Experience

Circle

• United States
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Director, Accounting

  • 2021 - 2 years

  Seattle, Washington, United States



Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Project Manager

  • 2018 - 2020

  Greater Seattle Area Selected to lead multiple co-chair and executive leadership priority projects. • Led a team, across 5 divisions, tasked with the operational set-up of a new 501(c)(4) social welfare organization established by Bill and Melinda Gates. Communicated risks and decision points to senior leaders to drive consensus and meet timeline objectives. • Identified risks and challenges to the foundation's global mobility and expansion strategy. Developed recommendations to reduce complexity… Show more Selected to lead multiple co-chair and executive leadership priority projects. • Led a team, across 5 divisions, tasked with the operational set-up of a new 501(c)(4) social welfare organization established by Bill and Melinda Gates. Communicated risks and decision points to senior leaders to drive consensus and meet timeline objectives. • Identified risks and challenges to the foundation's global mobility and expansion strategy. Developed recommendations to reduce complexity, inefficiency and risk. Findings delivered to senior leadership, addressing the org design and process level changes needed to achieve the Foundation’s desired global footprint. Show less



World Health Organization

• Switzerland
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Finance Officer, Polio Division

  • 2016 - 2018

  Geneva Area, Switzerland Gates Foundation secondee selected to strengthen financial transparency in one of the world’s top priority health initiatives. Established financial reporting, analysis and cash management practices for a $1B annual budget, spanning 70+ countries and 3 partner agencies, unprecedented in the 30 year-old program. • Championed more rigorous budget planning, scrutiny and accountability. Partnered with business teams to develop more accurate costing models and forecasts which led to budget… Show more Gates Foundation secondee selected to strengthen financial transparency in one of the world’s top priority health initiatives. Established financial reporting, analysis and cash management practices for a $1B annual budget, spanning 70+ countries and 3 partner agencies, unprecedented in the 30 year-old program. • Championed more rigorous budget planning, scrutiny and accountability. Partnered with business teams to develop more accurate costing models and forecasts which led to budget savings of ~$100M and 10%. • Directed the rollout of a streamlined and uniform budget template across 70 countries and 3 agencies. • Established a rhythm of business and forecasting tools to monitor performance, adjust budgets and inform cash requirements, critical to managing a program with increasing budget and cash constraints. • Developed a comprehensive cash forecasting tool essential to managing a large, late-stage program. Advised management on the strategic allocation and redirection of funds necessary to absorb budget changes, ensure highest priority areas were funded and minimize disruption to countries. • Designed and implemented a reporting framework, delivered timely financial results and qualitative budget performance analysis to leadership and donors for the first time in the program’s 30-year history. • Built org capacity to ensure a successful transition and secure progress made prior to returning to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. • Skillfully navigated the complexities of working in a highly decentralized and culturally sensitive international organization. Achieved critical, ongoing participation from 70+ countries through extensive relationship building and partnership. Routinely brought cross-functional stakeholders and workstreams together to open lines of communication, mitigate blind spots, maximize resources and drive organizational change. Show less



Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Accounting Manager

  • 2011 - 2016

  Greater Seattle Area Directed the general ledger and financial reporting book of business for 3 companies and 6 international offices with a combined budget of $6B. Managed 8 direct reports and activities including: internal and external financial reporting, budget performance analysis, month-end close, system implementation, financial statement audit and internal control analysis. • Cultivated a team of high-performing finance professionals. • Member of leadership team determining scale-up strategy… Show more Directed the general ledger and financial reporting book of business for 3 companies and 6 international offices with a combined budget of $6B. Managed 8 direct reports and activities including: internal and external financial reporting, budget performance analysis, month-end close, system implementation, financial statement audit and internal control analysis. • Cultivated a team of high-performing finance professionals. • Member of leadership team determining scale-up strategy during a period of significant growth. Reduced month and year-end close timeline by 25%. Simplified processes and calculations, championed the concept of risk and materiality, automated reconciliations, and designed upstream system changes. • Directed team through multiple large-scale projects, including a large system implementation. Assessed risks and trade-offs, streamlined processes and eliminated inefficiencies to create capacity and manage workloads. • Managed the annual financial statement audit and $40B balance sheet valuation. Authored financial statements, performed year-over-year analysis, prepared internal and external communications and participated in audit committee meetings with Bill Gates and CEO as an advisor to the CFO and Controller. • Led finance leadership meetings. Presented financial results and budget variance analysis, advised on technical accounting issues and corresponding budget impact, which allowed management to make strategic decisions and meet IRS requirements. • Designed and spearheaded financial reviews of global offices and grantees. Provided recommendations to strengthen financial management, internal controls and protect the Foundation’s investments. • Defined system and reporting requirements related to regulatory filings, general ledger, budget and forecasting, program investments, accounts payable and receivable. Innate ability to quickly understand issues, identify cross-functional impact and anticipate future needs and growth.

• Senior Accountant

  • 2009 - 2011

  Greater Seattle Area



Two Degrees

• United States
• Accounting
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Project Manager

  • 2007 - 2009

  Greater Seattle Area Strategized with clients to identify capacity requirements needed to optimize their accounting and finance departments. Brokered connections between finance professionals and clients.



EY

• United Kingdom
• IT Services and IT Consulting
• 700 & Above Employee

• Audit Senior

  • 2003 - 2007

  Greater Seattle Area Managed the planning and execution of client engagements. Evaluated financial statements, processes and controls, concluded on operational effectiveness, risk and compliance. • Reviewed financial statements including Forms 10-Q and 10-K for public and private clients. Performed detailed Balance Sheet and Income Statement analysis as well as industry and market research. • Identified, researched and resolved key accounting issues and implementation of new financial accounting… Show more Managed the planning and execution of client engagements. Evaluated financial statements, processes and controls, concluded on operational effectiveness, risk and compliance. • Reviewed financial statements including Forms 10-Q and 10-K for public and private clients. Performed detailed Balance Sheet and Income Statement analysis as well as industry and market research. • Identified, researched and resolved key accounting issues and implementation of new financial accounting standards for clients. Ensured compliance with GAAP and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX). Show less