JOSEPH J LAPORTA JR
74 Highland Ave Bergenfield, New Jersey 07621
joelaporta[at]verizon.net 201 501-0049 cell 201 456-0612


Construction Controller

Extensive experienced in public and construction accounting. Demonstrated track record of leading the preparation and analysis of GAAP compliant financial statements. Proven expertise in the implementation of best business practices in order to position and guide companies for controlled growth and profitability. Motivated leader directing highly skilled financial management teams to support achievement of overall corporate goals and objectives. Core competencies include:
Accounting Management
Bonding, Insurance & Banking Liaison
Cash Management
Audits
Monitor buy-out processJob Cost Analysis
Work in Process schedule
Work on hand schedule
Timberline Office 9.6Microsoft OfficeUltra Tax Software


CAREER EXPERIENCE
Cottage International Development Group, Yonkers, New York, March 2009 Oct 2009
Controller
Directed financial management functions including development of monthly/quarterly financial statements, financial forecasts, and budgets. Oversee general accounting functions, including AR/AP, account reconciliation, and cash management. Administer all financial management systems, evaluating and integrating new applications. Interact with the President concerning financial forecasts, Job Costing and Cash Reports.
Provided timely cost reports to project management, banking and bonding company.
Strategically restructured financial reporting processes in accordance with organizational changes.
Improved AIA billing and change order processes
Provided reconciliation of Timberline and company financial statements.

Twin Towers Enterprises, Maspeth, New York, Sept. 2003 Feb. 2009
Controller
Worked directly with and provided financial reports for the CEO, Insurance, Banking, outside CPAs and Bonding companies.
Closed financial records on a monthly basis.
Provided and updated project cost analysis and schedules.
Improved accuracy and accountability of AIA-Timberline contract billing process.
Analyzed Risk Management procedures, while increasing coverage.
Conceived purchasing and buyout procedures and controls.
Maintained and Reconciled Timberline accounting modules. Trained and supported immediate staff and project management in the respective use of Timberline software.
Filed all company tax returns: Sales, payroll, corporate and Motor Fuels.
NetVersant, New York, Jan.2000 Aug.2003
Controller
Maintained, monitored and reconciled companys General Ledger. Prepared and closed companys month-end accounting records.
Key Achievements:
Instrumental in reducing companys Accounts Receivable from $5.7 to $1.4 million within one year, thereby reducing borrowing and companys direct bottom line, increase to approximately $ 400,000.
Reclassified General Ledger to provide corporate office with a detailed classified balance sheet
Provided management with monthly project actual vs. budgeted cost analysis.
Consistently met deadlines while demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills to achieve corporate objectives.
Plato General Construction, Long Island City, New York June 1992 Dec. 1999
Controller
Reported directly to company Owner/President. Supervised accounting staff and provided support to field staff including Project Managers and Field Supervisors.
Key Achievement:
Increased unsecured bank line of credit, from $ 600K to $ 1.2M.
Increased bonding line from $ 3M to $ 15M per project.
Upgraded automated accounting software from Peachtree to Timberline.
Reduced insurance cost such as Workers Comp, NJ
General Liability and Auto.

LaPorta & Michaels, Hewitt, NJ1983 1992
Partner
A general accounting firm providing general write up, business consulting and tax work.
Key Achievement:
Diversified existing client base from primarily construction firms to include, Investment, Law, Real Estate Appraisal, Medical, Transportation, Advertising and Cable Install firms.
Designed and created Accounting systems as well as the use of electronic tax software packages, for various clients, in order to meet each clients industry standard while providing training and support to their staff when required.

Joseph Hockberg, CPA & Co, Hackensack, NJ1981 - 1982
Senior Accountant

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Accounting & Finance (1981)
WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY,WAYNE, NJ