Paula Freeman

Vice President Operations and CFO at The Cofounder's Hub
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
Greater Vancouver Metropolitan Area, CA

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Credentials

  • Reiki Master
    The Healing Tribe
    Jul, 2019
    - Nov, 2024
  • Forests and Humans: From the Midwest to Madagascar - University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Coursera Course Certificates
    Oct, 2015
    - Nov, 2024
  • edX Honor Code Certificate for Forests and Livelihoods in Developing Countries - UBC
    edX
    Jan, 2015
    - Nov, 2024

Experience

    • Canada
    • Business Content
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Vice President Operations and CFO
      • Sep 2023 - Present

  • The Jorge Group
    • Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    • President
      • Sep 2023 - Present

      At the helm of The Jorge Group, I manage and provide operational and financial oversight, ensuring synergy and coherence across our diverse ventures. At the helm of The Jorge Group, I manage and provide operational and financial oversight, ensuring synergy and coherence across our diverse ventures.

    • Founder
      • May 2019 - Present

      At the heart of Beautiful Lume lies a commitment to the empowerment and inspiration of women. What began as transformational travel experiences has now evolved, reflecting a broader vision and purpose while retaining its core essence. As the founder, I've always worn multiple hats—from web design and marketing to financial management and curating transformative experiences. Now, as we transition, my role is to channel that same energy and passion into our new direction, which, while different, remains rooted in fostering connection, support, and self-discovery. Our community thrives on co-creation, with every woman encouraged to actively shape her journey alongside a tight-knit group of like-minded souls. My journey as a traveler, adventurer, and healer informs every aspect of Beautiful Lume, ensuring a nurturing space where women can reconnect with their inner strength and intrinsic beauty. While our travel adventures are currently on a pause, the spirit of discovery is very much alive. Show less

    • Canada
    • Construction
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • General Manager / CFO
      • Nov 2021 - May 2023

      As a highly experienced and accomplished General Manager and CFO, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. With over 20 years of experience in leading teams, managing operations, and driving financial success, I have developed a unique set of skills in financial management, strategic planning, project management, risk management, contract negotiation, and overall operations management. My proficiency in effectively overseeing all aspects of an operation, as well as my ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and team members, has been a fundamental strength that has contributed to my success throughout my career.My leadership approach is results-driven, and I prioritize performance, progress, and results over process. I am dedicated to fostering an environment of innovation and experimentation, in order to find new ways to achieve success.As a Chief Financial Officer, I am responsible for providing strategic and financial guidance to the organization. This includes developing and implementing financial strategies that support the company's overall goals and objectives, overseeing financial reporting and analysis, including the preparation of financial statements and budgets, and managing the company's financial risks. Additionally, I lead financial planning and analysis, including forecasting, budgeting, and long-term strategic planning, manage the company's accounting functions, including job costing, and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. I also maintain relationships with legal counsel, accountants, banks, and other financial institutions.Furthermore, my experience and proficiency in IT and process improvement has allowed me to effectively improve systems and processes, and increase efficiency throughout the organization. Show less

    • Manager, Accounting and Administration
      • Jul 2017 - Nov 2021

      My responsibilities in this particular role included:- Developing and implementing accounting and human resources policies and procedures- Providing financial accounting, reporting, and analysis- Managing human resources, administration, and information technology operations- Overseeing risk management, including insurance and legal compliance- Managing contract administration I have demonstrated a track record of success in this role, including:- leading the transition to a new accounting program- implementing job costing- introducing electronic time tracking, and - instituting more streamlined contract and file management systems. These efforts resulted in improved cost control, enhanced profitability analysis, increased accuracy in billing, more effective budgeting, improved communication and project management, enhanced organization, better tracking, increased efficiency, improved compliance, more favorable contract negotiations, improved access control, increased productivity, and enhanced collaboration and security. Show less

  • Pioneer Group of Companies
    • Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada
    • Controller
      • May 2012 - Dec 2018

      As the former Controller for a group of 17 companies, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in accounting functions to the table. My experience included full-cycle accounting, which included managing all aspects of the financial process from bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, financial statement preparation, budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and financial analysis. This role required a deep understanding of financial accounting and reporting, and the ability to effectively manage and analyze financial data to support decision making. In addition to my accounting expertise, this role saw me successfully facilitating and managing relationships with key stakeholders such as bankers, lawyers, and government agencies. This included negotiating financing arrangements, managing legal compliance and regulatory issues, and communicating effectively with stakeholders to ensure alignment on financial and operational goals. My ability to work closely and effectively with these external partners has been an important asset in my career and has helped to drive success for the organizations I have served. Show less

    • CEO / CFO
      • Sep 2002 - Aug 2018

      As a founder of TPF Western Ent., a parent company of both a retail clothing store and real estate holdings, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in business management to the table. My responsibilities as a founder included overseeing all aspects of the business from the initial concept and development, to the ongoing operations and growth of the company. This included developing and executing strategic business plans, create and managing budgeting, full cycle accounting, financial analysis, making investment decisions, and overseeing human resources and payroll. Additionally, I was directly involved in sales, purchasing, negotiating with suppliers, inventory management, marketing and website design, including the building of an e-commerce platform. My ability to handle multiple responsibilities and make well-informed decisions helped to drive the success of the company. I also have experience in creating and implementing effective systems and processes, including financial controls, risk management, and compliance to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the business. My background in retail and real estate industries allows me to understand the different operations and management styles that each business requires, giving me a diverse skill set that is beneficial to any organization I work with. Show less

    • Canada
    • Construction
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Controller
      • May 2012 - Sep 2017

      As the corporate controller of this luxury log home manufacturer feature on the reality TV show Timber Kings, I expertly oversaw financial accounting and analysis, contract management, risk management, project management, internal controls, and audit functions, as well as payroll, human resources, and information technology. I served as a key point of contact with external partners, including accounting firms, legal counsel, insurance brokers, and commercial and investment bankers. I also effectively managed relationships with external auditors, including the Canada Revenue Agency and WorksafeBC. Through my leadership and facilitation skills, I successfully streamlined and implemented many financial and human resources policies and procedures, resulting in improved efficiencies and cost savings. In addition I was responsible for managing our IT contractor, and oversaw re-design of the company websites and implementation of CRM systems. Show less

  • Freeman Property Management
    • British Columbia, Canada
    • Property Management Broker
      • Mar 2011 - Apr 2016

      As a past property management broker and founder of a property management brokerage in British Columbia, I am a strategic thinker with extensive experience in the industry, including knowledge of the regulations and requirements in the province. In my previous role as Managing Broker, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of property management, including leasing, maintenance, financial reporting, and legal knowledge to handle evictions and disputes. My strong communication and negotiation skills allowed me to effectively facilitate relationships, manage budgets, negotiate leases, and maintain strong relationships with tenants, landlords, and other stakeholders. My ability to streamline operations, maximize efficiency, and improve decision-making played a large role in my success. Furthermore, my experience in successfully founding and managing a property management brokerage, as well as my ability to effectively handle all business and human resources functions, including compliance with the Real Estate Services Act, Regulation, Council Rules, and Bylaws, have further sharpened my leadership and management abilities. I successfully managed this business while also running a retail store until 2016, when I made the decision to move to the Lower Mainland. Show less

    • Canada
    • Spectator Sports
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • BC Soccer Grassroots Development Committee - Northern BC Representative
      • Jan 2014 - Jan 2015

      As the Northern BC representative on BC Soccer's Grassroots Development Committee, I was a volunteer member of the committee that focuses on promoting and developing the sport of soccer at the grassroots level throughout the province. The main objectives of the committee include increasing participation in soccer, developing and training coaches and referees, promoting fair play and sportsmanship, and providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to experience the sport. My role on the committee included working closely with other volunteers, members and other committees within BC Soccer, as well as with local soccer organizations and clubs in the Northern BC region, to identify and address the needs of players and coaches in the community. I was also involved in the development and delivery of programs and resources that support grassroots soccer in Northern BC, such as the Active Start, FUNdamentals, and Learn to Train programs. In addition, I was involved in the coach and referee development programs in Northern BC, including the certification programs, mentorship programs, and providing education and training opportunities for coaches and referees. As the Northern BC representative on BC Soccer's Grassroots Development Committee, I was a volunteer member who was committed to promoting and developing soccer at the grassroots level in the northern region of British Columbia, by increasing participation, developing coaches and referees, promoting fair play, and providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to experience the sport. Show less

    • President
      • Sep 2011 - Sep 2014

      As the President of the Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association, an organization comprising over 1000 members, I provided leadership in facilitating the fulfillment of governance responsibilities, compliance with applicable laws and bylaws, effective and efficient conduct of board business, and accountability for performance among the Board of Directors and its members. I maintained a thorough understanding of organizational matters and actively participated in the Board's policy, finance, risk management, program, personnel, disciplinary, and advocacy decisions. Additionally, I facilitated regular communication and coordination with local adult soccer associations, other youth soccer associations throughout the province, and the BC Soccer Association.During my tenure as President, I am proud to have made the following notable contributions: - Increased the association's Gaming Grant Funding by 350% - Played a key role in the creation of two additional soccer fields for the association - Developed job descriptions for all Board positions - Proposed and recommended Bylaw amendments - Developed numerous policies and procedures - Represented Northern BC on BC Soccer's Grassroots Development Committee, at the request of BC Soccer. BC Soccer's Grassroots Development Committee is responsible for the development and growth of soccer at the grassroots level in BC, by promoting participation, developing coaches and referees, promoting fair play, and providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to experience the sport. Show less

    • Director
      • Nov 2009 - Sep 2011

      As a League Director, I was responsible for the leadership and organization of the U4-U18 House League. I ensured compliance with WLYSA and BC Soccer guidelines, policies, and protocols, and served as a liaison between House League teams, coaches, and the WLYSA Board of Directors.My responsibilities included:- Reviewing, recommending, and approving Board policies, bylaws, rules and regulations;- Reviewing board structure, approving changes, and preparing necessary bylaw amendments;- Participating in the development of the association's organizational and strategic plan and annual review- Approving association budget;- Approving the hiring of the Administrator, and any other paid position;- Overseeing the organization of the association's House League soccer program (U4-U18), which consisted of over 1000 members;- Facilitating the appointment of a Coordinator for each age/gender group and providing ongoing support and communication;- Ensuring that Coordinators and coaches had current and relevant information regarding the association's policies and procedures;- Facilitating the maintenance of current information for House program on the association's website;- Coordinating and overseeing end of season tournament;- Communicating with the President and Board of Directors regarding House program activities;- Participating in disciplinary hearings as necessary. Show less

  • BC Parks
    • Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada
    • Division Services Officer
      • 1999 - 2001

      As Division Services Officer, I expertly managed all business, financial, human resources, administrative, and technical functions for BC Parks, Cariboo District. My responsibilities included budget allocation and management, financial analysis, and forecasting, managing the annual budget development process, overseeing recruitment and training, interpreting contracts, and providing information and advice on the Annual Management Plan, Business Plans, and Annual Operating Plans. I was also responsible for the capitalization of assets and amortization of Parks' facilities, developing policies and procedures, and managing the purchase of all computer hardware and software. My ability to lead and manage teams, combined with my attention to detail and strategic thinking, have been key factors in achieving success. PROVINCIAL TEAM MEMBER: Leader of the Provincial Park Use Permit Team: - Provide technical and operational advice to other team members and contractors on the content and layout of the Provincial Park Use Permit program; - Develop Park Use Permit policies, standards, and procedures; - Facilitate and deliver training in the use of the newly developed system to all BC Parks' districts in the Province. BC Parks Job Description Review Committee: - Worked with a team to standardize and confirm all district job descriptions taking into account functions, accountabilities, and issues identified by senior management; - Define Headquarters function in relation to District and field positions. Provincial Business Data Working Group: - Review business charters for proposed Information Technology projects; - Provide recommendations on the feasibility of Information Technology projects; - Prioritize projects for funding purposes. Show less

Education

  • The University of British Columbia
    Certificate in International Development
    2013 - 2016
  • Royal Roads University
    Sustainable Development
    2011 - 2013
  • The University of British Columbia
    Broker's Licensing Course, Real Estate - Managing Broker
    2010 - 2011
  • The University of British Columbia
    Rental Property Management Licensing Course, Property Management
    2009 - 2010
  • Thompson Rivers University

Community

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