Page 1 GARY SAKATA

847-381-0218

GARY SAKATA

706 Fieldstone Ct.

Inverness, Illinois 60010

(847) 381-0218 (847) 650-5614 cell

CAREER SUMMARY

Seasoned international financial executive with extensive experience with Fortune 150, medium and small public and private companies in the manufacturing and distribution industries.

  • Expert user of interest rate swaps that saved more than $6 million in interest expense.
  • Recognized for implementing a stringent workers compensation program reducing losses by 83%.
  • Known for developing an innovative working capital line financing toy inventories lowering interest cost by $1 million.

Strong knowledge of business processes and skilled at streamlining processes to drive efficiencies and increase the bottom line. CPA, MBA and Certified Cash Manager (CCM).

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

FinanceTreasury/Cash ManagementRisk Management

SwapsPayrollInvestments

Foreign Exchange TaxesFAS 133

InsuranceAccountingCapital Markets

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

JEFFERSON WELLS, Chicago, IL 2006-present

Consultant

Sample client list includes Federated Group, Inc., Allstate Insurance, Asset Acceptance Corp., MacLean Fogg. Consulted on various financial, accounting and treasury projects ranging from Acting Vice President Finance covering financial analysis, accounting, cash forecasting, margin analysis, reconciled major accrual shortfall , investment analysis and treasury review for a food service distributor; Project work in GAAP Accounting streamlining processes and implementing IT system improvements, Project work in FAS 157 implementation and performed due diligence on a potential acquisition.

  • Performed margin analysis on consolidation business identifying pricing errors saving $100,000
  • Performed FAS 133 effectiveness testing for major corporation
  • Redesigned investment schedules for SEC reporting reducing preparation time by one week
  • Simplified process for managing shortages and damages relieving a three month backlog
  • Developed an integrated spreadsheet for tracking cash and forecasting cashflows

SOLO CUP COMPANY, HIGHLAND PARK, Illinois 2003-2006

Vice President Assistant Treasurer (2005-2006)

Assistant Treasurer (2005)

Treasury Manager (2003-2005)

Reporting to the Vice President and Treasurer. Responsible for treasury, banking relations, finance, risk management, cash management, insurance and Accounts Payable for a $2.4 billion manufacturer of one-time use containers, cups and paper goods.

  • Negotiated a $4,000,000 in annual insurance premium savings when integrating a large acquisition.
  • Saved $6,000,000 in interest costs by developing and implementing a risk management plan using swaps.
  • Added discipline to Treasury area saving $100,000 in utilizing various cash management techniques.
  • Negotiated a revolving term credit agreement allowing the company to finance an acquisition that doubled the company’s revenues to more than $2 billion.
  • Developed and implemented a strategy for purchasing Yen to retire a $5 billion yen denominated debt to minimize exchange risk.
  • Documented SOX treasury procedures and controls

AMERICAN HOTEL REGISTER COMPANY, Vernon Hills, Illinois 2000-2003

Treasurer

Reported to the CFO. Responsible for treasury, banking relations, finance, risk management, taxes, payroll, contracts, real estate and cash management for the largest distributor (privately held) to the hospitality industry. Manage four professionals and two administrative persons.

  • Negotiated a waiver for covenant violations on $40,000,000 revolving term credit agreement.
  • Placed swaps to save $350,000 interest expense.
  • Negotiated a new $49,600,000 revolving term credit agreement to fund company’s growth plans.
  • Sold Reno distribution center to free up $2,000,000 in capital.
  • Negotiated a $1,700,000 equipment lease saving $70,000 with favorable terms.
  • Saved $72,000 annually by upgrading merchant card processing.
  • Responsible for accounting and financials of subsidiaries and affiliated companies.
  • Responsible for administrative functions of Mexican subsidiary.

AFTERMARKET TECHNOLOGY CORP., Westmont, Illinois 1998-2000

Treasurer

Reported to the Vice President and CFO. Responsible for treasury, banking relations, risk management, capital expenditures, debt and cash management for a publicly traded $500 million transmission remanufacturer and distributor. Managed a cash manager. Budget of $3.5 million.

  • Renegotiated a ten bank revolving credit agreement adding a $120,000,000 term loan at LIBOR+ 100 to fund company’s largest acquisition.
  • Negotiated a $5,000,000 master lease agreement for equipment lowering the effective interest rate by more than 300 basis points.
  • Managed a $50,000,000 interest rate swap to lock-in variable rate debt for five years.
  • Negotiated and improved Directors and Officers insurance coverage saving $20,000.
  • Prepared Rating Agency and Equity Analyst schedules and presentations.

KARP’S, INC. Elk Grove Village, Illinois 1993-1997

Assistant Treasurer

Reporting to the CFO for a privately held $200 million specialty food manufacturer and distributor. Responsible for all finance, treasury operations, banking relations, human resources, risk management, training, defined benefits plans, employee benefits and benefits administration. Managed 3 people. Budget responsibilities of $2.5 million.

Led a cross-functional team of Teamster drivers, insurance loss engineers, broker, supervisors and human resources to design and implement a comprehensive program that aggressively reduced workers compensation losses by 83%.

Modified the investment strategy of a $25,000,000 profit sharing and 401(k) plan with 600 participants to self-directed investment options utilizing asset allocation strategies allowing participants to take advantage of 17% average annual return over a four year period.

Bundled administrative services for the defined contribution plans resulting in a 30% cost savings.

Prior Experience:

Worked for A. E. Staley Mfg., a Fortune 150 company, for 14 years with increasing responsibilities in the financial and MIS areas for cash management, public equity and debt financings, off balance sheet financing, derivatives, payroll, banking relations ultimately managing 15 people. Worked for The HAVI Group L.P. a privately held dedicated McDonalds supplier for 5 years as Director of Treasury.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

CPA - Certified Public Accountant – Illinois, 1991

CCM - Certified Cash Manager - Treasury Management Association, 1986

MBA - IllinoisStateUniversity - Concentration in Management, 1978

BS - MillikinUniversity - Business Administration, Marketing and Mathematics, 1974

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Appointed Trustee of Vernon Hills Police Pension Board

Client Advisory board for Harris Bank Cash Management

Client Advisory board for Bank of America’s Internet based banking system