Kristen Balash
Vice President for Finance and Administration at American Antiquarian Society- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Anisha Desai
Kristen is a self-starting, highly motivated, critical thinker and fast learner. In her time at UFE, she proved herself as a sharp strategic thinker, and was able to learn the skills needed to do her job and then some. She essentially functioned as a Deputy Director of Operations for our organization; she balanced human resources, financial management, and operations planning responsibilities gracefully. In addition, she was a voice of reason and fairness when it came to dealing with sensitive internal matters.
Bob Keener
Kristen is a master organizer with great social and communication skills. She has excellent instincts and intuition, and is a really quick learner. Attention to detail is superb and integrity above reproach. Plus, she's fun to work with!
Anisha Desai
Kristen is a self-starting, highly motivated, critical thinker and fast learner. In her time at UFE, she proved herself as a sharp strategic thinker, and was able to learn the skills needed to do her job and then some. She essentially functioned as a Deputy Director of Operations for our organization; she balanced human resources, financial management, and operations planning responsibilities gracefully. In addition, she was a voice of reason and fairness when it came to dealing with sensitive internal matters.
Bob Keener
Kristen is a master organizer with great social and communication skills. She has excellent instincts and intuition, and is a really quick learner. Attention to detail is superb and integrity above reproach. Plus, she's fun to work with!
Anisha Desai
Kristen is a self-starting, highly motivated, critical thinker and fast learner. In her time at UFE, she proved herself as a sharp strategic thinker, and was able to learn the skills needed to do her job and then some. She essentially functioned as a Deputy Director of Operations for our organization; she balanced human resources, financial management, and operations planning responsibilities gracefully. In addition, she was a voice of reason and fairness when it came to dealing with sensitive internal matters.
Bob Keener
Kristen is a master organizer with great social and communication skills. She has excellent instincts and intuition, and is a really quick learner. Attention to detail is superb and integrity above reproach. Plus, she's fun to work with!
Anisha Desai
Kristen is a self-starting, highly motivated, critical thinker and fast learner. In her time at UFE, she proved herself as a sharp strategic thinker, and was able to learn the skills needed to do her job and then some. She essentially functioned as a Deputy Director of Operations for our organization; she balanced human resources, financial management, and operations planning responsibilities gracefully. In addition, she was a voice of reason and fairness when it came to dealing with sensitive internal matters.
Bob Keener
Kristen is a master organizer with great social and communication skills. She has excellent instincts and intuition, and is a really quick learner. Attention to detail is superb and integrity above reproach. Plus, she's fun to work with!
Credentials
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Data Analysis Circuit
General AssemblyMay, 2017- Oct, 2024 -
Notary Public
Commonwealth of MassachusettsMay, 2012- Oct, 2024
Experience
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American Antiquarian Society
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United States
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Libraries
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1 - 100 Employee
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Vice President for Finance and Administration
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May 2021 - Present
Oversee finance/accounting, HR, facilities and IT departments for $6m independent national research library with staff of 50 and campus of five historic buildings, plus a $70m endowment. Serves on executive leadership team; finance and investment committee; audit committee; buildings & grounds committee; IDEA committee. Oversee finance/accounting, HR, facilities and IT departments for $6m independent national research library with staff of 50 and campus of five historic buildings, plus a $70m endowment. Serves on executive leadership team; finance and investment committee; audit committee; buildings & grounds committee; IDEA committee.
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FSG
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IT Services and IT Consulting
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1 - 100 Employee
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Associate Director of Financial Systems
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Jul 2015 - May 2021
• Secured $3.7m in PPP SBA loans that will covert to general operating support • Recommend and design reports and dashboards for departments heads, HR/People Team, project/program teams and senior leadership for informed decision-making and external reporting • Coordinate annual operational budgeting process, including partnering with department heads to generate fiscal year budgets, communicating budget decisions to key stakeholders and tracking actual performance • Evaluate and… Show more • Secured $3.7m in PPP SBA loans that will covert to general operating support • Recommend and design reports and dashboards for departments heads, HR/People Team, project/program teams and senior leadership for informed decision-making and external reporting • Coordinate annual operational budgeting process, including partnering with department heads to generate fiscal year budgets, communicating budget decisions to key stakeholders and tracking actual performance • Evaluate and implement additional business analysis software and products, coordinating efforts with Salesforce, Business Development , IT and Knowledge Management teams • Transformed entire Finance function into a paperless environment - Examples include implementation of Accounts Payable & Payment Disbursement automated solution • System administrator for Netsuite ERP software (accounting, time and project management software) - Includes maintenance of existing modules, design and implementation of new modules, and training of end users • Manage and develop 3 team members including 2 remote/international: supervising work product, organizing workloads and schedules and preparing annual performance reviews • Serve as hiring manager for Finance/Accounting team including developing job descriptions & interview guides, reviewing resumes and serving as lead interviewer for candidates • Develop and communicate internal financial policies and procedures to internal staff and external partners (e.g. travel & expense policy, timesheet trainings & guides, project contracting processes) • Review and reconcile G/L accounts for monthly close, prepare journal entries and adjustments as needed • Maintain GAAP standards and prepare work papers for annual audit, Form 990 & other related filings • Maintain most duties as listed under “Senior Financial Manager”
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Senior Financial Manager
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Jan 2013 - Jun 2015
• Led multi-year, firm-wide implementation of Netsuite ERP provider as Project Manager - Replaced several unconnected systems for financial, time, staffing and project mgmt. into one - Included leading key internal user focus groups and working with external developers • Wrote successful grant application to secure $60,000/annual product (software) donation • Review consulting and grant contracts, advise managers on language, compliance and risk • System… Show more • Led multi-year, firm-wide implementation of Netsuite ERP provider as Project Manager - Replaced several unconnected systems for financial, time, staffing and project mgmt. into one - Included leading key internal user focus groups and working with external developers • Wrote successful grant application to secure $60,000/annual product (software) donation • Review consulting and grant contracts, advise managers on language, compliance and risk • System administrator for expense software, includes technical maintenance as well as employee training • Provide financial analysis for internal management, external grant reports and project proposals • Lead annual Project Management 101 Training for new Operations Staff
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Business Manager
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Jan 2010 - Dec 2012
• Researched, selected, designed and implemented firm-wide expense system software (Chrome River) • Implemented first firm-wide travel policy, involving research of industry best practices and internal needs • Managed invoicing, accounts receivable and collections, track and report on client trends • Managed accounts payable, vendor & subcontractor relations & documents for all offices • Processed employee reimbursable expenses, enforcing compliance with internal and client/funder… Show more • Researched, selected, designed and implemented firm-wide expense system software (Chrome River) • Implemented first firm-wide travel policy, involving research of industry best practices and internal needs • Managed invoicing, accounts receivable and collections, track and report on client trends • Managed accounts payable, vendor & subcontractor relations & documents for all offices • Processed employee reimbursable expenses, enforcing compliance with internal and client/funder policies
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Accounting Coordinator
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Dec 2007 - Dec 2009
• Planned and transitioned firm accounting software from Peachtree to Accufund • Coordinated third-party IT vendors and equipment maintenance during absence of IT manager • Research, prepare and submit city, state and federal filings for multiple office locations • Established corporate credit card program
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United for a Fair Economy
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United States
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Public Policy Offices
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1 - 100 Employee
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Financial Coordinator & Human Resources Associate
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Jan 2006 - Nov 2007
• QuickBooks accounting (A/P, A/R), banking and audit management • Researched, prepared and submitted city, state and federal filings, including tax filings • Human resources support, including processing payroll, retirement plan contributions, and interpreting and applying benefits programs & policies • Managed audit, bookkeeping and financial reporting, intercompany balances for related 501(c)4 company • Analyzed and presented financial information for board, management and… Show more • QuickBooks accounting (A/P, A/R), banking and audit management • Researched, prepared and submitted city, state and federal filings, including tax filings • Human resources support, including processing payroll, retirement plan contributions, and interpreting and applying benefits programs & policies • Managed audit, bookkeeping and financial reporting, intercompany balances for related 501(c)4 company • Analyzed and presented financial information for board, management and staff • Established work-study partnership with Boston College to reduce costs and organize intern hiring process Office Coordinator, Jan - May 2006 • Space maintenance, bookkeeping, technology support, vendor relations, materials sales, event/program assistance Show less • QuickBooks accounting (A/P, A/R), banking and audit management • Researched, prepared and submitted city, state and federal filings, including tax filings • Human resources support, including processing payroll, retirement plan contributions, and interpreting and applying benefits programs & policies • Managed audit, bookkeeping and financial reporting, intercompany balances for related 501(c)4 company • Analyzed and presented financial information for board, management and… Show more • QuickBooks accounting (A/P, A/R), banking and audit management • Researched, prepared and submitted city, state and federal filings, including tax filings • Human resources support, including processing payroll, retirement plan contributions, and interpreting and applying benefits programs & policies • Managed audit, bookkeeping and financial reporting, intercompany balances for related 501(c)4 company • Analyzed and presented financial information for board, management and staff • Established work-study partnership with Boston College to reduce costs and organize intern hiring process Office Coordinator, Jan - May 2006 • Space maintenance, bookkeeping, technology support, vendor relations, materials sales, event/program assistance Show less
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State Library of Massachusetts
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Libraries
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1 - 100 Employee
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Business Office & Interlibrary Loans Assistant
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Jun 2004 - Dec 2005
• Transitioned in new software to process and analyze expenditures for state agency with $1.3 million budget • Oversaw payroll, timesheets and human resources/benefits policies for staff of 22 • Coordinated office supply orders and contracts, resolved vendor disputes • Fulfilled requests for research materials for state legislators, agencies and the general public • Transitioned in new software to process and analyze expenditures for state agency with $1.3 million budget • Oversaw payroll, timesheets and human resources/benefits policies for staff of 22 • Coordinated office supply orders and contracts, resolved vendor disputes • Fulfilled requests for research materials for state legislators, agencies and the general public
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Education
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2008 - 2011
Boston University Questrom School of Business
MBA, Public & Nonprofit Management -
2000 - 2004
University of Virginia
BA, American Politics, African-American & African Studies
Community
