Michael Harrison

michael.harrison@email.com | (614) 382-7456 | 2847 Maple Ridge Drive, Columbus, OH 43215 | linkedin.com/in/mharrison-finance

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Strategic finance leader with 15+ years of progressive experience in cost management, financial analysis, and operational excellence. Proven track record of implementing robust costing frameworks, driving process improvements, and delivering actionable insights that optimize profitability and support executive decision-making. Expert in leveraging data analytics and management information systems to enhance forecasting accuracy and performance management across complex organizational structures.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Head of Costing
Meridian Manufacturing Solutions, Indianapolis, IN
January 2021 - Present

• Lead enterprise-wide costing function for organization with annual revenue exceeding $500M, establishing standardized methodologies and governance frameworks that improved cost allocation accuracy by 35%
• Direct team of 8 finance professionals responsible for product costing, activity-based costing, and variance analysis across multiple business units and geographies
• Develop and maintain sophisticated costing models using SQL and advanced analytics tools, enabling real-time visibility into cost drivers and supporting strategic pricing decisions
• Partner with senior leadership to deliver monthly management reporting packages, including KPI dashboards, trend analysis, and forecasting that inform resource allocation and investment priorities
• Spearhead benchmarking initiatives against industry standards, identifying $12M in annual cost optimization opportunities through process reengineering and vendor negotiations
• Implement performance management framework linking operational metrics to financial outcomes, improving cross-functional accountability and driving 18% improvement in cost efficiency

Senior Manager, Cost Accounting
Titan Industrial Group, Milwaukee, WI
March 2017 - December 2020

• Managed cost accounting operations for manufacturing division with 1,200+ employees, overseeing standard costing, inventory valuation, and month-end close processes
• Redesigned management information systems to automate reporting workflows, reducing manual effort by 40% and improving data accuracy
• Led cross-functional project teams to implement new ERP costing modules, delivering project on time and 8% under budget while ensuring minimal business disruption
• Conducted detailed variance analysis and root cause investigations, presenting findings and recommendations to executive leadership on quarterly basis
• Developed rolling 12-month forecasting models that enhanced budget accuracy by 25% and supported strategic planning initiatives
• Mentored team of 5 cost analysts, establishing training programs and career development pathways that reduced turnover by 60%

Cost Accounting Manager
Sterling Financial Services, Chicago, IL
June 2013 - February 2017

• Supervised day-to-day cost accounting activities including standard cost maintenance, overhead allocation, and cost of goods sold analysis
• Designed and implemented activity-based costing methodology that provided granular visibility into product profitability and customer segment economics
• Collaborated with operations and supply chain teams to establish cost reduction targets and track savings realization through structured project management approach
• Generated monthly management reports highlighting cost trends, margin analysis, and operational performance metrics for senior leadership review
• Led annual standard cost update process, coordinating with procurement, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure accurate cost build-ups

Cost Analyst
Cornerstone Business Solutions, Cleveland, OH
August 2010 - May 2013

• Performed detailed cost analysis supporting pricing decisions, make-vs-buy evaluations, and capital investment proposals
• Maintained cost accounting systems and databases, ensuring data integrity and compliance with accounting standards
• Assisted in monthly close activities including journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance explanations
• Supported budgeting and forecasting cycles by providing historical cost data and trend analysis
• Developed SQL queries and reports to extract and analyze cost data from ERP systems

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Concentration in Finance
Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Bloomington, IN
Graduated: 2010

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, Columbus, OH
Graduated: 2008

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Financial Systems: SAP, Oracle ERP, Microsoft Dynamics, Hyperion Planning
Analytics & Reporting: SQL, Advanced Excel (Power Query, Power Pivot), Power BI, Tableau
Specialized: Activity-Based Costing, Standard Costing, Variance Analysis, Forecasting Models

CORE COMPETENCIES

Cost Management | Management Accounting | Financial Analysis | Forecasting | Budgeting | Performance Management | Project Management | Leadership | Team Development | Strategic Planning | Process Improvement | Benchmarking | Stakeholder Communication | Management Reporting | Data Analytics