed systems for inventory management using MAS 200 accounting software, streamlining physical counts and enabling variance analysis.
  • Developed systems and forms for both HR and Financial processing to reduce workload and skill level requirements while ensuring complete and accurate documentation.

PLUS DELTA CONSULTING LLC, Malibu, California • January – August 2011

Management Consulting firm focused on Change Management.

Controller

  • Managed tight cash flow without access to credit as company recovered from debt burden.
  • Streamlined Accounts Receivable process, reducing average collection time by one month.
  • Developed company policies and procedures for all internal functions, as well as systems for client and consultant retention and growth.

MOBILE MESSENGER AMERICAS, INC., Los Angeles, California • 2007-2009

International mobile telephone subscription service provider with 150 employees.

Assistant Controller with Close Responsibility for US, Canada, Europe and Africa Operations including Financial Reporting

  • Directed a 3-person team to oversee financial functions during a time of rapid transition.
  • Served as primary company integrator for new accounting system, Microsoft Dynamics AX.
  • Facilitated strategic decision making by providing comprehensive monthly financial reports involving separate country currencies and consolidation of 15-20 entities.
  • Reduced up to $20K/month in short code charges after spearheading an improved cost management system.
  • Reduced waste in accounting processes; streamlined procedures; cleaned up balance sheets; enhanced management of assets & liabilities; and sped entry processes.
  • Managed receivables and payables to optimize gross margin and aided expansion into new markets.
  • Point person for information and work papers for private company audit.

ABRAXIS BIOSCIENCE, INC., (as American BioScience, Inc. prior to merger) Los Angeles, California • 2003-2007

Biopharmaceutical research firm most known for its FDA-approved, nanoparticle drug Abraxane.

Assistant Controller with Full Close Responsibility including Financial Reporting

  • Directed a 2-person team to oversee financial functions for a rapidly growing company as it grew from 35 employees to 150 and annual expenditures of $40 million prior to merger.
  • Assisted with merger with a publicly-traded subsidiary by providing the majority of financial data for company valuation.
  • Supported approximately $400,000 annually in tax refunds by securing data for a research and development income tax credit. Company failed to secure these refunds after departure.
  • Managed challenging cash management situation due to impending merger; overcame four months with zero revenue and the ongoing need to place vendor orders by forging strategic partnerships with vendors and providing forthright communication.
  • Improved reporting on clinical trial and research project costs by working with controller to conceive, develop and launch a comprehensive project costing system involving coding methodology.

ADDITIONAL POSITIONS

ANONYMOUS CONTENT, LLC, Culver City, California • 2000-2002

Assistant Controller with Full Close Responsibility (Full-Time Contractor)

Reported to CFO to support financial arm of start-up company. Ran variance analysis reporting for production budgets. Established accounting and financial procedures and reporting. Managed cash flow and corporate accounts payable.

EXEL DESIGN, INC. · 1997-1999

Design Engineer: Had multiple responsibilities for 8-10 person orbital welding equipment manufacturer. Oversaw accounting duties, designed packaging and equipment components, and played a role in sales and customer relations activities.

EHRENREICH & BURKHOLDER · 1997

Tax Accountant: Explored new revenue source involving modular accounting software. Advised and supported clients with financial model development. Completed personal and business tax returns.

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration (2002 – 3.88 GPA)

Pepperdine University, Malibu, California

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering (1991)

San Diego State University, San Diego, California

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1986)

University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California