Phil Richard

Since graduating with a degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois, I have had the privilege to work for two very different, outstanding companies - Arthur Andersen and the First National Bank of Brookfield. I began my career with Arthur Andersen, formerly one of the world's premier accounting firms, with an audit internship followed by a job in the growing Transaction Advisory Group. Within the Transaction Advisory Group I assisted large commercial lenders in the execution of collateral reviews and securitization examinations throughout the United States on institutions ranging from Fortune 500 companies to smaller family owned businesses. Additionally, I performed financial due diligence procedures for private equity firms and strategic buyers in conjunction with merger and acquisition activity. While I enjoyed my experience tremendously at Arthur Andersen and learned a great deal, I also wished to put my best attributes and skill set to work in a different arena and within a smaller organization. I came to the First National Bank of Brookfield initially working within its Financial Management Center and attained my Series 7 and 24 certifications. While I greatly enjoyed working with customers and helping them manage their financial affairs, I also realized that I could help the overall Bank manage its financials and operations. In my current position I have the best of all worlds - I get to help customers, support the local community, work with a group of wonderful employees and help an outstanding community bank navigate through these turbulent times.