Heather Swartzlander
About Heather Swartzlander
Heather Swartzlander is a Credit and Collections Manager with extensive experience in accounting and finance. She has worked in various roles across multiple companies, managing significant portfolios and implementing processes to improve cash flow and team performance.
Work at Brambles
Heather Swartzlander has served as the Credit and Collections Manager at Brambles since 2014. In this role, she manages credit and collections processes, focusing on improving cash flow and reducing Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). Her responsibilities include leading cross-functional collaborations and implementing strategies to enhance financial performance. Swartzlander has also developed performance metric requirements and conducts regular performance reviews for her team members to ensure operational efficiency.
Previous Experience in Accounting
Before joining Brambles, Heather Swartzlander held various accounting roles. She worked at Hops Grill & Brewery as a Unit Accountant from 1998 to 2003, where she gained experience in financial management. Following this, she served as Staff Accountant, Office Manager, and Import Specialist at Anova Seafood from 2004 to 2008. Additionally, she worked as a Staff Accountant at The Building Center, Inc. for 11 months in 1996-1997. These positions provided her with a solid foundation in accounting and finance.
Education and Expertise
Heather Swartzlander earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a focus on Industrial and Operations Management from the University of North Carolina. She studied from 1998 to 2002, acquiring knowledge and skills that have contributed to her career in finance and accounting. Her educational background supports her expertise in managing complex financial portfolios and implementing effective financial processes.
Portfolio Management Experience
In her career, Heather Swartzlander has managed a multi-business unit portfolio valued at $1.8 billion. This experience involved coordinating efforts between local and offshore teams to ensure effective management of financial operations. Her ability to oversee such a significant portfolio demonstrates her proficiency in financial management and her capacity to handle complex financial challenges.
Process Improvement Initiatives
Heather Swartzlander has implemented several process improvement initiatives throughout her career. She established a dispute reporting process to track and resolve doubtful items, enhancing the efficiency of the collections process. Additionally, she collaborated with a project manager to develop, test, and implement a new cash application tool, further contributing to the improvement of cash flow management.