Michael Welch

About Michael Welch

Delivering accurate, actionable information in compliance with GAAP and SEC requirements ~~ Throughout my career, I’ve held global leadership roles in Corporate Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis, and Financial Operations for both large and small companies – with an emphasis on driving automation and leading re-organizations to deliver multimillion-dollar operating savings. Since 2015, I’ve directed the Financial Accounting Shared Services, Billing Operations, and Accounts Receivable functions for a global paper and packaging manufacturer (WestRock) and a global background-screening and analytics company (First Advantage). For both companies, I consolidated operations to reduce costs and increase profitability. At Verizon, I led a team of 225 professionals in 35 countries, and was instrumental in the transformation of Verizon finance – including the launch of a new Shared Services center for accounting. This effort was critical to cost reduction, as we centralized and eliminated redundant efforts across the organization. In addition to the Shared Services success, I’ve also executed on- Multiple SAP implementations - Acquisition Accounting for purchase of MCI, Terremark, Hughes Telematics - Asset Valuation for Verizon spinoffs I am a CPA with a BS in Accounting from Manhattan College. Examples of accomplishments include: Led organizational realignments that reduced expenses by millions of dollars and headcount by 40. Consolidated 3 regional centers into 1 shared service center. Implemented 2 SAP general ledger conversions and realized 10% headcount savings as a result. Integrated cultures, strategies, and teams during WestRock acquisitions and Verizon/MCI merger. Led valuations for 12 acquisitions (including goodwill/trademarks/customer lists/patents). Ensured SOX compliance – managed quarterly reviews – and supported annual international audits.

Experience

1. Director of Customer Financial Operations

   Safe-Guard Products International

   Jul 2018 — Present · Atlanta, GA, US

   Manage Annual Bill to Cash of $700M to customers in U.S. and Canada - Ensured monthly billing cycles were accurate and complete - Manage customer collections and cash applications - Conducted bill audits and monitored KPIs for operational efficiency - Evaluated Bad Debt and Customer Credit provisions - Partnered with financial accounting on annual audit requirements

Education

• Manhattan University

  BS, Accounting - Certified Public Accountant

  1979 — 1983