Michelle Carlton

Experience

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  Meritor Savings Bank

  Aug 1990 - Aug 1992

  Staff Accountant

  • Maintain accurate reporting and compliant financial records supporting banking regulations• Carry out accounting and general ledger functions, including account analysis and reconciliation, journal entries, and AR/AP• Prepare financial statements and assist in annual budgeting process

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  Florida Tile Industries Inc

  Aug 1992 - Aug 1998

  Division Controller

  • Act as director for financial management of the company’s multiple locations across the U.S.• Develop and implement an accounting department centralization plan that saved over a quarter million dollars in annual expenses• Reduce month-end closing cycle to 4 days• Implement company-wide fixed asset tracking system• Successfully acquire and open 7 retail stores in one year• Manage accounting and finance for 30+ retail distribution stores• Prepare financial statements, annual budgets and quarterly forecasts by location Show less

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  Saddle Creek Logistics Services

  Aug 1998 - Apr 2001

  Accounting Controller

  • Oversee financial operations for this top 100 3rd party logistics provider in the U.S• Act as Project Manager for the acquisition of a packaging company in North Carolina• Act as Project Manager for implementation of financial software system• Slash financial monthly closing cycle by seven days• Manage all areas of accounting and finance including hiring and training of staff for multiple locations across the U.S.• In charge of presenting monthly financial reporting packages to senior management• In charge of the preparation of budgets for all units within the company• Manage internal auditing to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency and accuracy while being the direct liaison with external auditors Show less

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  Gulf Tile Distributors

  Apr 2001 - Apr 2008

  Chief Financial Officer

  • Act as financial executive for wholesale and retail distributor of flooring and cabinetry products• Restructure accounting, human resources, and information technology departments, which increased production and efficiencies while reducing costs• Act as Project Manager for technology resources replacement and upgrade• Slash financial monthly closing cycle from 20 days to 4 days• Create performance review standardization that provides employee equality• Overhaul and redistribute 401k program reducing costs and increasing returns• Double the company’s line of credit capacity through banking relationships• Manage business acquisitions, which included opening and developing 3 additional retail and distribution facilities• Act as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team overseeing financial operations and supporting strategic decision-making• Manage accounting, human resources, and information technology business units• Develop company business plan, annual strategic plans, annual budgets, and quarterly forecasts• Direct and coordinate company's financial affairs according to financial principles and government regulations• Establish major economic objectives and policies• In charge of cash management, acquiring sources of capital, and investment planning• Act as the Legal and Audit Liaison as well as the financial lead for mergers and acquisitions Show less

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  University of Phoenix

  Jan 2008 - Aug 2015

  Adjunct Faculty Instructor

  • Instruct students relating to accounting and financial management as a part-time academic professional• Teach discipline-specific theory and practical experience relating to finance• Maintain a high level of professionalism within the classroom environment while promoting and provoking a stimulating learning environment• Communicate relevancy of course material to real-world work experiences

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  Drake Enterprises, LLC (dba Cork & Olive)

  Aug 2008 - Aug 2010

  Franchise Owner

  • Named “Franchise of the Year” for Cork & Olive both years of ownership• Execute the company’s strategic objectives related to the procurement and retail sales of wine and craft beer products• Manage all operations to maintain a successful retail store including hiring and training staff, cash management, sales and marketing, licensing, insurance, legal, facility negotiations, accounting and financial management• Partner with other local businesses producing dynamic promotional campaigns• Develop in-store monthly events increasing revenue over 10% per month• Create a Wine Club Program to spawn brand loyalty• Negotiate asset acquisition deal Show less

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  Carlton Financial Compass, LLC

  Feb 2010 - now

  Founder & Managing Partner

  • Act as a fractional CFO across various industries, including real estate, construction, communications, pharmacy, flooring distribution, 3rd party logistics, and financial investments• Oversee all accounting and financial analysis operations, providing strategic financial direction• Craft a strategic plan that boosted one client's revenue by over 65% within a year• Design cash reporting and forecasting systems for daily, weekly, and monthly cycles• Implement inventory controls, cutting down DSI by 4 days• Refine AR & AP processes, enhancing capital flow• Institute a job costing system, decreasing spending per home investment by 12%• Lead mergers and acquisitions, offering both management and direction• Spearhead sales and marketing initiatives, ensuring effective planning and implementation• Manage risk, develop comprehensive business plans, and build investment financial models• Analyze and optimize administrative functions, human resources, technologies, and purchasing Show less