Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

DARLENE GARZA

Houston ,TX

Summary

Strategic Financial & Operational Leader
Ambitious, disciplined, and results-focused executive with extensive experience driving financial performance and operational efficiency across diverse industries. Expert in financial management, business strategy, change management, and corporate governance, with a consistent record of delivering measurable growth and profitability.

Proven ability to analyze complex business needs, implement innovative solutions, and lead cross-functional teams through transformational initiatives. A trusted mentor and team builder who inspires excellence and collaboration at all levels. Adept at aligning financial discipline with organizational vision to maximize value and performance.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Director of Business Development - M&A

GN - Beltone
12.2018 - Current
  • Partner with Executive Leadership Team and operating groups to drive acquisition, divestiture, joint venture, and alliance strategies aligned with corporate growth objectives.
  • Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities to expand market share, increase revenue, and improve patient access to advanced hearing technologies.
  • Lead negotiations and successfully close long-term agreements with new clients across assigned territories.
  • Build high-impact relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior utility executives, provider networks, and healthcare decision-makers.
  • Manage a $198M+ annual operating budget, performing comprehensive financial analyses and developing business cases to support funding and resource allocation from the global parent company.
  • Conduct in-depth investment analyses, including ROI calculations, risk assessment, and capital deployment strategies.
  • Lead due diligence and post-close integration activities for acquisitions, including balance sheet preparation, purchase accounting, and financial reconciliation.
  • Develop executive-level reports and presentations to communicate business development progress, financial outcomes, and strategic recommendations.


Director of Finance and Strategy

Widex - Audiology Management Group
04.2016 - 12.2018
  • Provided strategic financial leadership across all business units, supporting high-impact decisions on mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and other growth initiatives within the hearing healthcare industry.
  • Gathered and managed business intelligence to identify emerging trends, assess the competitive landscape, and support long-term business planning and market positioning.
  • Led financial modeling and valuation analysis for acquisitions and strategic investments; coached and developed finance team members to enhance their technical and analytical capabilities.
  • Directed monthly financial performance reviews with business unit directors, offering insights and actionable recommendations to optimize spending and improve operational efficiency.
  • Oversaw the development of quarterly earnings presentations and executive reporting, translating complex data into clear, strategic insights for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Partnered with the Strategy and Business Development team to align financial planning with enterprise-level objectives, driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.
  • Enhanced visibility into key financial metrics through improved forecasting, consolidation, and performance analysis; provided executive leadership with scenario modeling and strategic financial guidance.

Regional Controller

Club Corp
12.2013 - 03.2016
  • Directed business operations and financial management for club locations nationwide, supporting cross-functional teams to drive profitability and operational excellence.
  • Analyzed financial reports, budgets, and forecasts to identify variances and implement corrective actions; developed frameworks to uncover and capitalize on financial growth opportunities.
  • Provided financial leadership to General Managers and Department Heads across all club functions—including Reception, Athletics, Food & Beverage, Golf, and Spa—ensuring alignment with budgetary goals and operational efficiency.
  • Oversaw capital expenditures and fixed asset management, partnering with club leaders on capital request approvals, tracking, and reporting.
  • Ensured SOX compliance and internal control integrity through audit support, risk assessments, and oversight of the control environment.
  • Participated in annual budgeting and long-range planning, delivering accurate forecasts and financial analyses that shaped key business decisions.
  • Led departmental profitability reviews, mentoring department heads and aligning financial goals with club-wide operational performance standards.
  • Maintained full accountability for accounting processes, revenue recognition, capital assets, inventory control, and financial reporting across multiple locations.

Senior Finance & Venue Operations Manager

Spurs Sports and Entertainment
10.2011 - 12.2013
  • Oversaw full-cycle financial operations for the AT&T Center and Spurs Sports & Entertainment, including monthly journal entries, reconciliations, financial statements, cash flow statements (CFS), and quarterly projections.
  • Directed month-end and year-end close processes, covering AR, AP, payroll, and fixed assets; led four successful external audits, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting.
  • Managed event settlements for concerts, sporting events, and special productions, working directly with promoters and artists to reconcile box office revenue (Ticketmaster, Archtics), expenses, and final payouts.
  • Developed and maintained the facility’s annual operating budget; prepared quarterly forecasts and financial dashboards to inform executive decision-making.
  • Served as key financial liaison with Bexar County, overseeing public funds for major renewal and renovation projects; ensured transparent reporting and optimal fund utilization.
  • Collaborated with operations, booking, and production teams to prepare rental agreements and event settlements, proactively advising on cost controls and financial best practices.
  • Researched capital improvement initiatives and evaluated equipment upgrades to support long-term venue efficiency and profitability.
  • Delivered accurate and timely flash reports and variance analysis, supporting senior leadership with critical insights into revenue performance and cost optimization.

Assistant Director of Finance

US Youth Soccer
02.2008 - 09.2011
  • Directed all accounting functions for national operations and events, including revenue recognition, accounts receivable/payable, collections, vendor management, and cash flow oversight.
  • Collaborated with divisional leaders to develop the annual operating plan, aligning financial forecasts with organizational goals and nationwide program delivery.
  • Managed and executed monthly and year-end close processes, including journal entries, P&L reporting, and variance analysis, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
  • Led budgeting and forecasting processes across programs and events, providing strategic insight to optimize financial performance and support long-term growth.
  • Conducted financial analysis on program operations, working with cross-functional leadership to assess cost efficiency and implement accounting systems that improved transparency and accountability.
  • Oversaw event finance operations, including pre-settlements, final settlements, and flash reporting for national tournaments, camps, and championship events.
  • Developed and implemented internal financial controls and reporting frameworks, enhancing fiscal oversight across US Youth Soccer’s distributed operating model.

Accounting Manager

Roger Staubach Retail Services
02.2004 - 01.2008
  • Prepared and reconciled monthly journal entries, balance sheets, and P&L statements across 21 office locations; ensured timely resolution of reconciling items.
  • Oversaw the preparation and company-wide distribution of financial statements; analyzed forecasting reports to provide leadership with insight into current and projected financial health.
  • Processed and reviewed broker commission calculations and disbursements weekly; audited lease agreements for accuracy and ensured commission structures aligned with contractual terms.
  • Managed daily and weekly cash balances, providing executive summaries and early warning signals to support liquidity management.
  • Supervised and reviewed the work of Accounts Payable and junior accounting staff, ensuring accuracy and adherence to policy.
  • Led multiple client accounting system migrations, converting legacy platforms to a web-enabled Oracle financial system, improving scalability and data accessibility.
  • Partnered with operations and finance teams to ensure proper lease data integration and commission accuracy across enterprise systems.

Education

MBA - Business Administration - Accounting

Texas Tech University - Rawls College of Business
Lubbock, TX
05.2002

Skills


    Strategic Leadership: Business strategy, integration, planning, M&A, change management, turnarounds, start-ups (Greenfields), global executive management

    Financial Expertise: P&L ownership, working capital optimization, treasury, financial modeling, budgeting, performance metrics, scorecards & dashboards

    Revenue Growth & Profitability: Revenue and profit maximization, investment analysis, pricing strategy, contract negotiation, closing & valuations

    Operational Excellence: Business operations, process improvement, cross-functional team leadership, ERP/CRM systems knowledge

    Business Development: Prospect targeting, settlements, relationship building, stakeholder engagement, due diligence

    Analytical Acumen: Budget analysis, financial reporting, KPI development, risk assessment

    Technology & Systems: Proficient in ERP platforms and CRM systems supporting data-driven decision-making

Timeline

Senior Director of Business Development - M&A

GN - Beltone
12.2018 - Current

Director of Finance and Strategy

Widex - Audiology Management Group
04.2016 - 12.2018

Regional Controller

Club Corp
12.2013 - 03.2016

Senior Finance & Venue Operations Manager

Spurs Sports and Entertainment
10.2011 - 12.2013

Assistant Director of Finance

US Youth Soccer
02.2008 - 09.2011

Accounting Manager

Roger Staubach Retail Services
02.2004 - 01.2008

MBA - Business Administration - Accounting

Texas Tech University - Rawls College of Business

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