MARTIN S. SAMUELS, CPA

24 Bradford Walk

Farmington, CT  06032

Home:  (860) 674-1353

Cell:  (860) 878-5133

martin.samuels@sbcglobal.net

 

 

2005-2006  COLT GATEWAY LLC, Hartford, CT  (Real Estate Development)

 

Director of Finance for Connecticut affiliate of Homes for America Holdings, Inc.

 

Key achievements:

 

·         Achieved common accounting platform by implementing computer conversion from Quickbooks to Yardi.  

·         Improved property and casualty insurance coverage by consolidating insurance policies for multiple properties into master program.

·         Reduced energy costs by implementing natural gas and electric programs with alternative providers.  

·         Negotiated $1.2 million reduction in property tax assessment determined by revaluation company.    

 

Responsibilities:

 

·         Directed financing activities with primary lender, State of Connecticut Development Authority, Department of Economic and Community Development, and City of Hartford.

·         Maintained strong internal accounting controls.  

·         Initiated expense reduction opportunities.  

·         Managed financial activities with corporate office in Yonkers, NY.

 

1994-2005     U.S. FOODSERVICE™ - Ct / Arrow Paper Supply & FOOD COMPANY, Norwich, CT  (Wholesale Distribution)           

      

Vice President – Finance of $180 million Connecticut division:

 

Key achievements:

 

·         Supervised implementation of post acquisition issues when JP Foodservice acquired the company; oversaw due diligence and disclosure process culminating in acquisition.   

·         Negotiated approval from the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development for participation in Urban Jobs Tax Incentives and Railroad Depot Zone programs resulting in annual tax savings of $250,000. 

·         Reduced property and casualty premiums by 48% by converting conventional insurance to corporate risk retention program and implementing safety awareness program.

·         Implemented plan to consolidate 2 Connecticut divisions. 

 

Responsibilities:

 

·         Accounting & Credit – Managed Accounting Department responsible for financial reporting, preparation of annual operating plan and capital expenditure budget, forecasting and analysis, and bank compliance; prepared financial statements for initial audit required by lenders; supervised Credit Manager responsible for corporate credit policy compliance.  

 

 

 

MARTIN S. SAMUELS, CPA                                                                                                           Page 2

 

 

1992-1993   MESSAGE CENTER BEEPERS, Hartford, CT   (Telecommunications)

 

Chief Financial Officer of Hartford-based company with multiple locations:

 

     Financial controller - Directed 45-person Accounting Department; responsible for treasury, credit, MIS, inventory, financial reporting, fleet management and purchasing.

 

     Managed MIS Department - Resolved network reliability problems; directed computer replacement project; outsourced processing of monthly billing statements resulting in increased efficiency.

 

1987-1992   ALDIN ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, East Hartford, CT   (Convenience stores and gasoline service stations; fuel oil; retail liquor store)

 

Chief Financial Officer of $90 million diversified entities:

 

     Supervised selection, purchase, and implementation of computer hardware and software involving multiple vendors; eliminated 15 positions resulting in $375,000 annual savings and reducing outside service bureau costs by $100,000 annually.

 

1977-1987   THE EAGLE GROUP, INC., West Hartford, CT    (Roofing Contractors)

 

Secretary/Treasurer of a $15 million national roofing company with offices in Connecticut and Texas

 

1972-1977       BLUM, SHAPIRO & COMPANY,  P.C., West Hartford, CT (Public Accounting firm)

 

 

COMPUTER SKILLS

 

Microsoft Office XP (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Peoplesoft, Yardi, Quickbooks, Lotus Notes

 

Key team member of 4 successful computer implementations  

 

 

EDUCATION

 

B.S. Quinnipiac University - 1972.  Major:  Accounting.

Graduated with 4.00 average in major.

 

Candidate, M.B.A. University of Phoenix

 

 

PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION

 

Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Connecticut Society of  Certified Public Accountants – 1975.

 

Member, AICPA Information Technology Section.

 

Member, The Financial Executives Networking Group.