Oct. 19, 2009

DENNIS R. COOPER, MBA
9275 Brewington Lane
Laurel, Maryland 20723
301 490-3567
Denniscooper58@verizon.net

SENIOR-LEVEL MANAGEMENT: Financial Shared Services & Management Operations

Senior financial leader and analysis / planning expert with an impressive background increasing the profitability and overall efficiency of diverse organizations through strategic investment, process assessment, monitoring, and control of finances totaling up to $900M. Establish fiscal and organizational environments that play an instrumental role in the growth and success of diverse business units. Areas of Expertise include:

Process Assessment · Fiscal Analysis · Budgeting / Auditing · Forecasting / Projections · System Implementation Six Sigma Black Belt · Accounts Payable / Receivable · Grant Management / Administration Contract Negotiations · Financial Reporting · Strategic Planning · Payroll Management Lawson and Edwards Financial Systems · Gauss Imaging / Workflow

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

FELD ENTERTAINMENT, INC., Vienna, Virginia
2008-2009
Leading provider of entertainment services encompassing operation of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus as well as Disney on Ice productions and Monster Truck shows. Organization employs 1,500 staff members.

Director, Financial Shared Services
Orchestrated Shared Service Division disbursements of $400M+ annually. Spearheaded the strategic planning, management, and reporting of financial operations focused on supporting enterprise objectives. Drove ventures impacting various business units, including account payable, payroll, and procurement departments. Oversaw travel expense reimbursement and credit card programs. Conducted financial analysis of negotiated contracts and developed cash forecasting / disbursement reporting and determined daily cash management requirements. Supported executive decision-making by preparing and delivering comprehensive reports for Vice President and Controller. Developed department's operating budget and performed quarterly expense review to ensure proper compliance and adherence to approved annual expenditures.

– Maximized investment opportunities, enhanced processes within assigned units, improved company's credit rating, and eradicated extensive list of delinquencies through strategic transformation of operations and cash disbursement program.
– Delivered over $1M savings and optimized accuracy / quality of financial reporting through upgrade of Lawson Financial System Reporting / Lawson Module & Concur Travel & Expense Technology.
– Boosted customer satisfaction levels by over 40%.
– Elevated productivity, efficiency, and organizational confidence by developing a top quality departmental structure and ensured Sarbanes Oxley compliance and administration of special projects.
– Built top performing teams comprised of staff members cross-trained in various operational areas and highly knowledgeable in corporate policies / procedures.

AARP, Washington D.C.
2001-2008
Provider of discount programs (in the areas of travel, hotel, insurance, and investments) to diverse member base of individuals over 50 years of age with a strong focus on enhancing overall quality of life. Organization employs 1,600 staff members.

Manager, Accounts Payable
Primary leadership force of $900M vendor payment disbursement processes and related organizational structure enhancement efforts. Oversaw external disbursement audits, ensured the quality performance of 30 team members, and coordinated ventures assigned by the Vice President/Controller and CFO. Developed operating budget for department and perform quarterly forecast review and analysis of expenditures.

– Delivered major improvements in operational and financial performance through procedural restructuring, introduction of new systems / processes / tools, and motivational staff training / coordination.
– Played an instrumental role in catapulting performance quality in the area of financial processing by supporting establishment of a new financial management system in 3 months encompassing imaging and workflow process. Cut invoice processing time from 38 days to 8 through automation of manual processes.
– Collaborated in the identification of investment alternatives by working closely with the Treasury Department. Generated cash forecasts and budget projections and determined daily cash management requirements.
– Slashed processing time for employee expense reimbursements from 18 days to 3 with the implementation of new technology. Ensured Sarbanes Oxley compliance and serve as an administrator for special projects.

MAGIC JOHNSON FOUNDATION, Beverly Hills, California
1998-2000
Foundation devoted to educating urban communities and awarding scholarships to base of needy students.

Chief Financial Officer
Directed organization's fiscal platform, including planning, administration, monitoring, projection, and reporting of financials to the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Led financial statement and annual budget (between $5 to $10 million) preparation, analysis of budget plan as well as managed special investments, audits, tax filing, contract reviews, sponsorship negotiations, payment disbursements, and 401K program. Liaised with sponsorship entities ranging from NBA to NFL and MLB player associations. Coordinated staff of 7 financial specialists. Prepared profit and loss presentations. Fueled revenue increases through strategic management, restructuring, and enhancement of fiscal planning / control platforms. Managed all banking relationships on behalf of Foundation.

– Boosted performance of major fundraising event from generating $500K to over $1.5M revenues annually.
– Negotiated long-term sponsorships with Hilton Hotel, American Airlines, and National Car Rental totaling over $200K annually.
– Enhanced reporting processes with the introduction of a new financial accounting system.

Career Note: Additional roles include Southeast Regional Director at Summerbridge National and Treasury Analyst / Business Manager for the City of Hartford. Details on request.

EDUCATION / TRAINING

Executive Master of Business Administration
University of Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut

Bachelor of Business Administration / Financial Management
Husson University; Bangor, Maine

Six Sigma Black Belts Training
American Society for Quality (ASQ)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

J.D. Edwards Financial Systems
Lawson Financial Systems
Gauss Imaging / Workflow Technology
Concur T & E Technology
Quick book Financial Systems