Laura Osborn, CPA

Serving small to medium sized businesses in Northwest Missouri by providing complimentary Discovery Analysis to help business owners identify ways to optimize their resources, enhance sales and profit, improve cash flow, and grow their businesses. Laura is able to bring her experience in "Best Practices" of large organizations to the small and medium sized businesses so that they can also leverage "big company" strategies in growing a profitable and sustainable business. Laura greatly admires the courage, creativity, drive and vision of business owners and seeks to put her skills to work in order to see businesses thrive regardless of the economic climate.

Direct the activities of the Sales and Marketing Controlling Team for the US Domestic Business. Prepare and interpret for executive management sales reports, divisional income statements, cost analysis, customer profitability and pricing programs. Lead the analysis of marketing programs offered to customers and recommend approval to VP Finance and President. Provide primary support to Vice President Finance, the President of BIVI, and the Executive Directors of all divisions in Annual Discussion, Budget, Preview, and Long Term Forecasts for the Business Plan. Provide primary internal control for all pricing systems and processes. Facilitate development of Sales Force incentive compensation plan and the annual Sales Force Budget. Responsible for calculation and accuracy of quarterly and annual incentive payments. Recommend systems and processes that improve the transparency of information to the Sales and Marketing organizations, Finance and President.

Directed and managed the general accounting activities of General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Capital. Provide support for Human Resources, Information Technology, Purchasing and Administration. Maintained Accounts Receivable collections below Industry averages. Chairman of the Capital Investment Committee. Secured site expansion tax incentives worth $20M from local and state governments. Supported the Sales Force Excellence initiatives by collaborating with Sales and Marketing executives to develop a strategy map, scorecards and initiatives. Facilitated financial training for non-financial managers throughout the company. Enhanced reporting systems by increasing automation of manual reports. Directed the implementation of new budgeting software, Cognos Planning. Lead a team in developing a prioritized strategy for upgrading and expanding the ERP system (MAPICS). Established the teams to implement the processes and systems for the business. Wrote the investment intention and provided the ROI analysis.

Directed the data collection, assimilation, and preparation of operating statements to report corporate performance to management, stockholders and various governmental agencies. Assisted officers in capital planning, financing (IRB’s), tax saving initiatives (Chapter 100 requisitioning, Cost Segregation Study, Enterprise Zone, and personal property valuations). Directed the annual budget process. Managed the general accounting activities of General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Capital. Made significant improvements in the Accounts Receivable function. DSO reduced by 9 days and reduced bad-debt percentages below the industry average. Coordinate annual audits both external and internal.

Initially hired as part of the succession plan for the Manager, Finance position. Developed & implemented the Hyperion budgeting model for Vetmedica Developed the initial end-user training program, training materials, and training file. Directed, coordinated, and managed the assimilation and preparation of corporate budgets, previews, and strategic plans using the Hyperion model.

Prepared financial statements for Continental Screw Conveyor Corporation, Cleform Tool Corporation, Southwestern Supply and Machine Works, Inc., and EK Industries. Produced consolidated financial statements for IPS Group, Inc., the parent company. Prepared and delivered oral and written reports to management and stockholder regarding profit margins, inventory levels and cash flow. Prepared budgets, cash flows, and prospective financial statements (financial forecasts and financial projections) for potential business acquisitions. Managed treasury functions: cash, investments and financing activities (including IRB’s). Experienced in 401(k) administration, insurance negotiation, ERP conversions, and credit and collection practices. Directed and supervised the work of accounting personnel in the areas of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, standard costs, job costing, and inventory practices. Worked with independent auditors during their annual audits, assisted with preparation of audit schedules, confirmations, and physical inventory preparations.

Prepared financial statements for corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietors. Prepared corporation and individual tax returns. Processed payroll and prepared payroll tax reports. Implemented and converted accounting service clients during an in-house computer conversion. Assisted clients with installation, training, and conversion to computerized accounting systems. Facilitated communication and acted as liaison between clients and federal and state taxing authorities.

Financial statement preparation, audits, and tax preparation.