Laura Tate-Smith, MBA, CPA
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ♦ Strategic Planning ♦ Disaster Recovery at LLE Education Group- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Credentials
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CGMA, Chartered Global Management Accountant
AICPA -
Certified Public Accountant, CPA
AICPA -
Registered Tax Practitioner and Approved ERO
Internal Revenue Service
Experience
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LLE Education Group
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United States
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Education Administration Programs
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1 - 100 Employee
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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ♦ Strategic Planning ♦ Disaster Recovery
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Jun 2012 - Present
LLE Group is a provider of early childhood education ranging from infants to 8th grade. It’s the largest childcare provider in Northern Virginia with 55 locations. The company operates at $75 million in revenue with 1,500 employees. As a long time contributor, I participate in key decisions as a member of the Executive Management Team, helping to formulate the company's future direction and supporting tactical initiatives, including: ► Evaluating & advising on the impact of long range planning and the introduction of new programs, strategies, and regulatory actions ► Providing recommendations to strategically enhance the company's financial performance and business opportunities ► Monitoring all of the banking activities of the organization to ensure adequate cash flow to meet organizational needs; and developing all management & ad hoc reports. As CFO, I direct all aspects of the Finance & Accounting functions and ensure the credibility of the Finance group by providing timely, accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends, & forecasts. I make sure internal controls are in place to ensure efficiency and compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state & local laws. In addition, I’m responsible for disaster recovery planning and for training all Finance Unit staff. I’ve modernized the Treasury function of LLE Group, resulting in greater staff efficiency and the elimination of services charges. I’ve also implemented tax credits, and implemented KPIs to standardize the evaluation of each location's overall financial health. In any organization, there’s an insurmountable workload. No one person can do it alone. Teamwork is my leadership style. I build, nurture & tweak teams. I work side by side until they're independent to work without my constant attention, or until the mission changes. I believe in regular, timely communication & rewarding team builders within the organization. I believe in being the change you want to see. Work Email: ltatesmith@llegroup.com Show less
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Tate Smith & Company
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Woodbridge, VA
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Accounting and Advisory Services for SME ♦ Personal and Business Taxes
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Jan 2018 - Present
As a CPA, I assist individuals and small-to-mid-sized businesses (SME) with accounting and tax services. I advise them on how to best structure their companies and provide the financial tools for them to grow. I usually set up their accounting and management report systems using Quickbooks or SAGE. In addition, I have experience helping business owners with strategic planning and business plans. For this business, contact me at: (703) 624-6290 or laura.tate-smith@cpa.com As a CPA, I assist individuals and small-to-mid-sized businesses (SME) with accounting and tax services. I advise them on how to best structure their companies and provide the financial tools for them to grow. I usually set up their accounting and management report systems using Quickbooks or SAGE. In addition, I have experience helping business owners with strategic planning and business plans. For this business, contact me at: (703) 624-6290 or laura.tate-smith@cpa.com
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Freddie Mac
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United States
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Financial Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Financial Analysis Director ♦ Regulatory Compliance ♦ Business Planning
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May 2004 - Jun 2012
Today, my 8-year track record at Freddie Mac serves me well as a CFO of LLE Group. My Unit at Freddie Mac was responsible for all projects and accounting activities related to FAS 140/FIN 45 Disclosure and Analytics, Loans & Securitization Baseline, Cash, Window Accounting, Multifamily Accounting, and Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance. This included: ►Staff Management, Development, and Support: Hired, managed, trained, mentored, and motivated staff, including: Senior Financial Analysts, Accounting Managers, and Senior Financial Managers. ►Monthly Financial Close: Managed and coordinated timely and accurate monthly closes for six (6) Accounting Units, as well as monthly Profitability Analysis for the Multifamily division. ►Business Planning: Prepared business operating plans; presented them to Management. Additional Responsibilities: - Budget & Forecasting: Performed budget and forecasting analysis. Coordinated the development & revision of data models for Multifamily tracking/forecasting performance. - Financial Reporting: Communicated and managed the production and analysis of periodic management reports, and transaction and regulatory reports. Also controlled the dissemination of external financial reports. - Audits: Work closely with Internal Audit, Internal Controls, as well as external auditors. - Policies and Procedures: Developed, implemented, and monitored all policies and procedures to ensure quality control and efficiency. - Project Management: Oversaw the development, implementation, and interpretation of highly-complex financial projects. Show less
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Guidance Financial Group
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United States
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Executive Offices
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1 - 100 Employee
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Vice-President and Corporate Controller
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Dec 2001 - May 2004
At Guidance Financial Group, a privately-held financial services holding company, I spearheaded the development of the corporate Accounting functions. Initially launched in 2001 as a mortgage company, the firm subsequently formed an investment advisory company and a registered broker/dealer. I worked directly with the CFO on devising policies and procedures to help the organization grow, and managed the company’s Accounting staff and off-site consultants. I prepared the annual corporate budget, monitored it through budget variance, implemented cost measures, and handled Billing, G/L, A/P, Payroll, and Cash Management. My work in Financial Analysis & Reporting, Profitability Analysis, and Auditing positively affected the entire corporation. Show less
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Mortgage Edge
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Canada
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Financial Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Accounting Manager
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Jan 2001 - Dec 2001
Managed an Accounting Team of three Senior Accountants, two Staff Accountant and two Junior Accountant, and was responsible for the monthly maintenance of over 500 General Ledger accounts, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and payroll. Also performed all other accounting management functions (financial reporting, profitability analysis, budgeting, etc.) Key Achievements: - Successfully completed preparation for the annual audit, including closing out four months of backlogged accounting transactions in one month. - Converted the company’s General Ledger from one software system to another (Great Plains to Accounting for Mortgage Bankers). - Restructured and redesigned the company’s monthly Financial Reporting System, and re-trained the staff on mortgage industry accounting practices. Show less
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Cardinal Bank
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Banking
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Accountant
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Jan 2000 - Jan 2001
Served as Senior Accountant for a publicly-held holding company with five individually-chartered banks and one investment company. Managed staff accountants and was responsible for Accounts Payable, Fixed Assets, General Ledger, and all required financial analysis, reporting, and reconciliation. Served as Senior Accountant for a publicly-held holding company with five individually-chartered banks and one investment company. Managed staff accountants and was responsible for Accounts Payable, Fixed Assets, General Ledger, and all required financial analysis, reporting, and reconciliation.
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Education
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1997 - 1999
Columbus State University
MBA, Business -
1995 - 1996
Columbus State University
BBA, Accounting -
1985 - 1989
University of Alabama, Manderson Graduate School of Business
BS, Finance
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