Stephen Winningkoff
New Orleans,LA
Summary
Results-driven finance leader with a robust track record in preparing and analyzing financial reports to summarize and forecast financial positions effectively. Proven expertise in enhancing efficiency and productivity through strategic process improvements, with a strong foundation in financial management, reporting, and strategic planning. Adept at fostering collaboration within teams and driving organizational success through meticulous budgeting, forecasting, and compliance initiatives. Highly adaptable with exceptional analytical skills and a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance principles, recognized for reliability and integrity in fast-paced environments.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Controller
Amrize South Central, Inc
New Orleans, LA
01.2016 - Current
- Achieved seamless management of accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, account reconciliation, cash reporting, and financial reporting. Facilitated the onboarding of New Orleans plants with SAP software, enhancing operational efficiency since April 2016. Delivered regular reports to the general manager and regional controller, contributing to informed decision-making at month-end.
- Managed comprehensive financial reporting to uphold accuracy and adhere to regulatory standards.
- Developed and implemented budget management strategies to optimize resource allocation.
- Led cross-functional teams in analyzing financial performance and identifying improvement opportunities.
- Provided strategic insights to executive leadership for informed decision-making on investments and expenditures.
- Spearheaded initiatives to enhance financial systems integration, improving data accessibility and reporting accuracy.
- Prepared balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
Controller
Solomon Group
New Orleans, LA
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Managed all accounting functions including, but not limited to, AP, A/R, Payroll, tax preparation and filing, account reconciliation, cash reporting, bank reconciliations and financial reporting.
- Worked to clean up old tax issues and converted simple IRA plan to 401k plan due to the growth of the company.
- Handled billing and collections, construction billing and other project related billing for the company that grew from $5M annually to $22M annually in three years.
- Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team capabilities.
- Streamlined accounts payable and receivable processes, enhancing cash flow management efficiency.
- Managed audits by coordinating with external auditors to ensure timely completion of reviews.
Assistant Director of Finance
New Orleans Hotel Collection
New Orleans, LA
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Oversaw comprehensive accounting functions encompassing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, tax preparation, and filing. Managed account reconciliation and financial reporting for four properties under New Orleans Hotel Collection. Delivered monthly financial statements for strategic review with area general manager and hotel general managers.
- Led financial reporting processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies.
- Streamlined budget preparation procedures, enhancing efficiency and accuracy across departments.
Chief Accountant
Hyatt Regency
New Orleans, LA
01.2013 - 01.2013
- Assisted with cash and accounts receivable functions for Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Supported preparation and reconciliation of balance sheet accounts related to cash and accounts receivable on a monthly basis.
- Developed and implemented accounting policies to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy.
Financial / Operations Controller
L’Auberge Baton Rouge Casino Hotel
Baton Rouge, LA
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Managed casino cashiering team, casino count rooms, and casino credit and collections as Operations Controller. Established internal controls and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for these three departments. As Financial Controller I managed the casino accounting and casino audit teams, working hand in hand with the Louisiana State Police gaming division prior to and during the opening of the casino which opened in September, 2012.
- Oversaw financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Developed and implemented budgetary controls to optimize operational efficiency across departments.
Compliance Manager / Controller
Harrah’s New Orleans Casino and Hotel
New Orleans, LA
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Achieved full compliance with Louisiana state gaming regulations, facilitating accurate DBE/MBE reporting to the City of New Orleans.
- Elevated to Financial Controller, responsible for comprehensive revenue and financial accounting across all property sectors, including casino, hotel, and food and beverage.
- Delivered precise posting, balancing, and reconciliation of revenue and expense accounts, culminating in thorough financial statement preparation and review with department heads and the GM.
- Transitioned to Operations Controller, optimizing casino cashiering, count rooms, and credit and collections processes. Played a key role in launching a centralized scheduling and administration department, enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented compliance policies ensuring adherence to gaming regulations and internal standards.
- Trained staff of over 100 on compliance procedures, promoting a culture of accountability and regulatory awareness.
Financial Accountant
Stewart Enterprises
Jefferson, LA
01.2006 - 01.2006
- Executed detailed analysis and compilation of consolidated balance sheet and cash flow statements for timely submission in quarterly 10-Q and annual 10-K reports.
Senior Financial Analyst / Asst. Controller
Treasure Chest Casino
Kenner, LA
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Prepared financial reports, developed annual budgets, and performed variance analysis in accordance with business plan as the Senior Financial Analyst.
- Compiled periodic financial reporting packages for senior management and corporate financial officers.
- Carried out analysis to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency / accuracy, especially related to labor management.
- Built and led teams in carrying out special projects for the GM.
- As Assistant Controller, responsible for managing the revenue audit staff and count rooms for this multi-million-dollar riverboat casino.
- Prepared and reviewed reports to the Louisiana State Police as required by Louisiana gaming regulations.
- Prior to month end, accountable for reviewing financial statements for accuracy. Worked hand in hand with corporate teams on the implementation of SOX guidelines.
Assistant Controller
Boomtown Belle Casino
Harvey, LA
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Prepared and verified monthly financial statements
- Managed AP and payroll departments and scheduled and conducted monthly P & L reviews with the General Manager and individual department heads.
- Prepared all DBE and MBE reporting to the State of Louisiana gaming division.
- Managed financial reporting processes to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Oversaw budgeting and forecasting activities, enhancing accuracy of financial projections.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans, LouisianaHonors Diploma - undefined
HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL
New Orleans, LouisianaSkills
- Revenue Audit
- Financial Analysis
- Balance Sheet Prep and Reconciliation
- Cash Management
- SOX implementation
- Budgeting
- Compliance
- Payroll, A/R, AP supervision
- Technology Integration
- Credit and Collections Management
- Forecasting
- Windows, MAC OS, AS400
- Accounting Software including the following: SAP, Oracle, Lawson, MAS 90, Quickbooks Online and Enterprise, MS Office products (Specifically Excel), Blackline, CMS (Casino Management Systems)
- Staff management
Websites
Timeline
Controller
Amrize South Central, Inc
01.2016 - Current
Controller
Solomon Group
01.2014 - 01.2016
Assistant Director of Finance
New Orleans Hotel Collection
01.2013 - 01.2014
Chief Accountant
Hyatt Regency
01.2013 - 01.2013
Financial / Operations Controller
L’Auberge Baton Rouge Casino Hotel
01.2011 - 01.2012
Compliance Manager / Controller
Harrah’s New Orleans Casino and Hotel
01.2006 - 01.2011
Financial Accountant
Stewart Enterprises
01.2006 - 01.2006
Senior Financial Analyst / Asst. Controller
Treasure Chest Casino
01.1999 - 01.2005
Assistant Controller
Boomtown Belle Casino
01.1996 - 01.1999
Honors Diploma - undefined
HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL
Bachelor of Science - Finance
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS