Claire H. Gagnon, CPA
Bedford,NH
Summary
Accomplished Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Controller with over 25 years of experience driving financial strategy and performance across nonprofit, for-profit, and public accounting sectors. Known for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to distill complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders at all levels. Proven leader with a track record of building and mentoring high-performing finance teams to support organizational growth. Most notably, led the finance function at a large nonprofit where I contributed to a 50% growth over 17 years, demonstrating a strong commitment to mission-driven financial stewardship and operational excellence.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Financial Officer
Easter Seals NH
02.2022 - 10.2024
- Developed strategic financial plans to support agency growth and achieve long-term sustainability.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to establish budgetary guidelines and allocate resources efficiently across the organization.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the finance team, encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Developed and oversaw yearly budgets and capital structure of company to determine best mix of debt, equity, and internal financing.
- Oversaw the successful completion of external audits, addressing any recommendations promptly to ensure smooth operations.
- Championed effective communication between finance personnel and other departments to facilitate cross-functional collaboration on projects and initiatives.
- Tracked cash flow and financial planning to analyze company's financial strengths and weaknesses and propose strategic directions.
- Oversaw deployment of strategic business plans to accomplish accounting, compliance, and revenue targets.
- Negotiated favorable credit terms with banks for increased borrowing capacity and reduced interest expenses.
- Advised Board of Directors on strategic financial matters, providing insightful recommendations backed by thorough analysis and reporting.
- Provided insightful financial analysis and due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, resulting in successful transactions that added value to the organization''s portfolio and growth objectives.
- Streamlined financial processes by implementing new accounting software and automation techniques.
Senior Vice President/Controller
Easterseals New Hampshire
06.2007 - 02.2022
- Supervise Senior level Accounting and Payroll staff and departments
- Manage all accounting functions while ensuring the practice of net asset accounting in a multi-corporate multi-state growing environment
- Serve as a member of the Senior Management team and participate in strategic planning for the organization
- Serve as the management liaison to the board and audit committees, effectively communicating and presenting critical financial matters at select board of trustees and committee meetings
- Establish systems to ensure compliance with the requirements of: GAAP, Circular A-133, Federal and State agencies
- Oversee preparation of all internal financial reporting to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and relevance
- Oversee budget planning process, projections and variance analysis
- Ensure the preparation of all required external reports for all entities ie; IRS form 990’s
- Oversee grants reporting functions
- Oversee internal controls.
- Oversee cash management system to include daily short-term investing and borrowing and cash flow forecasts
- Perform financial analysis to include assessments for new projects and program initiatives
- Explore and implement best practices and bench marking tools for related business functions
Director of Finance
ShootingStar Broadcasting of NE, LLC
09.2005 - 02.2007
Controller
Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America, Inc.
01.1997 - 09.2005
Manager
Lynne M. Hudson, PC
01.1994 - 01.1997
Senior Accountant
Creelman & Smith
01.1992 - 01.1994
Senior Accountant
Smith Batchelder & Rugg
01.1988 - 01.1992
Education
Leadership Academy -
Granite State College
Manchester, NH09.2015
B.S. - Accounting
Plymouth State College
Plymouth, NH05.1987
Skills
- Strategic financial planning
- Financial Process Improvement
- Risk Management Proficiency
- Working capital management
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Adaptability to Change
- Continuous learning mindset
- Business Valuation Techniques
- Mergers and Acquisitions Experience
- Performance metrics analysis
- Corporate Governance Understanding
Volunteer Experience
- Tax Preparer, AARP, 2014-2023
- Graduate, Leadership Greater Manchester, 2019
- New Hampshire Legal Association Board Member and Treasurer
- 100 Women Who Care Member
Certification
Certified Public Accountant
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer
Easter Seals NH
02.2022 - 10.2024
Senior Vice President/Controller
Easterseals New Hampshire
06.2007 - 02.2022
Director of Finance
ShootingStar Broadcasting of NE, LLC
09.2005 - 02.2007
Controller
Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America, Inc.
01.1997 - 09.2005
Manager
Lynne M. Hudson, PC
01.1994 - 01.1997
Senior Accountant
Creelman & Smith
01.1992 - 01.1994
Senior Accountant
Smith Batchelder & Rugg
01.1988 - 01.1992
Leadership Academy -
Granite State College
B.S. - Accounting
Plymouth State College
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