Bridgette Cherwaty

Finance and Accounting Manager with over 20 years of expertise in capital management, margin analysis, and compliance. Executed strategic margin analyses, enhancing pricing strategies and supporting sales initiatives to boost profitability. Streamlined capital project funding processes, improving operational efficiency and transparency.

Specialized in fixed asset governance, driving compliance with industry standards and reducing discrepancies. Committed to leveraging analytical skills to align with business needs.

Senior Finance Manager, Margin Management at TreeHouse Foods (2024-07 – 2025-10)

Conducted margin analysis and reporting. Monitored gross profit percentages, dollars per case, and product, customer, and salesperson margins. Supported sales team with pricing strategies. Reviewed business opportunities, providing analysis and insights to enhance pricing structures and promotional activities.

• Executed comprehensive margin analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Analyzed performance metrics for products and sales channels.
• Collaborated with sales to develop effective pricing strategies.
• Evaluated business opportunities to maximize profitability.

Senior Finance Manager, Capital at TreeHouse Foods (2021-04 – 2024-07)

Oversee capital structure, investment strategies, and financial risk management. Optimize capital investment for enterprise-wide initiatives and manage funding for projects. Align financial resources with long-term strategic goals while ensuring adherence to internal governance and accounting standards.

• Streamlined funding processes for capital projects, improving efficiency.
• Developed comprehensive reports for stakeholders, enhancing transparency.
• Ensured compliance with governance standards, mitigating financial risks.

Fixed Asset Manager at TreeHouse Foods (2018-02 – 2021-04)

Oversee fixed asset management and capital expenditure policy revisions to align with strategic goals. Mentor fixed asset team and collaborate with project management for effective onboarding. Coordinate with auditors to enhance compliance, reduce discrepancies, and build stakeholder trust. Assist in developing and deploying the new Lease Accounting Standard ASC 842.

• Spearheaded capital expenditure policy revisions, aligning with strategic objectives.
• Mentored fixed asset team, enhancing skills and collaboration.
• Coordinated audits, reducing discrepancies and boosting compliance.
• Collaborated on development of Lease Accounting Standard ASC 842.

Senior Fixed Asset Accountant at TreeHouse Foods (2015-05 – 2018-02)

Oversee fixed asset ledger management, including asset capitalisation, depreciation tracking, and disposals. Coordinate with engineers on Construction in Progress (CIP) expenditures and asset transfers. Prepare journal entries, reconcile sub-ledgers with the general ledger, and generate financial roll-forward schedules. Collaborate with the tax department for year-end reporting and ensure compliance with US GAAP/IFRS guidelines.

• Streamlined fixed asset processes, resulting in improved reporting accuracy.
• Facilitated successful internal audits through comprehensive documentation.
• Enhanced CIP management by collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Fixed Asset Accountant at Bay Valley Foods (2013-02 – 2015-05)

Managed fixed asset accounting functions, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of assets. Coordinated asset acquisitions, disposals, and depreciation schedules. Collaborated with finance team to maintain compliance with GAAP standards.

• Streamlined fixed asset processes, reducing reporting time.
• Enhanced asset management systems, improving data accuracy.
• Conducted regular audits, identifying discrepancies.

Plant Accountant at Sturm Foods (2012-08 – 2013-02)

Assisted management with financial reporting and analysis for plant operations. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis of the plant fixed assets. Ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal controls. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve financial performance.

• Performed monthly account reconciliations.
• Conducted audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.

Project Accountant at GCM Contracting Solutions (2010-09 – 2011-03)

Managed job costing for multiple open construction projects, producing accurate budget vs. actual and cost-to-complete reports for project stakeholders. Collaborated with project managers to forecast project cash flows, investigate and resolve costing variances, and recommend corrective actions to protect margins. Processed and controlled job purchase orders and vendor invoices, ensuring timely payments and improving billing accuracy and cash flow visibility.

Accounting Manager at Kirkman Construction (2006-05 – 2010-02)

Led company financial operations, oversight of job costing, and preparation of financial information for lenders and stakeholders.

• Managed end-to-end accounting functions and improved job costing accuracy for bidding and reporting.
• Prepared financial statements and analysis for banking partners and executive leadership.
• Collaborated with project teams during bidding to ensure accurate cost estimates and profitability assessments.
• Managed daily office operations and administrative functions; processed vendor payments and payroll, improving payment accuracy and timeliness.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting – University of Mississippi