AXIA Resources

Service Offerings

SEC & Financial Reporting

• SOX Initial Design, Implementation and Ongoing Compliance

• Enterprise Risk Management• Internal Audit

• Financial Statement Preparation• Financial Reporting, Footnote Preparation• Prepare GAAP Checklists and/or SEC

Checklists

• Technical Accounting Resolution• Cleanup of the Trial Balance• Debt Covenant Compliance• Assembly of Audit Workpapers

• General Accounting• SEC and Financial Reporting• Interim Treasury and Controller Roles• Analysis and Reconciliation Projects

• Internal Audit and Controls• IT Staff Augmentation• Project Staffing• Financial Modeling

• Information Technology Security and Controls

• Policy and Procedure creation and implementation

Compliance

Pre-Audit Services

Contract Consulting

Professional Recruitment

• Team of Professionals who are Former Accountants and CPAs

• Proven Ability to Partner with You to Obtain Successful Business Solutions

• Thorough Screening Process and Matching Methodology

• Long-standing Relationships and Vast Network of Talent

Admin Connection• Receptionists, Office Assistants• Administrative Assistants• Executive Assistants• HR Support Staff

• Office Managers• Legal Support Staff• A/P and A/R Clerks• Payroll Clerks, Managers

Service Lines Description of Services• US GAAP and IFRS• Technical Issues – Research, Guidance and

Accounting• SEC Reporting and Filings

• Hedge and Derivative Analysis and Reporting

• Transactional Consulting• Financial Statement Analysis

Who We Are CPAs with backgrounds of risk, compliance, financial reporting, SEC, internal audit, technical accounting and SOX.

What We Do Provide conflict-free advisory solutions as ‘client advocates’ in the delivery of professional non-audit services.

How We Do It With proper oversight and preparation--we deliver solutions quickly, economically, and on time.

IndustriesEnergyTechnologyManufacturingHealth care Entertainment

ClientsBMC SoftwareCardtronics Dynegy Inc.El Paso CorporationGastar ExplorationKey Energy ServicesLive NationMD AndersonPlains All AmericanReliant EnergyShell OilSmith InternationalStewart TitleSuez EnergyVotorantim Metais

Contact UsNick BednorzCEO & Managing [email protected]

Williams Tower • 2800 Post Oak Blvd • Suite 3650 • Houston, TX 77056 • 713.589.5050 • www.axiaresources.com © 2009 AXIA Resources


• Just as with your external audit firm, AXIA’s engagement team is organized in a manner so as to deliver world class professional service.

• We provide the leverage of cost effective staff resources with subject matter expertise, planning, management and oversight by dedicated AXIA Directors and/or Managing Directors.

• We serve as ‘conflict-free’ advocates for you. We are not an audit firm and do not give audit opinions.

• Your team will be staffed with highly qualified accounting professionals, former auditors and CPAs that are knowledgeable and experienced.

• We provide budget preparation and weekly progress status reporting.

OVERSIGHT AND PREPARATION

The key to efficient, effective and reasonably priced advisory services, as well as ensuring that your reporting, filing and compliance deadlines are met -- without fee overruns -- is oversight and preparation.

Summary of Capabilities

AXIA’s team of accounting and former Big 4 professionals can provide the requisite blend of experience and technical qualifications to deliver solutions

quickly, economically and on time.


Benefits to You

• Lower overall blended rate.

• Expert advice and conclusions on technical accounting issues.

• Access to our research findings and proprietary database of ‘best practices’.

• Issues are identified early to contain fee overruns.

• Filing deadlines will be met.

Your engagement team possesses deep internal control expertise, allowing us to identify and remediate internal control weaknesses that will enable your company to

function more effectively and allow your organization to perform more efficiently.

INCREASE CAPABILITIES AND SAVE COSTS

Our services are designed to increase the capabilities and performance of your organization as well as create cost savings in the following ways:


People

Professional Profiles

Carrie FerroukhiContact [email protected]

Areas of PracticeSarbanes OxleyInternal AuditEnergy Trading Risk ControlRegulatory ComplianceFinancial ReportingTechnical AccountingGeneral AccountingEnterprise Risk ManagementIFRS

Industry LinesEnergy TradingOil & GasManufacturingEnergy Services

Education/QualificationsTexas A&M University – BBA, Accounting, with HonorsCertified Public Accountant

AssociationsAICPAPast Member – Committee of Chief Risk OfficersPast Member – Energy Markets Forum (UK)Past Member – Texas A&M Finance Advisory Board

Nick is the Co-Founder and CEO of AXIA Resources, a Houston based financial advisory firm that was formed in 2004 by former Big 4 CPAs with a broad background of risk, compliance, SEC & financial reporting, internal audit, technical accounting and Sarbanes experience at companies such as Deloitte, Andersen, Shell Trading, CenterPoint Energy and Continental Airlines. Nick’s leadership guides strategic direction and sets the cultural tone for the entire company. His broad and diverse background gives him unique perspective in driving AXIA to deliver on the multitude of challenges presented by its clients.

Throughout his experience, Nick has developed and implemented high level, comprehensive business risk and control assessments for several, large and mid-cap public companies. His strength lies in facilitating interactive working sessions with the senior leadership teams to communicate results and build consensus. Nick provides hands on risk consulting services to top energy companies in response to new and changing business conditions, including business restructuring, new business strategies and outdated or poorly performing business processes.

Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Nick was Managing Director and Co-Founder of Sirius Solutions. He served as Chief Risk, Regulatory and Compliance Officer at Shell Trading in London, England where he was responsible for managing risk control, internal audit, and the regulatory and compliance function for Shell’s worldwide energy trading businesses. Nick was the Chief Accounting Officer for Coral Energy/Tejas Gas, the U.S. energy trading and natural gas pipeline division of Shell Oil. He also has had roles in corporate development and group controllership for Quanex Corporation, a Fortune 500 manufacturing company. He began his career in the audit practice at Deloitte & Touche, managing financial audits and special projects for public companies in the energy and manufacturing sector, leaving as a Senior Manager.

Nick earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, with Honors, in Accounting from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is a past member of the Committee of Chief Risk Officers, the Energy Markets Forum (UK) and the Texas A&M Finance Advisory Board.

Nick Bednorz, CPACEO & Managing Director


Industry LinesEnergyManufacturingConstructionService

ClientsTycoKeystone InternationalEnterprise ProductsShell TradingDuke EnergyReliant EnergyDynegy

Education/QualificationsStephen F. Austin University – B.B.A Accounting and Management, Magna Cum LaudeCertified Public Accountant

AssociationsAmerican Institute of CPAsThe Texas Society of CPAsInstitute of Internal Auditors

Deanna is the Co-Founder and President of AXIA Resources, a Houston based financial advisory firm that was formed in 2004 by former Big 4 CPAs with a broad background of risk, compliance, SEC & financial reporting, internal audit, technical accounting and Sarbanes experience at companies such as Deloitte, Andersen, Shell Trading, CenterPoint Energy and Continental Airlines.

Deanna is responsible for ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service. Her responsibilities include understanding client needs and providing them with the appropriate resources. Deanna monitors client requests and resource availability to maintain a readily available staff.

Prior to establishing AXIA Resources, Deanna served as a Partner with Sirius Solutions where she played a significant leadership role in the successful growth of that practice from its inception. Deanna started her career at Deloitte & Touche in Houston. While at Deloitte, she focused in the areas of energy, manufacturing, construction and service and was selected to perform an international rotation with a major energy company in Russia. She expanded her international experience by accepting an internal audit position with Keystone, where she focused on the operational control structure of various manufacturing plants located in Scotland, China and Mexico. Deanna then spent five years with The Tinsley Group where she recruited exceptional talent for several of Houston’s top companies. In the process, she developed strong relationships with candidates that ranked in the top of their peer groups, establishing her as a key advisor to them for both their career development and their future business resource requirements.

Deanna earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, Magna Cum Laude, in Accounting and Management from Stephen F. Austin University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of CPAs and the Institute of Internal Auditors..

Deanna Young, CPAPresident & Managing Director

Carrie Ferroukhi

Maryam Cooley is a Managing Director of AXIA Resources, a Houston based financial advisory firm that was formed in 2004 by former Big 4 CPAs with a broad background of risk, compliance, SEC & financial reporting, internal audit, technical accounting and Sarbanes experience at companies such as Deloitte, Andersen, Shell Trading, CenterPoint Energy and Continental Airlines. Maryam is a growth focused Business Development Executive with over 20 years of domestic and international experience in diverse industries including Oil & Gas, Petroleum, Specialty Chemicals, Water Treatment, Reverse Osmosis, Specialty Gases and Capital Goods.

Maryam has been instrumental in building an expansive network of business for AXIA by focusing on strategic development based on current market conditions. Maryam has executed initiatives that include planning, sourcing, evaluating and marketing all service lines at AXIA Resources. She serves as a partner with her clients to help solve critical business issues.

Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Maryam successfully led global teams and secured long-term contracts by creating global strategic alliances for multiple companies including Shell Oil, Air Products and Argo Scientific resulting in an over 50% increase of sales and securing business for five years. She has established business joint ventures with billion dollar companies to secure significantly larger contracts with companies such as Shell Oil, Motiva, Valero, Huntsman and Tesoro. Maryam has also led sales teams and business development efforts to successfully turnaround profit declining businesses to achieve both company profits and sales goals.

Maryam earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Sul Ross State University and a Post-Graduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of Houston – Clear Lake.

Maryam Z. CooleyManaging Director

Contact [email protected]

Industry LinesOil & Gas, PetroleumSpecialty ChemicalsWater TreatmentReverse OsmosisSpecialty GasesCapital Goods

Education/QualificationsSul Ross State University – B.S. Biology and ChemistryUniversity of Houston – Clear Lake – Post-Graduate degree in Biochemistry

Carrie FerroukhiService LineTechnical Advisory Services


Areas of PracticeTechnical Accounting Research and ImplementationRisk AssessmentDerivatives and Mark-to-market AccountingRisk ControlSEC Reporting and ApplicationBig Four Audit ServicesSOX Implementation

Industry LinesEnergy Trading and MarketingOilfield ServicesTechnologyManufacturingFinancial institutions

ClientsBMC SoftwareLive NationBaseline Oil and Gas

Education/QualificationsTexas State University – B.B.A., Accounting, Summa Cum LaudeCertified Public Accountant

AssociationsTexas Society of CPAs

Candus Hinderer is a Vice President of Business Development as well as a Director in our Technical Accounting practice. With over 14 years experience in Energy, Risk, Audit and Accounting, Candus is uniquely qualified to understand the needs of our clients and ensure project success. Candus specializes in technical accounting research and implementation, derivatives and mark-to-market accounting, hedge accounting, risk control and deal structuring as well as SEC reporting and application.

Since joining AXIA in 2006, Candus has provided technical advice on complex topics including the assessment and implementation of SFAS 157/159 and Hedging and Derivatives under SFAS 133/138. She has also designed and implemented hedge effectiveness testing tools and programs for her energy clients. Further, Candus has managed the annual goodwill impairment testing process pursuant to SFAS 142 as well as performed all aspects of purchase accounting for newly acquired companies.

Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Candus served as a Finance Manager for Shell Trading Gas & Power where she was responsible for the power accounting and risk control functions in the New York trading office. Previously, Candus was the SEC Reporting Director for Grey Wolf Drilling as well as an audit senior with Deloitte & Touche.

Candus earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, Summa Cum Laude, in Accounting from Texas State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She is a member of the Texas Society of CPAs as well as the Women’s Energy Network.

Candus Hinderer, CPAVice President & Director

Carrie FerroukhiService LinePre-Audit Services

Contact InformationMobile: [email protected]

Areas of PracticePre-Audit ServicesIFRSFinancial ReportingTechnical AccountingGeneral AccountingERMInternal Audit ServicesRegulatory Compliance

Industry LinesOil & Gas ServicesPower GenerationManufacturingHealth CareNot-For-ProfitTechnologyRetail

ClientsValerus Compression ServicesGastar ExplorationProduction Enhancement GroupCardtronicsTexCom, Inc.US ZincThe Medleh GroupCenterPoint EnergyVeritas DGCHi/Lo Auto Supply

Education/QualificationsTexas A&M University – B.B.A., Accounting

AssociationsInstitute of Internal Auditors

Carrie Ferroukhi is a Director at AXIA Resources with over 12 years experience in multiple industries including Oil and Gas Services, Power Generation, Manufacturing, Health Care, Not-For-Profit, Technology and Retail. Carrie has provided a wide range of Accounting and Internal Audit services to clients that include IFRS implementation, SOX documentation, testing and managing the project, as well as technical accounting, general accounting, enterprise risk management and financial reporting.

Since joining AXIA in 2005, Carrie has managed the implementation of a first year IFRS conversion for a subsidiary of a $7 Billion foreign parent which included creating financial statements and the related footnotes in accordance with IFRS. Carrie facilitated and managed an enterprise risk management risk assessment for a $500 million manufacturing client which involved the interview of key process owners (Vice President + 1 level down), identifying and prioritizing residual risks and business gaps. Carrie has also held several interim positions including CAO and Controller. Finally, Carrie has extensive experience implementing and managing Sarbanes-Oxley frameworks and was instrumental in developing AXIA’s SOX methodology, accompanying templates and management reporting tools.

Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Carrie worked at CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and Andersen, where she gained experience in financial reporting, general accounting, auditing and compliance. Specifically, this experience included preparation of SEC filings, building a new Hyperion structure, preparing entries and support for the CenterPoint Energy/Reliant Energy restructuring and planning, administering and executing client audits.

Carrie earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University and serves as a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Carrie FerroukhiDirector

Carrie FerroukhiService LineCompliance & Reporting


Areas of PracticeInternal Audit ServicesRegulatory ComplianceFinancial Reporting

Industry LinesOil & GasManufacturingPower Generation Gaming/ Racing

ClientsValerus Compression ServicesMilagro ExplorationGastar ExplorationPetro Resources CorporationNevada Gold & CasinosMAXXAM Inc.Saratoga ResourcesSterling ChemicalsGulf Western Petroleum Rosetta ResourcesApache CorporationDynegy Inc.

Education/QualificationsTexas A&M University – B.B.A., Accounting, with HonorsCertified Public Accountant

AssociationsInstitute of Internal AuditorsThe Texas Society of CPAsHouston Livestock Show & Rodeo – Lifetime Member and CommitteemanJunior League of HoustonTrinity Episcopal Church – Endowment Board

Elizabeth Epler is a Director at AXIA Resources with over 15 years experience in internal controls, financial statement auditing, internal auditing and financial consulting. She has extensive industry knowledge in Energy (emphasis on exploration and production), Manufacturing, Gaming and Racing. Elizabeth has provided a wide range of services to clients that include SOX implementations (design, documentation and testing) and project management, internal audit, enterprise risk management implementation and financial reporting.

Elizabeth joined AXIA in 2005 and is accountable for the execution and management of AXIA’s Sarbanes Oxley practice which includes building and maintaining client relationships and development of AXIA’s SOX methodology, accompanying templates and management reporting tools. She interfaces with executive management and Audit Committees from project set-up to final Audit Committee reporting. Elizabeth liaises with external auditors as client advocate, reviews and delivers final product with analysis of results and creation of action plans. Additionally, Elizabeth has facilitated and managed an enterprise risk management risk assessment for a $500 million manufacturing client.

Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Elizabeth worked as a Internal Audit Manager at Jefferson Wells and a Manger at Arthur Andersen, where she gained experience planning, managing and performing internal audits and SOX implementations, preparing financial statements and filings with the SEC and managing the overall audit. Some of Elizabeth’s responsibilities included coordination and preparation of quarterly and annual report, preparing financial statements, drafting footnotes, overall project management and overall document review.

Elizabeth earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, with Honors, in Accounting from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Texas Society of CPAs, is a Lifetime Member and Committeeman of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, a member of the Junior League of Houston and serves on the Trinity Episcopal Church Endowment Board.

Elizabeth A. Epler, CPADirector

Carrie FerroukhiService LineCompliance

Contact InformationMobile: [email protected]

Areas of PracticeTechnology Risk ServicesInternal Audit ServicesRegulatory Compliance

Industry LinesOil & GasManufacturingHealth CareGovernmentGaming/RacingBanking

ClientsValerus Compression ServicesMilagro ExplorationGastar ExplorationPetro Resources CorporationEl Paso CorporationCardtronicsNevada Gold & CasinosKGen Power CorporationMAXXAM, Inc.Saratoga ResourcesSterling Chemical

Education/QualificationsTexas A&M University – B.B.A Management Information SystemsCISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)

AssociationsInformation Systems audit and Control Association (ISACA)Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)Junior League of Houston

Jessica Getz is a Director at AXIA Resources with over 10 years experience in Energy, Oil & Gas, Health Care, Banking, Manufacturing and Racing/Gaming. Jessica has provided a wide range of Technology Risk/Internal Audit services to clients that include IT SOX implementations (design, documentation and testing) and project management, as well as internal audit, general IT consulting and risk management.

Since joining AXIA in 2005, Jessica has been accountable for the execution and management of AXIA’s Sarbanes Oxley IT practice and client relationships, which includes the development of AXIA’s SOX IT methodology, accompanying templates and management reporting tools. She has led several Sarbanes-Oxley compliance initiatives. Her responsibilities in these roles have included: documentation, testing, interfacing with executive management and Audit Committees from project set-up to final Audit Committee reporting, project planning and management, liaising with external auditors as client advocate, review and delivery of final product with analysis of results and creation of action plans. In addition, Jessica has implemented and managed a self assessment for Sarbanes-Oxley IT controls.

Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Jessica worked at Continental Airlines, Stewart & Stevenson and Deloitte, where she gained broad and diverse experience in IT auditing and consulting. She led teams that provided IT control assessments and process improvements. Her work included identifying processes, analyzing areas of potential risk and identifying mitigating controls. Jessica has also supervised and performed operational process and internal control reviews within multiple business cycles. Finally, Jessica’s experience in the Banking industry included reviewing FIDICIA procedures and deposit, loan, commercial lending and personal lending cycles.

Jessica earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Management Information Systems from Texas A&M University and has earned certifications as a Certified Information Systems Auditor and a Certified Fraud Examiner. She is a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the Junior League of Houston.

Jessica Getz, CISA, CFEDirector

Carrie FerroukhiService LineProfessional Recruitment


Industry LinesOil & GasPower GenerationManufacturingHealth CareEntertainmentReal Estate ServicesEnergy Trading

ClientsReliant EnergyElPaso CorporationCitiGroupHilCorp EnergyStewart TitleTauber OilFulcrum Power ServicesIntertek

Education/QualificationsLeTourneau University – B.B.ARice University – Professional HR Development Program

AssociationsWomen’s Energy Network of HoustonThe Houston CPA SocietyThe Internal Audit Society

Lisa Brantley is a Vice President of Business Development at AXIA Resources with over 15 years experience devoted to client relationship management, general accounting, human resources and corporate training. Lisa is responsible for establishing, building and maintaining client, candidate and partner relationships to produce sales growth in multiple lines of business. Lisa has executed operational and strategic initiatives that include planning, sourcing, recruiting, interviewing, evaluating and marketing talent for the Financial Recruitment service line at AXIA Resources . She has been instrumental in building an expansive network of business for AXIA. She serves as a partner with her clients to help solve critical business issues while providing a tailored approach to each search, identifying the right blend of chemistry and credentials for her clients.

Prior to joining AXIA Resources, Lisa worked as an Account Manager at Donovan and Watkins, a boutique search firm, where she expanded market share by identifying and developing in excess of 50 accounts within a variety of industries. Lisa built and nurtured long-term client and candidate relationships, recruited accounting and finance professionals at staff, management, director and executive levels. Some of Lisa’s responsibilities also included representing the company at recruiting and networking events, expanding the accounting and finance division and training new associates. Prior to that, Lisa was a Trainer and Management Consultant organizing and presenting educational seminars for Fortune 500 companies. Lisa also served as a Controller for Moody National Companies where she managed the company’s financial activities and human resource functions.

Lisa earned a Bachelors of Business Administration degree from LeTourneau University and has completed the Professional HR Development Program at Rice University. She is a member of the Women’s Energy Network of Houston and is involved in The Houston CPA Society and The Internal Audit Society.

Lisa BrantleyVP Business Development


Industry LinesCommercial Real EstateInvestment BankingOil & GasEngineering & ConstructionArchitectureAdvertising/Marketing

ClientsCB Richard EllisTellepsen BuildersGamma ConstructionUnique DigitalAmREITWoodway Financial AdvisorsBernstein Investment Management

Education/QualificationsUniversity of HoustonCPC, Certified Personnel Consultant

AssociationsNAPS, National Association of Personnel ServicesBoard Member, Houston Shakespeare FestivalBoard Member, Children’s Theatre Festival

René is one of the state’s top-ranked administrative staffing professionals, ranking in both Houston’s and Texas’ Top 10 lists multiple times since joining the profession in 2000. She has assisted clients in a variety of industries including energy, commercial real estate, investment banking, environmental consulting and technical services.

René has managed the Admin Connection division at AXIA Resources and has been instrumental in building a new service line from the ground up. René has focused on strategic development based on current market conditions. She is recognized for her commitment to finding and screening top talent, as well as her honesty and integrity. René has developed a reputation for being a true staffing consultant, not simply a recruiter. Because of this, she has built an extensive network with a strong candidate referral base

Prior to joining AXIA Resources, René served as vice president and senior consultant for MK Personnel, Ltd. where she was responsible for business development and recruiting, as well as training and developing new consultants. In this role, she was instrumental in establishing a broad client and candidate base, through networking and marketing. René has had a service oriented career from the beginning, where she worked in retail and spent several years in the administrative field. She has also held multiple roles in sales and marketing and account management.

René is a Certified Personnel Consultant, is a member the National Association of Personnel Services and sits on the Boards of the Houston Shakespeare Festival and The Children’s Theatre Festival.

René NunnalleeVP – Admin Connection


Nick BednorzCEO and Managing Director

[email protected]

Maryam CooleyManaging Director

[email protected]

Candus HindererVice President and Director

[email protected]

Deanna YoungPresident and Managing Director

[email protected]

Lisa BrantleyVP Business Development

[email protected]

Axia ResourcesWilliams Tower

2800 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 3650Houston, Texas 77056

www.axiaresources.com

Contact Us

15

AXIA Resources

Documents

Transcript of AXIA Resources