Leslie Hess

Background

About Leslie Hess

I have been a CFO for over 20 years and bring forth a broad level of experience from large corporations to small business, Healthcare to Technology to Utilities, in both for-profit and government environments. I have strong first-hand knowledge Accounting and Operations and what it takes to achieve success. I've had the honor to work with multiple companies to overcome their operational and financial challenges and help them to return to a strong a viable organization. Many times, they have simply fallen into the attitude of “it is the way we have always done it” and failed to look at more creative and innovative ways to keep up with competition and to utilize technology to their benefit. I believe very strongly in a mentoring approach and helping organizations and the employees to grow and be successful. I adhere to the belief that we are all in the business of customer service to both our internal and external customers. This is applicable to all positions, no matter what level they serve within the organization. It begins with building a level of trust and respect amongst the entire staff as well as our external customers, and promoting a strong vision of teamwork and common goals. The result is establishing long-term relationships that work. My experience includes successful management of multiple departments, a strong understanding of the general ledger and financial operations, preparation and presentation of financial statements, strategic planning, government compliance, budgeting, contract negotiations, and the ability to present to individuals at all levels. Examples of my accomplishments include; growth of annual sales from $2M to $93M in 7 years, re-negotiating $63M of utility loans, leading public town halls on the transition of Y2K, and meeting with the media when tragedies occur that affected our hospital. I am a strong contributor with the ability to both think, and act strategically, while utilizing a hands on approach when needed. Specialties: I am a not the typical accountant, but rather a “people person” that just happens to have strong skills in accounting and analytics, strategic planning, management, operations, organizing and motivating.