Kevin Thiel

Managing Director, Accounting Operations @Alaska Airlines

Alaska Air Group annual revenues exceed $5 billion, and in this position I am responsible for the Revenue Accounting function. The position also has responsibility for the associated credit card payments function, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and the finance division systems. Other responsibilities include: Develop and execute business objectives with both short term and long term benchmarks and goals. Attract, motivate, develop and retain a high-performing team and apply proven project management skills, change management, creativity and business acumen in leading the team to design and implement process improvements. Forge strong relationships and communicate / consult with a range of stakeholders including senior management, business development, systems engineering, and external industry groups to define and achieve objectives. Enhance / implement systems and procedures to drive measureable cost efficiencies. Maintain and improve upon the monitoring, analytics, and metrics to ensure progress against cost and productivity goals. Provide strategic and operational leadership, and take a lead role in the effort to assess, recommend and execute a long-term plan to upgrade, replace, and enhance finance division systems. Ensure the technology tools used by finance and its employees are providing the optimal level of usability and operational integrity. Serve as the company’s representative on several industry boards and committees. Responsible for financial control and overseeing the monthly revenue accounting close process, preparation and review of related monthly journal entries and account reconciliations. Model and encourage open, honest, and direct communications. Encourage open debate to get to optimal solutions. Receive and give feedback in a constructive manner.