1. RICHARD GERBATSCH
810 S. Walnut
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847)287-6279
R.Gerbatsch@yahoo.com
CONTROLLER
Broadly skilled financial professional with extensive experience in distribution, transportation
and insurance industries and with particular strengths developing systems and operations
supporting process improvement initiatives at organizations experiencing growth and change.
Expertise includes
Strategic Planning Accounting Staff Management Financial Analysis
Process Improvement Budgeting and Forecasting Audit Management
Selected Accomplishments
• As lead Financial Executive at Brook Electrical: Reduced overhead by 22% using critical
analysis of all job functions and through expense analysis and review.
• While Controller of Brook Electrical, oversaw the relocation of a $6 million distribution center:
reported financial status to local and international logistics committees.
• During my tenure at CFC, Inc.: Researched and identified Federal tax credits for which the
company qualified: received in excess of $300,000 of tax credits
• As Controller of CFC, Inc, redesigned time keeping process improving speed and accuracy of
information while increasing productivity of plant managers and supervisors.
• In the insurance industry, directed an IT team that developed and constructed a direct billing
system that automatically triggered transactions and generated over $100,000 in service charge
income during its first year.
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
Brook Electrical Supply Company Addison, IL 2007 to Nov. 2011
Controller
Reporting to the President, responsible for the management of a finance department staff of 8, including
Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Credit/Collections and Accounting at this $110M distribution
company. Directed annual budget process, held analytical discussions with all levels of management to
determine appropriate revenue and expenditure benchmarks for the coming year. High level metrics
initially reported to parent and concluding with detail down to monthly general ledger account balances.
• Develop Quarterly forecasting and monthly re-forecasting when significant changes occur.
• Ensure the integrity of the annual and monthly financial statements along with all related internal
and external reporting needs.
• Provide analysis of variances to budgets or forecasts of key benchmarks.
• Examination and management of business opportunities and investments.
• Administer process improvements in Account Receivable and Accounts Payable which led to
improved DSO, DPO and cash flow.
• Serve as Business Partner to the President and Chief Operating Officer in the area of management
of working capital and attainment of profitability goals.
2. • Perform profitability analysis for customer, product and branch segments.
• Reduced overhead by 22% using critical analysis of all job functions and through expense
analysis and review
• Oversaw the relocation of a $6 million distribution center: reported financial status to local and
international logistics committees.
CFC, Incorporated, dba Columbus Foods Company Chicago, IL 2000 to 2007
Controller
Responsible for financial reporting of a $100M growing manufacturing and distribution company, and its
eight related companies; Reporting directly to owner, directed a staff of 7 including accounting and non-
accounting associates
• Handled day to day activity of a related transportation company. Also responsible for meeting
regulatory and licensing requirements of its fleet.
• Analyzed monthly financial results for senior management. Performed monthly analysis of sales
margin data by customer and product. Daily examination of profit margins per invoice and per
product. Recommended pricing adjustments based on product profitability
• In conjunction with IS department, automated order writing and order entry process. These
changes not only streamlined the entire process but it empowered the sales force with credit
status, supply limitations and current product demand information.
• Modernized weekly payroll functions. Improved weekly employee time tracking methods which
streamlined the payroll process. This change provided more accurate, timely, and consistent
accessible information. Worked with several different payroll services ultimately allowing for
seamless transfer of data between the company and benefit providers.
• Provide risk analysis in evaluating appropriate exposure levels and being the liaison between the
company and insurance carriers.
• Served in a variety of Human Resource functions and led efforts to bring greater consistency in
employee relations efforts: administration of employee health and retirement plans.
• Researched and identified Federal tax credits for which the company qualified: received in excess
of $300,000 of tax credits
Illinois Insurance Company Oak Brook, IL 1994 to 1999
Controller
Responsible for all financial reporting including statutory filing requirements for this property and
casualty insurance company.
• Developed premium and loss reports in conjunction with IS consultants to be used for financial
statement preparation and reinsurance reporting.
• Created policies and procedures for collection and delinquent accounts. Responsibilities also
included financial reporting for a managing general agency controlled by the parent company.
TECHNICAL ABILITIES:
Activant Eclipse, MS Dynamics/Solomon, QuickBooks, Peachtree, Proprietary systems for the AS400,
Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Payroll solutions by ADP,
Paychex and Ceridian.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Commerce
Major in Accounting
DePaul University Chicago, IL