Chief Financial Officer

• Jan 2022 - Present

Assistant Dean for Budget and Administration (equivalent to CFO/COO in Industry)

• Nov 2013 - Jan 2022

Integral member of the dean’s leadership team of the AACSB Accredited Foster College of Business, responsible for setting strategic direction, executing on key priorities, establishing and managing budget, financial reporting and strategies, identifying and improving efficiencies, and developing staff. • Developed and implemented reporting systems and processes to oversee and manage college budget and resource allocation. These systems have been used to make data-driven decisions for the college and played a critical role in attaining reaccreditation. • Prepare annual and monthly financial statements and reports, analyzing revenue, resources, and expenditures; present to leadership, college, and National Council of Advisors with recommendations for improvements and alignment with strategic goals. Implementation of recommendations contributed to a 23% increase in contribution margin to the university over a four-year period. • Create and manage administrative processes including hiring, managing, and strategic planning. • Manage college facilities, renovation, and new construction projects. Coordinated and successfully led transition for college to temporary space prior to building demolition and into new building. • Represent the Foster College on university committees and contribute insight for campus-wide improvements. Show less

Manager of Student Accounting

• Nov 2010 - Nov 2013

Managed billing, collections, financial aid and tuition refunds, cost-analysis and reporting for $30M+ annual revenue. • Prepared and analyzed monthly financial reports for Controller and ICC Board; oversaw budget. Lent expertise to other managers on approach to their budgets and reconciliation. • Served on numerous Six Sigma teams to identify inefficiencies and improve processes. One recommendation led to cost savings of nearly $100,000 per year by automating billing processes. • Created and evaluated job descriptions and hiring process; managed personnel. Created path for career advancement and progression for staff within department. • Reviewed and determined tuition appeals containing highly sensitive information. • Created and implemented processes for workflow in compliance with state agencies. Show less

Operations Manager

• Jul 2009 - Nov 2010

Oversaw day-to-day operations of high-end spa and salon which included supervising twenty-five employees, performing payroll and accounting functions, and managing and ordering inventory. • Conducted in-depth cost-analysis on services, resulting in price revision to avoid loss. • Implemented process for guest appreciation to reward loyal customers. • Developed criteria for and implemented effective employee performance evaluation system. Oversaw day-to-day operations of high-end spa and salon which included supervising twenty-five employees, performing payroll and accounting functions, and managing and ordering inventory. • Conducted in-depth cost-analysis on services, resulting in price revision to avoid loss. • Implemented process for guest appreciation to reward loyal customers. • Developed criteria for and implemented effective employee performance evaluation system.

Controller

• Aug 2008 - May 2009

Responsible for managerial accounting and finance activities, including preparing and analyzing financial statements, filing state and federal tax returns, and managing cash-flow. • Initiated cost-effective operational efficiencies; devised and introduced processes in purchasing, billing, insurance, safety, and operations to ensure profitability, quality and cost control. • Implemented billing system which increased payment retrieval by seven days. Responsible for managerial accounting and finance activities, including preparing and analyzing financial statements, filing state and federal tax returns, and managing cash-flow. • Initiated cost-effective operational efficiencies; devised and introduced processes in purchasing, billing, insurance, safety, and operations to ensure profitability, quality and cost control. • Implemented billing system which increased payment retrieval by seven days.

International Trade Specialist & Global Scholars Program Coordinator

• Aug 2005 - Jul 2008

Assessed readiness for export or expansion for 500+ small business clients in a 28-county radius in addition to leading study abroad program for undergraduates in the Foster College of Business. • Conducted in-depth market research and company analysis for numerous firms to expand abroad; recognized as member of a team for assisting clients in increasing export sales to $113M. • Assisted clients with export and import compliance regulations and resolved global trade issues. • Led training for clients on various federal agencies’ regulations, processes, and documentation. • Created and administered company-wide survey for clients to assess knowledge of employees in export procedures, resulting in additional training for 40% of the staff. • Successfully coordinated and led three study abroad trips for undergraduate students to Mexico and China. Show less

Account Specialist

• Jun 2002 - Aug 2005

Managed accounts payable and receivable as well as monthly billings for government and private contracts. • Worked with the State of Illinois Capital Development Board and managed vendor relationships, negotiating discounts and contracts. • Synchronized sub-contractor insurance certificates to maintain contractual requirements and expiry. • Prepared documents used for financial statements and tracked profit and loss information. Managed accounts payable and receivable as well as monthly billings for government and private contracts. • Worked with the State of Illinois Capital Development Board and managed vendor relationships, negotiating discounts and contracts. • Synchronized sub-contractor insurance certificates to maintain contractual requirements and expiry. • Prepared documents used for financial statements and tracked profit and loss information.

Marketing Coordinator

• Aug 1999 - May 2002

Supported advertising and marketing efforts for local division of national company. • Managed client relationships and researched market trends to aid in customizing advertising packages including designing, writing, producing, and editing content. • Organized market test projects, developed proposals for prospects, increasing client base by 20 percent. • Produced CNN Headline News Local Edition. Supported advertising and marketing efforts for local division of national company. • Managed client relationships and researched market trends to aid in customizing advertising packages including designing, writing, producing, and editing content. • Organized market test projects, developed proposals for prospects, increasing client base by 20 percent. • Produced CNN Headline News Local Edition.