Jean Saelens

Keeper of the Numbers aka VP of Finance/Corporate Controller @ Parts Town

About

As a VP, Corporate Controller, Jean Saelens provides cross-functional leadership that moves organizations forward by developing and implementing strategic initiatives and engaging in continual process improvement. Leads FP&A, Accounting, Tax and certain Shared Services functions. At True Value, Ms. Saelens contributes to overall company strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, as well as drives finance and IT initiatives that improve processes, boost incremental income, and drive down costs. She played a central role in the strategic planning process that ultimately led to the majority sale of the company to a private equity (PE) firm, in which she participated as well. In her role as corporate controller, Ms. Saelens has minimized capital management spend while moving the finance organization forward through cost structure and process improvements both inside and outside of finance including implementation of an ERP financial system, cloud-based reporting and budgeting software and other IT enhancements. Her contributions were recognized with the Special President’s Award in 2017 & 2014, and the President’s Award in 2017 & 2016. Previously, as logistics and supply chain controller, she not only boosted incremental income by $1.3M/year for 2 years, but also spearheaded early completion of the firm’s automated warehouse initiative and improved visibility of issues and opportunities across the corporation. To connect with Ms. Saelens, InMail her or send her a LinkedIn connection request.

Country

United States

City

Arlington Heights

Industry

Wholesale

Skill

Certified Public Accounting, Financial Audits, Supply Chain Optimization, Private Equity, Business Strategy, Continuous Improvement, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Analytical Skills, Financial Statements, Business Planning, Corporate Finance, Strategic Planning, Financial Operations, Process Improvement, Financial Accounting, Accounting, Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis, Strategic Financial Planning, Financial Planning

Experience

Keeper of the Numbers aka VP of Finance/Corporate Controller

Parts Town

2021-8 - Present · 5 yrs 2 mos

Addison, Illinois, United States

Vice President, Corporate Controller

True Value Company

2014-8 - 2021-8 · 7 yrs 1 mo

Greater Chicago Area

In 2014, Ms. Saelens was promoted to Vice President based on her leadership with the development and implementation strategic planning. In addition, she became part of the Company's senior leadership team. Ms. Saelens worked directly with the CEO to lead the strategic development process across the organization for the 5 year strategic plan, including providing regular updates to the Board of Directors. Recent accomplishments include transforming the monthly financial package to a comprehensive business review with a FP&A focus, implementing Oracle Cloud Fusion (ERP) in a compressed time frame, replacing multiple legacy applications into one platform, leading the purchase accounting and post-acquisition tax restructuring, participating in the majority sale of the co-op to a private equity firm as part of the strategic plan by assisting with the quality of earning analysis, due diligence requirements and bank financing presentation. Moved the organization forward through cost structure and process improvements, including assessment of revenue producing programs and reduction in administrative costs. Honored with multiple President's Awards over the years.

Corporate Controller

True Value Company

2011-7 - 2014-7 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Replaced legacy accounting systems with ERP system, implemented cloud based reporting and budgeting (FP&A) software package, re-organized the finance staff to align with the needs of the organization.

Logistics Controller

True Value Company

2008-6 - 2011-7 · 3 yrs 2 mos

Partnered with the Supply Chain operations to limit costs and review the network footprint, sprearheaded the company's automated warehouse initiative two years ahead of schedule by developing a financial business case, improved visibility of issues and opportunities by crafting and implementing reporting and process improvements at corporate and regional levels, implemented finance education initiatives.

Director, Knowledge Management

The Johnsson Group

2000-8 - 2008-5 · 7 yrs 10 mos

Developed one of the organization's most significant sales/intellectual property partnerships by creating custom APQC benchmark materials for business development and project reference, implemented firm's first CRM tool (Salesforce), expanded multiple engagements beyond initial scope by creating value in services.

Vice President Business Manager

Holt McDougal

1993 - 2000 · 7 yrs

Led FP&A during an aggressive M&A campaign that doubled revenue in five years due to acquisitions and organic growth. Integrated acquisition and implemented accounting and FP&A systems. Upgraded finance function to support growth. Honored with Chairman's Award for Excellence for efforts in acquisition modeling and implementation.