Energetic, supportive leader with an extensive record of accomplishment in financial and administrative management.  Exceptional analytical skills, developed within law firm, consulting, telecommunications and “Big Five” accounting environments.   

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

COO, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., Chicago, IL (2006-2008).  Responsible for management of business functions and overall operations of mid-sized law firm.  Active participant in partnership meetings, along with those of Management, Operations, Marketing, and other standing committees.  Oversight areas of finance, human resources, systems, facilities and marketing.

·         Researched, analyzed and proposed successful associate compensation restructuring.

·         Reduced unbilled inventory days by 21%, contributing to record levels of revenue.

·         Created and presented analytical reports in conjunction with partner meetings and retreats. 

·         Conducted negotiations of office lease extension and corresponding back-up letter of credit.

President, Concilio Consulting, Inc., Chicago, IL (2001-2006).  Consultant to individuals and organizations, with expertise in group dynamics, conflict resolution, communications, career selection and learning styles.  Methodology combined leading edge assessment tools with real-world applications to achieve meaningful, long-term results.  

Chief Financial Officer, Schiff Hardin LLP, Chicago, IL (1998-2001).  First CFO for 300+ attorney firm.  Recruited, mentored and directed team of financial and accounting personnel, in conjunction with restructuring of departmental operations.  Provided direction on strategic and financial matters during period of rapid growth.

·         Guided partners in developing non-traditional client fee arrangements.

·         Researched, evaluated and advised firm management on proposed mergers.

·         Led investigation to rectify substantial discrepancies in retirement plan participant balances.

·         Brought about first major upgrade in accounting system software in five years.

·         Identified $500,000 tax overpayment and successfully negotiated recovery from IRS.

Director of Finance and Administration, MobiLink, Chicago, IL (1997-1998).  Responsible for financial, human resources and administrative functions of wireless communications service-development partnership, owned by a consortium of major communications carriers.  

·         Performed all in-house activities related to dissolution of partnership. 

·         Organized sale of assets and developed the plan of distribution of liquidation proceeds.

·         Worked as point-person in resolving severance issues between partnership and former employees.

• Discovered and obtained repayment of excessive capital distributions made to former partners in 1995-1996.

Director of Finance, Hopkins & Sutter, Chicago, IL (1990-1997).  Hired as Controller; then was quickly promoted to Director of Finance.  Responsibilities included financial management, reporting and analysis, budgeting, partnership and client accounting, and tax preparation.

·         Successfully represented the firm in an extensive audit of bills issued to the FDIC.

·         Streamlined accounts receivable procedures, reducing uncollected fee inventory by one month.

·         Engaged in substantial renegotiation of office space lease with building management.

Manager of Accounting, Jenner & Block, Chicago, IL (1983-1990).  Initially served as law firm’s Financial Analyst in 1983.  Promoted to Senior Financial Analyst in 1986, and then to Manager of Accounting the same year.  Responsible for entry processing, billing, accounts payable, payroll, cash receipts and application, cash management, profit distributions, general ledger maintenance, financial statement preparation and outside auditor interface.

• Managed staff of fifteen, including five direct reports, during period in which firm grew by 40%.
• Trained staff in new automated procedures for recording attorney time entries.
• Received special recognition for collecting, analyzing and summarizing peer-firm data.

DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS

MBA, Finance, with distinction, DePaul University, Chicago, IL

BBA, Accountancy, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN

Certified Public Accountant, Illinois

Qualified Administrator, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

CURRENT ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP & AFFILIATIONS

Association of Legal Administrators

Illinois CPA Society

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Director and Audit Chairperson, MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome                      

Notre Dame Club of Chicago

Chicago Council on Global Affairs

The Tower Club of Chicago

RECENT CONTINUING EDUCATION

“Trends and Best Practices in Strategic Planning,” Association of Legal Administrators

“Internal Controls,” Association of Legal Administrators

“Financial Trends in the Legal Marketplace,” Association of Legal Administrators

“Building a Better Budget,” Association of Legal Administrators

“Law Firm Profitability Enhancement,” Association of Legal Administrators

“Law Practice Management & Technology Conference,” Chicago Bar Association

“Careers and Type,” Chicago Association for Psychological Type

TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS

Hands-on experience in a wide range of application software, including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Peachtree, Elite, Juris, Timeslips, FAS, and ADP payroll.