Diane Powers
Trabuco Canyon,CA
Summary
Results-driven professional with 25+ years of experience in offering analytical insights and decision-making support focused on operational development and sustained growth. With a proven track record, led the development of an efficient accounting system, cutting reporting time by 30%. In 16 years, saved our company $832K by taking over in-house bookkeeping. Ability to adapt and execute in a fluid and changing business environment. Seeking to leverage my extensive financial background and underwriting experience to transition back into the underwriting field, bringing unique perspective and comprehensive understanding of both business ownership and insurance industry dynamics.
Overview
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Financial Manager
Powers Audio, Inc.
Trabuco Canyon, CA
2007 - Current
- Led accounting system development, boosted efficiency, accuracy, and cut financial reporting time by 30%; streamlined processes by migrating from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.
- Managed book of business with 98% accuracy, preventing financial discrepancies and ensuring accurate reporting.
- Used company's financial data to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, showcasing resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market. After Covid-19, created updated financial plans that maximized growth and profit and improved ROI, increasing revenue by 15% over a 2-year period.
- Obtained Commercial Insurance as follows: General Liability, Property, and Commercial Auto Liability Insurance, including Commercial Inland Marine coverage. Analyzed competitive markets and interpreted terms and conditions of policies to ensure our business had the correct coverage. Completed a financial audit saving our business 34% in premiums in 2022/2023.
Freelance (Part-Time): Marketing, Graphics, and Social Media/Website Manager
The Original Patsy's Irish Pub
Laguna Niguel, CA
2017 - 2020
- Enhanced online presence through social media content strategy and digital marketing, engagement monitoring, web analytics, KPI reporting, and contributed to website maintenance, brand development, and publication design.
Senior Underwriter, Property and Casualty Insurance, Personal Lines and Special Accounts
Safeco Insurance
Fountain Valley, CA
1987 - 1997
- Managed established assigned territory and assigned book of new business and renewals in Northern California and Foothill Communities of approximately 20 independent insurance agencies.
- Fostered effective negotiation as a frontline underwriter with agencies/brokers to tailor policies based on specific client needs, while simultaneously engaging with senior management to align underwriting strategies with overall company objectives, such as maintaining profitability and managing risk exposure.
- Rehabilitated or terminated relationships with nonperforming producers resulting in a 25% increase in premiums and a 1.9% net decrease in loss ratios in assigned territory.
- Conducted risk analysis post large-scale fires, identified threatened communities through aerial mapping, and created a wildfire checklist for agents handling new business or policy renewals to mitigate future costly fire-loss claims.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
The University of Texas
Austin, TXSkills
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Business Growth and Retention
Financial Management/Reporting
Marketing Research/Analytics
Policy Interpretation
Risk Assessment
Teamwork/Collaboration
Client Relationship Building
Google Suite
Microsoft Office Suite
Intuit QuickBooks
Certification
- The Institutes, Online CPCU Micro-Course
- The Institutes, Ethical Guidelines for Insurance Professionals
- Intuit, QuickBooks Online Certified Pro Advisor
- Employment Development Department, Federal/State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar
- ResCare Academy, Microsoft Excel
- Toastmasters, International Membership
Timeline
Financial Manager
Powers Audio, Inc.
2007 - Current
Freelance (Part-Time): Marketing, Graphics, and Social Media/Website Manager
The Original Patsy's Irish Pub
2017 - 2020
Senior Underwriter, Property and Casualty Insurance, Personal Lines and Special Accounts
Safeco Insurance
1987 - 1997
Bachelor of Science -
The University of Texas