Jeffrey A Pape

About Jeffrey A Pape

I help companies move from financial chaos to clarity.As a CPA and Kellogg MBA, I combine financial discipline, operational insight, and strategic perspective. My experience spans manufacturing, SAAS, ecommerce, fintech, software, real estate and public accounting, and private equity-backed companies with a focus on profitability, cash flow, and efficiency.I began in public accounting at RSM (Top 5 Accounting Firm), streamlining audit processes for Big 4 audits. I later built and sold WrestlingGear.com, which grew to $1.5MM in annual sales and $15MM lifetime sales, ranking twice among Internet Retailer’s Top sites. I reduced inventory by 29% with lean practices and improved margins by over $100K. At Revv, I supported a Series B raise, built 13-week cash flow forecasting, implemented zero-based budgeting (reducing OPEX by 39%) and prepared reporting for investors.I’ve designed SAP FI-CO training, customized QuickBooks, and created reports that gave executives visibility into working capital, AR/AP, and profitability. I’ve written SEC filings, implemented ASC standards, and managed audits, tax filings, and investor reporting.Clear communication sets me apart. I’ve prepared executives for board meetings with clear financials, charts, and talking points. I’ve spoken at Shop.org, IRCE, and Illinois CPA Society events, and I’ve been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Chicago Sun-Times, and on CBS News with Scott Pelley. I excel at simplifying complex issues so leaders can make informed decisions.Colleagues describe me as approachable and solutions-oriented. I enjoy mentoring teams, bridging finance and operations, and aligning insights with business strategy. Whether it’s foreign currency under ASC 830, pricing models, or M&A preparation, I deliver solutions that create measurable impact.I’m seeking my next opportunity as a Controller or Finance Director, where I can bring clarity, discipline, and strategy to help a company grow.Let’s connect if you’re seeking a finance leader who can transform data into decisions and drive profitable growth. Controller | FP & A | Cash Flow Management | Profitability Improvement | Working Capital Optimization | ERP Implementations (SAP, QuickBooks, Sage 50)| GAAP/ ASC Compliance | SEC Reporting | Inventory Optimization | Cost Accounting | Pricing and Margin Analysis | Strategic Financial Planning | M&A Support | Board Reporting & Investor Communication | Team Leadership & Development | Cross-Functional Leadership | Ecommerce Finance | Manufacturing Finance

Experience

1. Independent Consultant

   Pape Financial, Pllc

   Apr 2025 — Present · Schaumburg, IL, US

   Created G.R.I.P. Cashflow Framework - helping businesses manage and improve their cashflows and accounting reporting. • Created G.R.I.P. Marketing Blueprint Framework - helping businesses build their marketing plan with AI / ChatGPT

Education

• Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Operations and Marketing

• Gies College of Business - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Accountancy

• East Leyden High School

  High School Diploma, High School

• Universidad de Sevilla

  Language and Society

Skills

• Coaching
• Sales
• Accounting for Small Businesses
• Retail
• Search Engine Marketing (Sem)
• Small Business
• Start-Ups
• Project Management
• Public Speaking
• Analytics
• Email Marketing
• Facebook
• Financial Analysis
• Customer Service
• Accounting
• Social Media
• Management
• Team Building
• SEO
• Leadership
• Advertising
• Marketing
• Online Marketing
• E-Commerce
• Account Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Social Media Marketing
• Quickbooks
• Marketing Strategy
• Digital Marketing
• Strategic Planning
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)