Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Brian Gross

Saint Louis,MO

Summary

Experienced professional with over ten years in nonprofit and education sectors, focusing on data analysis and financial management. Demonstrated ability in departmental operations, business plan development, and budget oversight, driving alignment with strategic objectives. Achievements include leading facility projects and improving operational efficiency through effective planning. Currently serves as Co-Chair of ICOC Admin Service Committee and previously held position of Treasurer for Eurasian Missions Society from 2011 to 2023.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Co-owner

Purus Financials
St. Louis, MO
08.2021 - Current
  • Delivered fractional CFO services focused on church administration, ensuring financial stewardship and compliance.
  • Oversaw bookkeeping, accounts receivable/payable, and payroll administration, including tax filings and workers’ compensation audits.
  • Produced comprehensive financial reports to support leadership decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Supported board governance through report preparation, meeting attendance, and financial planning advice.
  • Managed human resources functions including new hire orientation, policy development, and risk management.
  • Conducted quarterly and annual financial reviews with church leadership to align strategy with mission goals.
  • Collaborated with executive directors and boards to develop budgets, forecasts, and benefit reviews.
  • Maintained close relationships with church leaders through regular in-person meetings for effective collaboration.

Chief Financial & Operating Officer

City Academy
Saint Louis, MO
10.2019 - Current
  • Created standardized processes and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Developed financial projections to support planning for $6 million budget and $65 million endowment.
  • Facilitated negotiations for contractual agreements, securing advantageous terms.
  • Implemented targeted process improvements to promote profitability.
  • Established frameworks for asset protection and reliable financial reporting.
  • Formulated strategies to align with organizational vision and increase revenues.

Chief Financial & Operating Officer

North Side Community School
Saint Louis, MO
12.2014 - 09.2019
  • Oversaw Business Office, Transportation, Food Services, IT, and HR departments to ensure operational efficiency.
  • Analyzed business trend forecasts to optimize budgets within $7 million range.
  • Managed financial activities including cash management and long-range investment strategy development.
  • Evaluated operational workflows and initiated strategies for continuous improvement.
  • Facilitated structured asset management processes to enhance resource allocation.
  • Standardized internal operations by creating and implementing best practices.
  • Collaborated with Leadership team in developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan.
  • Established partnerships to leverage opportunities for North Side community initiatives.

Director of Finance & Operations

Gateway City Church
Saint Louis, MO
11.2008 - 12.2014
  • Oversaw financial operations for GCC, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
  • Managed capital improvement and building projects, enhancing organizational infrastructure.
  • Served as primary contact for Board and various committees to facilitate communication.
  • Organized annual budget and payroll management processes, optimizing resource allocation.
  • Achieved cost savings through effective debt restructuring strategies.
  • Finalized insurance renewals for Property, Workers' Compensation, and General Liability coverage.
  • Provided administrative support for regional and national ICOC conferences to enhance event execution.

Assistant City Administrator & Finance Officer

City of Crestwood
Crestwood, Missouri
08.2007 - 10.2008
  • Managed city finances exceeding $12 million in a general fund.
  • Held positions of Finance Officer, Assistant City Administrator and Human Resources Manager.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans to ensure fiscal growth.
  • Oversaw TIF and CID districts in Crestwood.
  • Managed hiring processes and organized evaluations for employees.

Financial Management Analyst

Village of Montgomery
Montgomery, IL
06.2005 - 07.2007
  • Managed payroll process and performed financial analysis.
  • Implemented collective bargaining agreements with management and unions.
  • Led coordination of employee pay and benefit compensation study.
  • Analyzed costs and devised actionable correction strategies.
  • Executed projects directed by Finance Director and City Manager.

Education

Executive Scholar's Program -

Northwestern University (Kellogg School)
Evanston, IL
05.2022

Master of Science - Public Administration: Finance

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL
2005

Bachelor of Science - Business Marketing

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL
2002

Skills

  • Financial Management
  • Analytical Decision-Making
  • Operational Management
  • Cost Analysis Expertise
  • Employee Skill Development
  • Strategic Infrastructure Planning

Certification

Leadership St. Louis (LSL) - Focus St. Louis

Conflict Management - Lipscomb University

Data Analytics - Northwestern University - (Kellogg School)

Timeline

Co-owner

Purus Financials
08.2021 - Current

Chief Financial & Operating Officer

City Academy
10.2019 - Current

Chief Financial & Operating Officer

North Side Community School
12.2014 - 09.2019

Director of Finance & Operations

Gateway City Church
11.2008 - 12.2014

Assistant City Administrator & Finance Officer

City of Crestwood
08.2007 - 10.2008

Financial Management Analyst

Village of Montgomery
06.2005 - 07.2007

Executive Scholar's Program -

Northwestern University (Kellogg School)

Master of Science - Public Administration: Finance

Northern Illinois University

Bachelor of Science - Business Marketing

Northern Illinois University

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