Debbie Treen
Company Description
Four years ago, 3 friends and I started Smart Cremation, a company whose mission is to provide simple cremation services through a complete reasonably-priced package. We have offices in WA, OR, CA and AZ and own our own crematory in Southern California. We are financed and owned by a larger funeral company located in Houston, TX. Our unique accounting methods allow us to recognize revenue differently than traditional funeral homes. We have low profit margins in order to keep our prices lower, and therefore we must grow in order to generate the volume required to be profitable.
Job Description
Originally my responsibilities included Accounting, Payroll and Human Resources. I set up all accounting and recordkeeping processes for our new company and now spend most of my time tweaking those processes as we grow. I prepare the annual budget as well as overseeing the production of monthly financial statements using Sage's MAS 500 program. I also prepare pricing analysis and business models to forecast results given various alternative operating models.
Employment History
1978-1981 Coopers & Lybrand-performed audits of a variety of clients in manufacturing, nonprofit and insurance industries. 1981-1984 SAFECO-Life insurance controllers department, advancing to tax manager before resigning to have children. 1988-1999 Various insurance companies, working part time and full time depending on family status. 1994-1999 Elected to the Bothell City Council and served as Mayor for 2 years before accepting a new job in Fort Worth, TX. 1999-2005 Ensure Agency-managed an insurance agency selling preneed insurance to fund funeral expenses. 2005-2008 Neptune Society-left sales management to return to my accounting career, recruited as Controller and ultimately promoted to CFO. Managed a department of 10 accountants, responsible for all aspects of financial statements and SEC reporting. Coordinated move of corporate office from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Hired and trained a completely new department in Florida since LA employees did not move with the company. 2008-present Smart Cremation Chief Financial Officer, as described above.
Education
Seattle U, BABA 1977
When and where do you hold meetings with your students?
I'm totally flexible. Since I live and work on the Eastside, it would be nice to meet there, but I also enjoy getting back to downtown Seattle.