HOWARD M.

SCHIER
Berkeley Heights, New Jersey 07922
(908) 566-5663
Hschier8@gmail.com

SUMMARY
Results-driven financial planning and analysis director with proven ability to drive changes that increase corporate revenue
while reducing operating costs. Ensure alignment with business priorities and serve as trusted advisor and resource to senior
executives and management teams in achieving results. A highly analytical professional with a diverse financial and
accounting background, strong communication, leadership and project management skills.

SPECIALITIES
Finance professional with strong track record in developing long and short-term budgets, forecasts, variance analysis,
management reporting, business case development and ad-hoc analysis. An experienced financial business partner proficient
in partnering with commercial teams to formulate and deliver sound business plans, achieve high levels of operational
performance, accurate forecasts, and drive process improvement. Possesses the ability to quickly understand software
applications, and is especially recognized for having exceptional Excel modeling and data querying skills. Works well both
individually and in team-based environments.
EXPERIENCE
Philips Lighting, Somerset, NJ
Consultant
Developed strategy and business plan for new lighting division initiative.

2014 - 2014

Megawatt Consulting, Berkeley Heights, NJ

2010 - 2013
Financial Planning & Analysis Consultant / Power Plant Developer
Developed financial models, business plans, project timelines, analytical tools and strategies to optimize power plant
project ownership structures.
Created long-term construction, commissioning and operating budgets.
Provided ongoing decision support through business planning and analysis
Toys R Us, Wayne, NJ
2007 2010
Director, Capital Management
Led the short and long-term $700 million capital budget planning process. Partnered with department heads throughout
the process, provided analysis, advice and managed expectations.
Analyzed and developed recommendations for significant budget and plan to actual variances. In addition, analyzed
business results and provided upper management with commentary on performance.
Enhanced the approval process for unbudgeted capital requests by creating a standardized request package and
facilitating a robust vetting mechanism, leading to improved information flow and faster approvals.
Performed valuation analysis and negotiated FAO Schwartz acquisition within a 12-hour timeframe, before they were
due to file for bankruptcy, allowing Toys to expand its brand portfolio to high-end customers.
Led and mentored staff of seven top business schools MBAs. Responsible for project prioritization, resource
planning, staffing, workload allocation and team development.
Director, Planning & Analysis
Responsible for E-Commerce, Distribution Center / Logistics & Information Technology departments
Served as a strategic leader directly responsible for developing accurate financial forecasts that optimize sales, margin,
cost movement and inventory
Maintained and updated 5-year financial projections encompassing financial results, with participation/input of the
business unit owners, to be rolled out in advance of the annual business planning process.
Developed and analyzed monthly financial reports regarding website hosting costs, customer service center (CSAT) and
marketing expense ROI
Created ad-hoc analysis to determine financial impact of new marketing initiatives, website enhancements or
functionality using KPI metrics such as conversion rate, penetration, basket size, and repeat visits.
Prepared financial presentations including monthly business reviews, annual budgets and long-term strategic planning
initiatives for senior executives and the Board of Directors.
Managed monthly financial close process, calculated, prepared and analyzed month-end accruals, delivered accurate
financial result including comprehensive analysis of key expense and balance sheet items
Reduced carrier costs by leveraging efficiencies and optimal distribution center sourcing.
Supported monthly financial book close process and implemented process improvements to shorten the book close
process by 2 days or 25% using Six Sigma techniques.

Hitachi Limited, Tarrytown, NY

2004 2007
Director, Business Strategy & Development
Responsible for leading the effort to transform the Power and Industrial Division from a sales organization into an
operating unit by developing business plans, longer term budgeting / forecasts and marketing strategies. Major
accomplishments include the launch of Hitachi Power Systems America as a business to help drive equipment sales.
Coordinated and managed the overall financial budgeting, forecasting, and analyses processes.
Achieved buy-in from senior management to lead the international division's transformation from a sales organization
into an operating unit by developing business plans, longer term budgeting / forecasts and marketing strategies.
Led the development of the divisions annual budgets, forecasted financial statements, cash flow planning, 3-year
strategic plans, and ad hoc financial analysis.
BOC Group, Murray Hill, NJ
2001- 2004
Director, Financial, Planning & Analysis
Coordinated and managed the overall financial planning, forecasting, and analyses processes for the Americas Zone
(North and South America)
Co-led Leadership Development Program involving recruiting, training and mentoring a pool of six to ten planning
analysts for future placement in organization in general management, financial or operational roles.
Developed Analysis for domestic and international acquisitions, divestitures and long-term supply scheme agreements
Worked with commercial teams to develop risks mitigation mechanisms for projects through commercial structures,
contract terms and financial instruments.
Interface closely with the corporate headquarters to ensure the integrity of all project submissions and sharing of best
financial planning & analysis practices across geographies.
Lucent Technologies, Murray Hill, NJ
1997- 2001
Senior Treasury Manager: Capital Markets
Managed corporate and subsidiary cash-flow and balance sheet hedging strategies and implementation
Led Agere IPO and supported Avaya spinoff. Determined optimal capital structures, selected bank deal teams and
negotiated lines of credit.
Oversaw short-term cash flow forecasting and commercial paper program.
Participated in three separate corporate bond issuances totaling over $2 billion.
Treasury Manager: Corporate Finance
Primary liaison with credit rating agencies.
Planned for liquidity requirements using long and short-term cash forecasting techniques and analysis.
Participated in due diligence process of acquisitions.
Ernst & Young LLP, New York, NY
1994-1997
Senior Associate: Audit Capital Markets Group
Led planning/risk assessments and analysis. Administered and performed audits of various magnitudes and
complexities, which included evaluations of accounting systems, records, and internal control structures. Presented
recommendations to management.
Reviewed and assisted clients in the preparation of financial statements, and compliance with reporting and disclosure
requirements of the SEC and other regulatory agencies.
EDUCATION
New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business
M.B.A. Finance/Information Systems
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
B.S. Accounting / Computer Science
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION
Uniform CPA Exam Candidate
Six Sigma Certified
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Served as Board of Directors member for Affinity Federal Credit Union
Microsoft Office, SAP, Hyperion, Oracle, Cognos Impromptu, Business Objects, Timberline
Euromoney Training course Advanced Project Finance Modeling for Analysis, Negotiation and Financing