Kevin O'Brien, CFA, CPA

Experience

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  Perry-Smith LLP

  Aug 2005 - Nov 2007

  Senior Audit Associate

  Participated on numerous assurance engagements across a variety of industries. Developed problem solving ability and a risk-based, high level perspective in a rapid learning environment. Learned best practices in internal controls, financial reporting, and accounting methodologies.

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  Rothstein Kass

  Nov 2007 - Sept 2009

  Senior Audit Associate

  Led audits across a variety of clietns, including commercial real estate, hedge fund, and broker-dealer clients. Created testing plan for first year real estate client entity. Nominated and served on Rothstein Kass’ national best practices committee.

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  Janus Capital Group

  Sept 2009 - Dec 2012

  Senior Corporate Accountant / Senior Financial Analyst

  Contributed to a best in class corporate accounting function in a public company environment. Prepared journal entries, reconciliations, and analyses for some of the company’s more complex accounts. Prepared monthly financial statements for interdepartmental customers. Transitioned to a senior FP&A role at the invitation of the Vice President of Finance. Prepared regular presentation decks for board and executive management meetings. Refined the company’s cash forecast.

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  Tallgrass Energy

  Dec 2012 - May 2016

  Treasury Manager

  Managed the treasury department for a group of affiliated companies that included two publicly owned entities. Developed a resourceful team in a hands-on training capacity. Led a reorganization of the accounts payable department that substantially reduced payment processing time. Designed and administered critical cash management controls. Created the company's cash forecast. Prepared a variety of regular and ad hoc financial analyses. Presented to executive management when appropriate. Show less

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  LED Supply Co

  Oct 2016 - Sept 2017

  Controller

  Oversaw the Finance and Accounting functions in a start-up company environment. Led an extensive financial cleanup process following a disorderly transition of predecessor personnel.Developed a resourceful team. Implemented an efficient monthly accounting close process. Implemented new payroll software. Significantly reduced days sales outstanding in a hands-on credit capacity. Facilitated a seamless transition for successor.

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  George T. Sanders Company

  Oct 2017 - May 2022

  Chief Financial Officer

  Servant financial leader for a family-owned group of companies in the distribution and real estateindustries. Interfaced regularly with numerous company stakeholders of differing viewpoints tobuild an informed consensus for key decisions. Sparked thoughtful strategy discussions atregular Board Meetings.Revamped the company’s management reporting function with a focus on timely value-addedinsights. Designed sophisticated Excel dashboards that focused the company’s ownership on KeyPerformance Indicators and key strategic initiatives.Directed the Accounting function in a hands-on capacity. Fostered a friendly family culturerooted in trust, teamwork, and accountability. Tightened the month end close cycle from 5.0 daysto 0.5 days through teamwork and continual process improvement.Initiated and served as Executive Sponsor for a successful migration from an antiquated on-premises ERP system to a modern cloud-based system. Participated in a hands-on capacity when and wherever necessary.Served as Fiduciary for the company’s 401(K) Plan. Refined and simplified fund lineup to includeonly top-rated funds for each style box. Coordinated several participant educational outreachinitiatives, and provided financial guidance to plan participants whenever appropriate.Coordinated with external tax accountants to comply with a complicated web of tax deadlines, including corporate, partnership, LLC, trust, and individual tax returns. Converted the company’scorporate structure from S to C Corporation to realize substantial income tax savings followingthe passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. Provided tax strategy guidance on various transactions.Collaborated cross-functionally where appropriate. Designed and implemented a merit-basedincentive compensation plan for the company's branch managers. Spearheaded an ongoing cashflow improvement initiative that resulted in substantial debt repayment. Show less

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  Gray Feather CFO

  May 2022 - now

  Fractional CFO

  At Gray Feather CFO, we exist to provide clients with outstanding financial services. We see the world through a strategic lens, are forward-looking, and never lose sight of the big picture. We are creative, analytical, and innovative. As your Fractional CFO, we deliver valuable insights in a clear and succinct manner. We ask compelling questions that spark thoughtful discussions. We listen carefully to understand your unique challenges and goals and provide tailored solutions to take your organization to the next level.As your financial leader, we are the catalyst that will unlock the potential of your financial team. We understand that you can accomplish routine accounting tasks far cheaper with an in-house Controller or bookkeeper and we encourage our clients to staff their teams accordingly. Our passion is coaching your employees to improve their processes and expand their abilities through our Build. Delegate. Monitor. approach. We inspire and empower your team to realize its potential. We understand that our team building and coaching efforts may make our services obsolete and we’re OK with that! In fact, it’s our goal. Show less