Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Debra "Annie" Kitchen

Savannah

Summary

Accomplished Finance and Operations Leader with extensive experience in hospitality, real estate, manufacturing, and transportation sectors. Skilled in financial reporting, budgeting, internal and external audits, and compliance with US GAAP. Proven ability to manage multi-location operations, optimize profitability, and implement internal controls to safeguard assets. Experienced in managing purchasing, permitting, and licensing activities for new and existing restaurant establishments as dictated by localities. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and commitment to operational excellence. Seeking a Director of Finance role to leverage my expertise in financial management, policy development, and team leadership.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Finance / Assistant to Owner

Southern Cross Hospitality
Savannah
03.2023 - Current
  • Oversee financial operations for six-outlet hospitality group with revenues exceeding $18 million.
  • Developed and implemented financial strategies, monitored budgets, and analyzed variances to achieve fiscal targets.
  • Managed general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll using integrated software platforms.
  • Supervised cash management, banking activities, and internal controls to safeguard assets.
  • Coordinate with external auditors to ensure compliance and facilitate smooth audit processes.
  • Ensure accurate accounting in order to prepare monthly trial balances, financial statements, and supporting schedules in accordance with US GAAP.
  • Support marketing initiatives and event planning to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
  • Advise department heads on financial matters to contribute to policy development.
  • Developed and maintained short-term and long-term financial plans.
  • Mentored junior staff members in accounting practices and principles.
  • Compile and analyze financial information to prepare entries to accounts, such as general ledger accounts, documenting business transactions.
  • Assist senior management in developing strategies for improving overall financial performance of the organization.
  • Conducted research on potential investments and acquisitions to determine their potential profitability.
  • Supervise accounts payable and receivable operations, improving cash flow management and reducing outstanding debts.
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal tax filings and other regulatory financial obligations.
  • Instituted financial policies and procedures that enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across the organization.
  • Negotiated contracts and agreements with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to reduce costs and improve terms.
  • Create work schedules for staff members according to established standards.
  • Provided support and training to team members in order to enhance their skillsets.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training new employees as needed.

Restaurant General Manager

Element
Virginia
- Current
  • Managed daily operations, including payroll, tax filings, and accounting functions.
  • Enhanced financial performance through budgeting, cost control, and strategic planning.
  • Contributed to marketing initiatives and maintained exceptional guest service standards.
  • Developed extensive wine and food knowledge, supporting the restaurant’s reputation and success.

Accounting Manager

Vaught Transportation
Virginia
- Current
  • Handled comprehensive accounting functions, including payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger management.
  • Reduced liabilities through meticulous tax planning and accurate financial reporting.
  • Managed financial data to support business growth and operational efficiency.

Accounts Receivable Manager

Pen-Tab (Mead Corporation division)
- Current
  • Managed a portfolio exceeding $50 million, cultivating relationships with large clients like Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, CVS.
  • Ensured compliance with financial policies and maintained accurate receivable records.

Restaurant General Manager

Southern Cross Hospitality
Savannah
09.2021 - 03.2023
  • Directed daily operations of successful restaurant, realizing 49% sales increase within one year.
    Streamlined Front of House and Back of House coordination to enhance efficiency.
    Maximized customer satisfaction through superior service delivery and complaint resolution.
    Regularly assessed product quality while exploring new vendor partnerships.
    Organized shifts effectively, supervising staff performance to drive productivity gains.
    Projected future inventory needs for goods, utensils, and cleaning supplies.
    Maintained strict adherence to sanitation and safety standards while managing costs.
    Generated comprehensive reports on financial performance, including revenues and expenses.

Promoted within to Director of Finance.

Education

Accounting And Finance

Northern Virginia Community College
Virginia

Skills

  • Financial Reporting & Analysis (GAAP)
  • Budget Development & Variance Analysis
  • Internal & External Audits
  • Tax Planning & Compliance
  • Operational efficiency
  • Cash Flow & Banking Management
  • Internal Controls & Asset Protection
  • Daily Operations Support & Team Leadership
  • Marketing & Event Coordination
  • Purchasing, Permitting & Licensing for New Establishments
  • Software: QuickBooks
  • Software: Margin Edge
  • Multiple POS Systems including Toast
  • Software: MS Office Suite
  • Strategic Planning & Policy Formulation
  • Process improvement

Timeline

Director of Finance / Assistant to Owner

Southern Cross Hospitality
03.2023 - Current

Restaurant General Manager

Southern Cross Hospitality
09.2021 - 03.2023

Restaurant General Manager

Element
- Current

Accounting Manager

Vaught Transportation
- Current

Accounts Receivable Manager

Pen-Tab (Mead Corporation division)
- Current

Accounting And Finance

Northern Virginia Community College
Debra "Annie" Kitchen