Herm Stonitsch

Professional Background

Herm Stonitsch is a highly accomplished finance professional offering fractional CFO and Controller-level services, with a wealth of experience grounded in accounting, financial statement preparation, and tax return preparation for both businesses and individuals. With over 30 years in the accounting field, Herm has developed a profound expertise that positions him as a valuable advisor for organizations navigating today's complex financial landscape. His extensive industry experience encompasses new media SaaS, molecular diagnostics, life sciences, biotech, real estate development, construction, engineering, professional sports, industrial equipment leasing, and not-for-profit organizations, allowing him to integrate seamlessly into varied sectors.

As a licensed CPA, Herm holds an MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Lewis University, highlighting his solid educational foundation. His professional journey has included numerous key roles such as Vice President of Finance, Controller, and CFO, with notable leadership positions at firms like Insight Engineering, Indianapolis Colts, Colt Realty & Colt Construction, and Strand Diagnostics.

Herm's collaborative management style emphasizes strategic, operations-oriented finance. He is dedicated to continuous process improvement and scalability within organizations, fostering an intellectual agility that enhances his adaptability in dynamic environments. Additionally, he possesses outstanding conceptual problem-solving and communication skills, which he finds critical in being highly analytical and delivering robust financial analyses to stakeholders.

Education and Achievements

Herm Stonitsch's educational credentials are impressive, having successfully passed all four parts of the CPA exam on his first attempt, a testament to his proficiency in accounting and finance. His MBA, focusing on Finance and Marketing, has further honed his business acumen, positioning him to take on complex financial challenges.

His journey through various prominent roles has equipped him with a solid understanding of strategic management, financial statement preparation and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, banking, tax compliance, and staff development. Herm's role as a Contract Consultant for Financial Planning and Analysis at Burkland underscores his adaptability and broad proficiency in FP&A disciplines.

His former position as Vice President of Finance at Strand Diagnostics, LLC, better known as Know Error, showcases his ability to enhance operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Herm’s tenure at the Indianapolis Colts, Inc. as Controller provides him with unique insights into the intersection of finance and professional sports, further enriching his diverse professional narrative.

Beyond traditional finance functions, Herm is experienced in sourcing financing, proficient in navigating bank term loans, revolving lines of credit, and asset-based lending, as well as compliance reporting and vendor-financing arrangements. His skill set in preparing Private Placement Memoranda has made him an asset to Private Equity and Venture Capital initiatives.

Achievements

Throughout his storied career, Herm has been recognized for his impactful contributions to financial management in numerous sectors. Noteworthy accomplishments include transforming operational finance at Insight Engineering into a more analytical function, enhancing their forecasting procedures and cash flow management.

At the Indianapolis Colts, Herm played a pivotal role in developing financial systems that supported the team’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the field. His efforts ensured streamlined financial operations, underscoring the importance of precise financial stewardship in the high-stakes professional sports environment.

Furthermore, Herm has been instrumental in fostering the development of his staff, emphasizing professional growth and continuous learning within the finance teams he has managed. This commitment to staff management and development is a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy, demonstrating his belief in building high-performing teams as a pathway to organizational success.

In not-for-profit organizations, Herm’s expertise has also been invaluable, allowing these institutions to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while optimizing their financial health. Herm’s analytical skills have assisted groups in securing necessary funding while maintaining stringent compliance with tax regulations and auditing processes.

With a comprehensive skill set and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Herm Stonitsch stands as a pillar in the accounting and finance community, guiding organizations through their financial journeys towards growth and sustainability.