Jeffrey Friel

Corporate Controller and Strategic Finance Executive with 15+ years of experience leading controllership, financial reporting, FP&A, accounting operations, and finance transformation across fintech, SaaS, real estate, construction, and corporate environments. Proven record of driving EBITDA growth, strengthening financial controls, leading ERP implementations, improving reporting visibility, and developing high-performing accounting teams. Trusted business partner to executive leadership, boards, lenders, and private equity stakeholders with deep experience in US GAAP, ASC 606, month-end close, general ledger, balance sheet management, audit and compliance, treasury, budgeting, forecasting, KPI reporting, and ERP transformation.

Director of Finance & Accounting at LEGACY INVESTMENTS (2020-01 – Present)

• Lead finance and accounting operations supporting real estate investment activities, financial reporting, executive decision-making, and business growth.
• Drove approximately 20% annual EBITDA growth by identifying, evaluating, and negotiating value-add property acquisition opportunities.
• Structured and negotiated financing transactions that secured funding and generated immediate equity value.
• Manage accounting personnel responsible for general ledger, financial reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Develop ROI-focused financial analyses and business cases supporting acquisition, investment, financing, and growth decisions.
• Partner with executives and lending partners on financial performance, investment returns, capital allocation, and business strategy.

Controller, Finance – Credit Card & ACH Platforms at PAYPAL (2016-07 – 2019-09)

• Led finance and controllership activities supporting credit card and ACH payment platforms in a complex fintech environment.
• Directed SAP S/4HANA implementation, coordinating vendors, peer finance teams, and cross-functional stakeholders against demanding deadlines.
• Built executive KPI dashboards improving visibility into growth, operating performance, and financial trends.
• Partnered on product launches and ASC 606 revenue recognition initiatives.
• Led audit activities with zero findings while maintaining GAAP and regulatory compliance.
• Managed, mentored, and developed finance teams of up to 12 professionals.
• Oversaw balance sheet reconciliations, BlackLine activities, general ledger operations, financial reporting, and Power BI reporting.

Senior Accounting Manager, Specialty Accounts at PAYPAL (2012-10 – 2016-07)

• Managed accounting operations for an international portfolio of specialty products, including PayPal Here and gift card solutions.
• Supported international tax compliance for Germany and the United Kingdom.
• Optimized global inventory processes and regional hub operations to reduce costs.
• Managed and developed a team of four supporting month-end close, reconciliations, general ledger activity, financial reporting, and management review.
• Used Power BI to improve financial analysis and management visibility.

Controller at SBI (2011-09 – 2012-10)

• Led AP, AR, payroll, budgeting, general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, month-end close, and financial reporting.
• Managed four direct reports and established accountability for close, reconciliations, reporting, and accounting deadlines.
• Prepared monthly financial reporting and board presentations.
• Increased EBITDA through payroll process improvements and reconciliation redesign.
• Strengthened banking relationships and financial transparency.
• Redesigned commission programs to improve employee performance and retention.

Senior Accounting Manager at SAIC

Defense / DoD | Heavy Construction Emphasis

Bachelor of Science in Accounting – Doane College