JAMES E.

BURKE
861 Cass Lane, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Res: (847) 895-0350 * jbdc891e@westpost.net * Cell: (847) 533-5213

ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL
Account Research & Reconciliation / Business Operations / Customer Relations / T
eam Building
PROFILE
* Comprehensive experience in all aspects of AP/AR management and operations wit
h extensive expertise in developing and executing highly successful collection s
trategies across multiple locations to maximize the financial and operational pe
rformance of companies.
* Strong background in and knowledge of accounting functions, including multi-na
tional payroll preparation and administration, employee benefits calculations, f
inancial statement preparation and analysis, cash flow management, month/year-en
d closes, and bank reconciliations. Direct accountability to corporate CFOs.
* Proven ability to develop and manage successful relationships with executive m
anagement, staff, and customers, negotiate contracts, and drive continuous proce
ss efficiencies through the use of information, tools, and technology.
* Demonstrated ability to hire, lead, coach, and mentor teams to achieve peak pe
rformance levels; committed to empowering employees through training, engagement
, and accountability.
* Persuasive communicator and skillful negotiator with a keen ability to identif
y resources and means necessary for success.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
555 INTERNATIONAL, INC., Chicago, IL 03/30/2009 - 4/09/2010
A retail design, development, and manufacturing firm producing commercial enviro
nments. Design clients include the Dallas Cowboys, Armani, Green Bay Packers, an
d Fairmont Hotels.
Accounts Payable
Reporting directly to the Controller, provided managerial support to the AP depa
rtment in the processing, analysis, and reconciliation of accounts payable recor
ds. Prepared bank reconciliations, 401(k) submissions, monthly/quarterly commiss
ions, quarterly taxes, and month-end closings.
* Processed between $200,000 and $400,000 in invoicing, purchase orders, and che
cks on a monthly basis.
ILLINOIS TRUCK CENTRE, INC., Elk Grove Village, IL 2007 - 2009
One of the largest authorized parts and inventory dealers of Isuzu and Hino truc
ks in the Midwest with 25 employees across 2 locations. Major customers include
Ryder, Penske, and Enterprise.
Accountant
Managed all aspects of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accounting fun
ctions, including payroll, monthly and quarterly payroll taxes, 401(k) contribut
ion calculations, bank reconciliations, financial statements, and audit preparat
ion. Reported directly to the company's owner.
* Turned around the accounts receivable function successfully collecting all pas
t due amounts, streamlining operations, and attaining close to 100% on-time coll
ection of monies.
WILSON PET SUPPLY, Hanover Park, IL 2000 - 2007
Leading Midwest pet supply distributor with multiple warehouse locations, 125 em
ployees, and $120 million in annual revenues. Exclusive distributor of Iams pet
food for IL and WI.
Accounts Receivable 2000 - 2007 / Office Manager- Hanover Park Facility, 2001 -
2007
In charge of all accounts receivable and collections operations, including polic
y development, financial statement preparation, and customer relations, for all
4 locations serving 3,000+ customers throughout a 10-state distribution area. Di
rected office operations within the 160,000 sq. ft. Hanover Park warehouse facil
ity, including vendor contract negotiation. Managed 15 accounts receivable and g
eneral office personnel. Dual reporting responsibility directly to the company o
wner the CFO.
* Successfully tracked and collected approximately $3 million in monthly receiva
bles; achieved 15 consecutive quarters of account receivable objectives.
JAMES E. BURKE Page Two

Wilson Pet Supply - continued

* Developed and instituted collections policies resulting in a 99%+ on-time coll
ection rate.
* Partnered cross-functionally with inside and outside sales team members regard
ing client accounts; received and analyzed daily sales reports to ensure synergy
between contract terms and conditions and corporate collection objectives.
* Built and fostered relationships with customers; leveraged positive relations
to directly negotiate collections of past due amounts, underpayments, and NSFs.
* Worked closely with state auditors in the collection and preparation of requir
ed documentation.
* Hired and trained 30 team members during tenure with the majority being promot
ed into higher positions.
* Proactively maintained knowledge of all collection laws and regulations.
* Prepared annual performance reviews for all team members.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
DARTNELL BUSINESS CORPORATION, Chicago, IL
A leading international business information and training materials publisher sp
ecializing in producing books, manuals, newsletters, and video and audiocassette
tapes for a diverse business audience.
Corporate Accountant
In charge of all aspects of payroll, accounts receivables, and employee benefits
for this 150-employee, $75 million company with locations in Chicago, Boston, a
nd England. Prepared and analyzed monthly financial statements, quarterly taxes,
journal vouchers, general ledger entries, and annual W2s. Supervised a 10-membe
r clerical team, including 7 direct reports. Reported directly to the CFO and co
rporate Controller.
* Rapidly promoted from mailroom position to Corporate Accountant.
* Personally mentored and trained by the CFO.
* Directed the in-house preparation and disbursement of weekly payroll corporate
-wide.
* Supervised the year-end inventory counts of 2 warehouse locations with stock v
alued at more than $5 million.
* Partnered with customers world-wide to collect outstanding balances; developed
and fostered positive professional relationships.
* Calculated and applied foreign exchange rates.
* Hired, trained, and mentored team members.
EDUCATION
Oakton College, Niles, IL
Completed coursework towards degree in Business and Accounting.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
* Microsoft Word, Excel, Procomm, E-2.Quickbooks