Rich Thomas, CPA

EDUCATION

Northern Illinois University – BS – Accountancy

 

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

A leader in tactical and strategic financial management, with over 30 years of experience in planning and executing cost-effective strategies resulting in enhanced productivity and profitability. Provide small to mid-sized businesses with expert financial leadership by offering strategic direction, process improvement implementation, and ongoing oversight and support. Serves as a key partner to the executive team to drive sustainable EBITDA growth. Recognized as an energetic leader, key business adviser, and partner with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Core expertise includes:

• Establishing sound business principles and strategies to ensure long-term success
• Instituting stringent processes/procedures to improve liquidity and profitability 
• Implementing compensation and benefits that align with corporate objectives
• Developing budgeting, reporting, risk management, treasury, and cost controls

 

KEY COMPETENCIES

Strategic Planning

Financial Reporting and Management

IT Strategies

Cash Flow Management

ERP Implementations

Benefit and Compensation Plans

Staff Development

P & L Responsibility

Business Process Reengineering

Internal Controls

Budgeting & Forecasting

Cost – Benefit Analysis

Tax Compliance

Financial Analysis and Modeling

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

Options Clearing Corporation
Vice President – Accounting
2019 – 2022

Supervised Accounting Department and oversaw all related operational activities

• Established process for capitalizing software development costs (ASC 350-40)
• Implemented system enhancements resulting in reduced headcount
• Created process for capturing R&D tax credits valued at more than $20M
• Coordinated annual outside audit and oversaw related SEC filings

Fiducient Advisors
Chief Financial Officer
2014 – 2018

Responsible for all non-investment consulting functions

• Served as liaison with private equity joint venture partners
• Oversaw two acquisitions and their integrations
• Served on Compliance Committee and responsible for SEC reporting

Vedder Price PC

Chief Financial Officer
2011 – 2013

Senior administrative officer reporting directly to the firm’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors

• Responsible for all financial management and supervised IT operations
• Assisted in the recruitment, due diligence, and analysis of all affiliations
• Established metrics and process used to determine shareholder financial contributions
• Member of executive team that established new offices in London and California

Director of Finance
2004 – 2012                                                                                                                            

Senior financial officer reporting to the Managing Director. Responsible for managing all financial administrative functions of the firm, including tax compliance; audits and profitability analysis.

• Developed a capital restructuring plan, significantly reducing working capital requirements
• Implemented financial controls and reporting, resulting in improved and timely financial reports
• Oversaw the implementation of the financial management ERP
• Developed financial models used for financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Centralized the cash and collection functions resulting in improved productivity and cash flow.
• Designed system features within the firm’s financial management system to facilitate the maintenance of key marketing data for client development purposes.
• Served as chief administrator of the retirement plans, with assets greater than $250 million

 

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & ACTIVITIES

CPA – Illinois

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Illinois CPA Society

Financial Executives International