1. JAMES W. FINK
1032 Bonnie Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068-5102
(847) 823-2950
JamesWFink@Yahoo.com
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER
A systems professional with extensive experience in designing; programming (primarily Visual C# and
C++); testing; documentation; training; team lead, and support in client/server environments. Areas of
expertise include gateway servers, trading systems, manufacturing control systems, distribution, point-
of-sales, accounting, billing, and statistics. Developed new systems and enhanced existing systems
using object oriented programming (OOP/ OOA) throughout full life cycle (SDLC). Experience is
enhanced with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology with further studies in math, electrical
engineering, computer science, and business. Have completed 123 semester hours of credited graduate
and under graduate courses beyond the BS degree.
TOOLS: Excel, Word, Power Point, Databases (SQL Server and Access), Visual Studio, Visio
LANGUAGES: C#, C / C++ (Visual C++), Visual Basic, XNA, HSLS, STL, XML, SQL,
HTML, CSS, Java Script
SYSTEMS: Microsoft Windows, .NET, ADO.NET, ASP.NET, MVC, EF
COMMUNICATIONS & PROTOCOLS:
TCP/IP, UDP/IP, Multicast, FIX, FAST, XML, HTTP, HTTPS, RS232, RS422,
RS485, Binary format (to NYSE, PHLX, OPRA), WCF
WORK EXPERIENCE
FinkSoftware, Park Ridge, IL, 2001 to Present
Developer and Owner (Using C#, C++, XNA, DirectX, HSLS, HTML, CSS, Java Script,
ADO.NET, ASP.NET, MVC, EF, SQLServer 2014, SDLC)
Developing flight simulators using C#, XNA, C++, DirectX, and HSLS. Developed different
versions of company website (www.FinkSoftware.com). Also developed MVC, EF, and SQL
Server site for performing web analysis. Licensed pilot. Working part time until 2013 and full
time since 2013.
Belvedere Trading, Chicago, IL. March 2006 to September 2013
Senior Software Engineer (Used C#, C++, C, WCF, ASP.NET, ADO.NET, MVC, SQL Server,
SDLC)
Designed and built a high speed communications library that is used for client/server
communications (point-to-point or multipoint) using TCP, UDP, or multicast. Designed and built
high speed FIX, mass quoting, and FAST market data engines. Built connections to and
certificated with BATS, BOX, CME, CBOE, C2, ICE, ISE, Gemini, AMEX, ARCA, NASDAQ,
NASDAQBX, PHLX, REDI exchanges, and OPRA. Developed translators for exchange specific
and clearing requirements. Developed several floor trade systems. Team lead on Smart Order
Router project, used for automatic selection of best option exchange and to handle intermarket
sweep orders. Trouble shoot issues. Documented APIs and test plans. Filed financial reports with
FINRA. Used agile and scrum methodologies. Wrote test plans, conducted tests (automatic and
2. JAMES W. FINK Page 2 of 4
manual (white & black box) unit tests, integration tests, and performance tests). Approved QA
test plans. Worked close with QA and beta testers.
Motorola, Arlington Heights, IL. December 2005 to March 2006
Software Developer (Used C, UDP/IP protocol, and UMTS protocol on UNIX (Linux / Solaris
systems))
Developed mobile radio communications software for access point microchips. Used agile
methodologies.
PATSystems, Chicago, IL. February 2004 to December 2005
Software Developer (Used object oriented Visual C++ (VC++), MFC, Win32 SDK, STL,
TPC/IP & UDP/IP sockets layer coding, real-time coding, XML, XSL, FIX, TIBCO, OOA, OOD,
and OOP on Microsoft 200x client/server systems, SDLC)
Developed trading servers that communicated between PATSystems core systems and various
futures and options exchanges. These systems were multithreaded and time critical. Tasks
included designing, programming, testing, documenting, training, and supporting. Languages used
are C++ (using MFC, STL, and Win32 SDK), XML, and XSL. Protocols used are TCP/IP,
UDP/IP, FIX (Standard), and TIBCO. The exchanges included CME, Montreal, TOCOM (FIX),
Hong Kong Futures Exchange (FIX), Korean Futures Exchange (FIX), Korean Stock Exchange
(FIX), Osaka Securities Exchange (FIX), Tokyo International Financial Futures Exchange (FIX),
and Tokyo Stock Exchange (FIX). Supported LIFFE (Connect), CBOT, CBOE, and EUREX.
Coordinated with exchange personnel for the development of these systems. Wrote test plans,
conducted tests (unit tests (white & black box), integration tests, and performance tests).
Consulting: May 2001 to February 2004
Client: Riverside Publishing Company, Itasca, IL.
Senior Software Developer (Used Visual C++ (VC++), MFC, Win32 SDK, HTML Help, COM,
InstallShield, OOA, OOD, OOP, real time, SDLC, and Windows Installer (MSI) on Microsoft
Windows NT/2000 client server systems)
Developed an automated CD burning system using VC++, MFC, Win32 SDK, SQL (to Oracle and Access
databases), and MSMQ. This system runs as services. It is object oriented, multi-threaded and
multi-process (with inter process communications). Developed a MFC GUI application to control
the services. This system greatly shortens the CD burning time for large orders and allows the
company to meet tight turn-around times. Developed and maintained InstallShield (and MSI)
programs and performed configuration management. Wrote test plans, conducted tests (unit test
(white & black box), integration tests, and performance tests).
Client: Freya Group, Chicago, IL.
Project Manager And Software Developer (Used Visual Basic (VB), SQL, XML, DOM, real
time, and InstallShield scripts on Microsoft Windows NT/2000/98/ME/XP client-server systems,
SDLC)
Coded, tested, and managed the development of a client side trading and risk management system.
This is a real time GUI application called GTEX, Global Trade Execution System. Coordinated
with the server side development, and interfaced with investors and potential customers.
Developed XML message system to transfer data to and from the server pool. Invented a special
algorithm that reduced the time required to parse certain XML messages by at least 90%. Used
SQL statements via ADO to MS SQL databases. Developed an InstallShield program to install
the client software and MDAC on various Windows systems.
Client: Firestone Tires via. Strategic Solutions, Inc., Villa Park, IL.
Senior Software Engineer (Using Visual Basic and databases)
3. JAMES W. FINK Page 3 of 4
Developed full front-end of new point-of-sales system and database interface. This included
inventory control and local store transfers. Used SQL statements via ADO to MS SQL Server
databases. Coordinated the nightly collection of sales data from over 1600 stores.
William Rainey Harper College, Palatine, IL, May 1999 to August 2003
Adjunct Faculty
Taught courses in Advanced C Programming, Windows operating system, Internet, and Visual
Basic. Developed lectures, overheads, and tests.
Trading Technologies, Inc., Evanston, IL. September 1, 1999 to May 2001
Software Developer (Used Visual C++ (VC++), Win32 SDK, STL, TIBCO, VB, TCP/IP
sockets layer coding, real time coding, OOA, OOD, OOP, and InstallShield scripts on Microsoft
NT client server systems, SDLC)
Acted as team lead for various projects. Mentored and trained junior developers. Developed high
speed gateway servers and routers using object oriented, C++ code. The gateways interface with
equity, futures, and option markets throughout Europe and the United States. These servers
operate as services. They are multi-threaded and use socket and TIBCO communications. Used
STL containers and Win APIs. Developed InstallShield packages to install the servers. Wrote
InstallShield scripts to make various registry settings, environmental settings, and to install and
manipulate files. Participated in the development of an automated configuration management
system that also automated the build and packaging process. This system greatly reduces the
chance of errors in the deployment of packaged products. Wrote test plans, conducted tests (unit
test (white & black box), integration tests, and performance tests).
Deluxe Video Service, Inc, Deerfield, IL, September 1995 to August 31, 1999
Senior Software Engineer - Process Control (Used object oriented C++, MFC, Win32 API,
SQL, OOA, OOD, & OOP on Microsoft NT client server systems, SDLC)
Developed control systems for manufacturing and distribution. Wrote requirements and functional
specifications; researched solutions; developed time and risk estimates; developed Gantt charts;
developed project plans; developed object oriented analysis and designs; wrote C++ object
oriented code; developed graphical user interfaces (GUI); wrote documentation (user manuals,
technical manuals, help desk procedures, MS-Help Files); developed and conducted presentations;
wrote and completed test plans; and wrote and completed implementation plans. Wrote multi-
threaded and multi-process (with inter process communications), real time, programs in C++ that
were extremely time sensitive. Developed programs that worked with databases and developed
programs that communicated with equipment using RS232, RS422, RS485, and TCP/IP protocols.
Some of the systems transferred files to and from a host using Connect:Direct, TCP/IP, Ethernet
and/or Token Ring. Developed interfaces between AS400, UNIX, and Microsoft NT Servers and
Workstations using Korn shell scripts and C++ programs. Wrote test plans, conducted tests (unit
tests (white & black box), integration tests, and performance tests). Was the IT coordinator
between contractors, venders, and operations.
Systems Resources Consulting, Inc., Downers Grove, IL, 1993 to 1995
Technical Consultant (Used C and Network systems)
Coded and tested a new postal address correction system using C. Also installed, configured, and
supported PC and network software.
United State Cellular Corporation, Chicago, IL, 1991 to 1993
Business Analyst
Conducted staff meetings. Supervised new billing system installations. Developed billing systems.
Central Telephone Company, Chicago, IL, 1977 to 1991
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Staff Manager (Using Fortran and Basic)
Wrote instruction manuals, designed and conducted training sessions, and gave presentations at
seminars. Developed capital recovery studies and separation-of-cost studies. Both of these studies
were used in rate cases with state utility commissions. Developed written testimonies that were
used in rate cases. Supported my studies in state utility commission meeting. Supervised 5
divisions in the development and submission of FCC reports.
Central Telephone Company, Fort Dodge, IA, 1972 to 1977
Switching Engineer
Developed installation instructions for field personal. Designed equipment installations.
Developed separation-of-cost studies which were used to allocate toll revenues between connecting
companies.
U.S. Air Force, 1971
Attended Officers Training School
Manning Swimming Pool, IA, Summers 1964 through 1970
Assistant Manager
Taught Red Cross swimming lessons to approximately 600 students. Coached swimming team and
participated in Iowa West Swim Conference meetings. Life guard.
EDUCATION
Have a B.S. degree in Industrial Technology with a minor in Electricity and Electronics from Northwest
Missouri State University, Maryville, MO, 1971. Have completed 123 semester hours of accredited
courses (both graduate and undergraduate) beyond the bachelors degree in math, electrical engineering,
computer science, and business. Education includes studies in Electrical Engineering and Computer
Science from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL. Completed business courses from DePaul
University, Chicago, IL. Completed various computer courses from Oakton College (Des Plaines, IL).
Completed a series of web development and programming courses from Harper College (Palatine, IL).
Completed Microsoft certified courses in NT Server, SQL Database. Completed various self-paced
courses. Most of my training is self-taught. Member of Kappa Beta Delta and Phi Theta Kappa
International Honor Societies.