Catharina Atkins

Results-driven accounting and finance professional with more than 23 years of progressive experience leading accounting operations, financial reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, credit administration, human resources, and process improvement initiatives. Proven ability to strengthen internal controls, improve financial performance, streamline operations, and support executive decision-making through comprehensive financial analysis and reporting. Recognized for developing teams, implementing efficient processes, and building strong relationships with customers, vendors, auditors, and financial institutions.

Controller – Accounting & Human Resources at COUNSELMAN AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING, LLC (2020-10 – Present)

Direct all accounting and human resource functions for a growing automotive recycling operation.

• Lead accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, credit administration, payroll-related activities, and employee benefits administration.
• Manage company cash flow, banking relationships, daily deposits, and multiple account reconciliations.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and strengthen internal controls.
• Oversee collection efforts, credit approvals, and risk management initiatives to reduce bad debt exposure.
• Prepare month-end and year-end financial reporting packages and support executive decision-making through detailed financial analysis.
• Coordinate annual audit preparation and compliance reporting, including 1099 processing.
• Administer onboarding, employee orientation, wage garnishments, insurance programs, E-Verify compliance, and HR policy implementation.
• Negotiate annual insurance renewals and manage employee benefit programs.
• Train, mentor, and support accounting personnel while promoting accountability and process consistency.

Senior Staff Accountant at SEGERS AERO CORPORATION (2019-03 – 2020-10)

• Managed cost accounting activities, inventory valuation, fixed assets, and gross margin reporting.
• Performed project costing, stock revaluations, teardown and exchange accounting, and journal entry preparation.
• Supported month-end close through financial analysis, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Maintained accurate accounting records across multiple ERP systems, including Sage and Aerotrac.
• Conducted bank reconciliations, prepaid allocations, accounts receivable audits, and expense analysis.
• Assisted leadership with profitability analysis and operational cost management initiatives.

Financial Analyst | Finance Administration Senior Lead | Accounts Payable Manager | Accounts Receivable Specialist at ECOLAB / MICROTEK MEDICAL, INC. (2001-01 – 2019-03)

Progressed through multiple accounting and finance leadership positions during an 18-year career supporting manufacturing operations and corporate finance functions.

• Financial Analyst: Developed and implemented purchasing control processes that improved documentation accuracy and approval consistency.
• Financial Analyst: Prepared monthly financial reporting packages, gross margin analyses, expense comparisons, forecasts, and supplemental schedules.
• Financial Analyst: Managed sales and use tax compliance for multiple states.
• Financial Analyst: Conducted balance sheet reconciliations and analyzed profit and loss trends to identify spending fluctuations and opportunities.
• Financial Analyst: Performed Sarbanes-Oxley testing and internal control reviews to ensure compliance and process effectiveness.
• Financial Analyst: Managed prepaid inventory programs and reconciled inventory-related accounts.
• Accounts Payable Manager: Supervised three direct reports while overseeing accounts payable operations for multiple U.S. manufacturing facilities and international operations.
• Accounts Payable Manager: Managed vendor payments, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting activities.
• Accounts Payable Manager: Conducted weekly audits of payables, vendor maintenance records, and purchasing documentation.
• Accounts Payable Manager: Assisted with month-end close activities and financial statement preparation.
• Finance Administration Senior Lead: Worked directly with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and operational analysis.
• Finance Administration Senior Lead: Assumed responsibility for monthly and quarterly accounts receivable reporting.
• Finance Administration Senior Lead: Managed special contract purchasing programs and financial reporting requirements.
• Accounts Receivable Specialist: Managed collections for major distributor accounts and maintained strong customer relationships.
• Accounts Receivable Specialist: Researched and resolved account discrepancies, rebate programs, and payment issues.
• Accounts Receivable Specialist: Prepared bad debt reserve calculations and month-end reporting schedules.
• Accounts Receivable Specialist: Provided backup support for Credit Manager responsibilities.

Customer Service Manager | Human Resources | Bookkeeping Coordinator at MCCARTY HOLMAN (1986-01 – 2001-12)

• Managed and trained approximately 40 front-end employees, including scheduling, onboarding, payroll authorizations, and performance management.
• Oversaw customer service operations and ensured high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Assisted with bookkeeping functions, reconciliations, payroll distribution, and office administration.
• Led company-wide training initiatives involving scanning systems, pricing programs, and operational procedures.
• Traveled to multiple locations to support system conversions, employee training, and implementation of timekeeping systems.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Management – MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN

Associate of Arts in Business Administration – EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE