Michelle Berry
About Michelle
Michelle is a strong analytical problem solver passionate about implementing process improvements and providing stakeholders with insightful data for informed decision making. With nearly a decade of experience in accounting, financial forecasting and analysis, cost controls and variance analysis, she effectively helps organizations utilize financial information to achieve their strategic goals and objectives.
Beginning her career as a financial planning and analysis intern with a leading specialty paper manufacturer, Michelle was next an external audit intern at Big Four firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and then worked in private industry. Subsequently, she served as a budget controller and plant accounting cost lead at a publicly traded automotive manufacturer, where she developed comprehensive budget preparation and monitoring processes resulting in increased visibility of cost drivers. Additionally, Michelle was a finance controller at a nonprofit entity and participated in grant management, the annual audit preparation process, and special projects.
Michelle is proficient in the monthly and annual close process, including accounts receivable and payable, account reconciliations, journal entry preparation and financial reporting. She is comfortable performing budgeting, cash flow forecasting, inventory management, payroll processing and research. Michelle can lead continuous improvement activities to assist management and increase efficiencies through automation, standardized procedures and training personnel on best practices.
She is familiar with PeopleSoft, SAP and QuickBooks software and has in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including utilizing pivot tables, macros and charts to create valuable reports for analysis. Clients appreciate Michelle’s excellent communication skills and ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to their changing priorities and needs.
Industry Experience
Automotive, Consumer Products, Manufacturing, Media, Nonprofit, Supply Chain
Education
- Post University, Bachelor of Science, Accounting
On a Lighter Note
Do you have any hobbies?
My family has a small hobby farm where we homeschool our daughter and help her raise 4-H projects. I also volunteer as a 4-H advisor and participate in several committees related to 4-H and our county fair. In addition, I am active in our church, helping with the children’s programs and playing the keyboard during Sunday services.
Where is an incredible view you have seen?
My high school Spanish class went on a tour of Mexico, beginning in Mexico City and ending in Cancun. The drive out of Mexico City through the mountains was the most incredible view I have ever seen. It was early morning, and a light fog lifted as the sun began to rise. It was breathtaking.
What is something interesting we would not learn about you from your resume alone?
I am an excellent researcher. Between hobby farming, homeschooling, the types of roles I have worked in, and a general sense of curiosity, I often find myself asking questions (or being asked questions) that require a good deal of research to find an accurate and complete answer. I enjoy the process of reading through several different sources, weighing the trustworthiness of the information, and determining if there are additional sources to back up what I discovered. I have learned to ask questions differently and more often to find the most reliable information.