Robin Tiller - Chief Financial Officer

Professional Summary

Robin Tiller has more than 20 years of experience in accounting and financial management, as well as contracts management and strategic planning. At EAS, Robin reports to the Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for all financial matters and planning and execution of all administrative functions. Her duties include accounting (e.g., payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable), human resources (HR), contracts, and information technology (IT). As a key member of the Senior Management Team, she collaborates with other team members, ensuring that all financial, IT, and HR solutions positively support EAS's evolving strategy, operational delivery, and data collection needs.

Robin's specific financial and operational management responsibilities at EAS include:

  • Provide financial expertise and analysis in support of strategic and business plans; develop financial business plans and forecasts
  • Coordinate the development and monitoring of budgets, overhead, and billing rates
  • Ensure that finance staff maintains financial record systems in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and monitor the use of all funds
  • Oversee the preparation and approval of all financial reporting materials; prepare and communicate monthly and annual financial statements
  • Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures
  • Manage cash flow and forecast cash requirements
  • Coordinate all audit activities and ensure proper filing of state and federal tax returns
  • Develop employee salary and benefit packages; evaluate and oversee all benefits negotiations, thus providing the most competitive packages for EAS employees
  • Oversee financing strategies and activities, as well as banking relationships
  • Develop and maintain company policies and procedures
  • Manage organization's physical infrastructure and system maintenance (phone system, security, cleaning, supplies, etc.)

Areas of Specialization

  • Leadership of company accounting, financial, and budget management functions
  • Alignment of business management functions with company strategic financial and operational objectives
  • In-depth understanding of accounting principles, government cost accounting standards, and good internal control practices
  • Excellent working knowledge of business concepts, business applications, and financial data
  • Problem identification and resolution
  • Relationship management and teamwork
  • Very proficient with accounting and Microsoft Office software:
    • Deltek GCS Premier and Costpoint
    • QuickBooks
    • PeopleSoft Payroll
    • Microsoft Office software including Access, Excel, Word, Outlook, and Internet Explorer
    • Specialized audit software including ACL and PWC TeamMate

Relevant Work Experience

Dade Moeller and Associates, Richland, WA, December 2008 – October 2011

Vice President, Business Operations: Reported to the President and responsible for defining and streamlining the processes and infrastructure/systems needed to support the company's growth objectives, which included doubling revenues in a 5-year period and acquiring two other firms. Served as a business partner to the Senior Management Team on the organization's financial, budgeting, and administrative processes—including HR, Information Technology, Contracts Management and Accounting functions, with an eye to continuously developing and improving systems. Responsibilities included:

  • Developed and managed direct staff in Accounting, Contracts, HR, and IT. Provided guidance and leadership to a team of 30+ individuals assigned to these managers
  • Project Manager over the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning System, Deltek Costpoint
  • Engaged the Deputy Chief Operations Officer and other members of the Senior Management Team to more effectively align and integrate financial management and support functions with short- and long-term financial and operational strategic objectives
  • Engaged the Board and Senior Management Team around issues, trends, and changes in the business operating model and operational delivery
  • Coordinated the development and monitoring of annual overhead budgets
  • Ensured legal and regulatory compliance regarding all business functions
  • Participated in corporate policy development as a member of the Senior Management Team

Senior Accounting Manager: Provided leadership and coordination of company accounting and budget management functions during a period of very high growth, including a single year in which company revenue doubled. Supervised the activities of 10 staff members. Established and implemented Accounting Department goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures. Responsible for ensuring that company accounting procedures conform to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, government cost accounting standards, as well as with local, state, and federal accounting and reporting requirements. Managed the preparation of all monthly and annual financial reports, including the Incurred Cost Expense report to the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Other responsibilities included monitoring and analyzing monthly operating results against budget; preparing financial analysis for contract negotiations and investment decisions; and directing internal financial audits resulting in recommendations for procedural improvements.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), operated by Battelle, Richland, WA, June 1990 – December 2008

Robin started at PNNL as a financial specialist. In that role, she prepared detailed quarterly and annual organizational overhead budgets and staffing plan, along with monthly reports to track financial performance against plans. From there, her duties grew to payroll and business management, principal auditor, and senior government accounting specialist.

Senior Government Accounting Specialist: Responsible for the preparation and submittal of Incurred Cost Claim and Disclosure Statement. Provide consultation to management and staff regarding compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Perform audit liaison activities with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and corporate financial statement auditors. Provide management controls expertise and controls testing in support of PNNL's A-123 (management controls) program.

Auditing: Responsible for the planning and execution of reviews of the adequacy and effectiveness of management controls and processes, as well as conformance with accounting principles, contractual requirements, and applicable federal regulations, including CAS and FAR. Also specialized in the area of information technology security and controls. Other responsibilities included coordinating and providing assistance to external auditors in their annual audit of Battelle's financial statements, coordinating the Internal Audit Department’s testing of A-123 controls over financial reporting, and conducting investigations to resolve staff, management, and external concerns.

Business Management: Provided business and financial support to the Energy Science and Technology Directorate. Coordinated the budget process and preparation of detailed quarterly and annual organizational overhead budgets and staffing plans. Calculated overhead rates and developed and prepared monthly reports to track financial performance against plans. Provided financial expertise and analysis in support of strategic and business plans. Reviewed and approved financial elements of research proposals. Provided training and education to staff on financial policies and procedures.

Payroll Management: Provided management and leadership for the Payroll function at PNNL. Managed three payroll assistants, as well as the business systems, processes, and requirements related to that function. Developed content for and led the roll-out of Lab-wide, computer-based time reporting training. Implemented paperless pay statements, which resulted in savings of approximately $10,000 a year in direct costs and a considerable reduction in labor hours associated with the printing, sorting, and delivery of approximately 85,000 forms annually. Implemented several payroll process improvements and procedures leading to complete reconciliation of all payroll and benefit related general ledger accounts that had not been successfully reconciled for several years under previous management.

Education/Training

  • Bachelor of Science in Business (Accounting), May 1990
  • Minor in Spanish, May 1990, University of Idaho
  • Management Skills Development Program – PNNL, completed in 2002
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – Inactive, State of Washington, June 1993
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), September 2000-2003

Professional Affiliations

  • Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), Washington Tri-Cities Chapter, President, 2011-2012
  • Director of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Programs, 1994-1995
  • Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Mid-Columbia Chapter, 1993-2007. Positions included Treasurer, Secretary, Program Committee Chair, President Elect, and President

Awards

  • PNNL Outstanding Performance Award for Development and Roll-out of Lab-Wide Time Reporting Training, 2003
  • National Property Management Association Award of Merit for Literary Excellence, “Purchasing Cards and Property Control Strategy,” 2004
  • PNNL Outstanding Team Participant Award for Participation on the Idaho National Laboratory Transition Team, 2005