Elizabeth Lowrie
Houston
Summary
Versatile finance and operations professional with 15+ years of experience in project management, contracts administration, budgeting, and financial analysis. Proven background managing complex projects, overseeing bidding and contracting processes, supporting executive leadership, and driving operational efficiency in high-volume environments. Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, vendor and subcontractor coordination, compliance, and cross-functional stakeholder management. Recognized for independent problem-solving, leadership, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and strong financial controls.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Manager
UC Davis Health
08.2021 - Current
- Manage complex departmental budgets, financial forecasting, and operational analysis supporting a $12M portfolio and $5M operating budget.
- Perform detailed financial analysis, cost tracking, reconciliations, and variance reporting to support leadership decision-making.
- Develop financial models and projections to improve planning, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve financial, operational, and compliance-related issues.
- Review financial transactions, budget adjustments, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and accountability.
- Support audit readiness through strong documentation practices, financial controls, and process oversight.
- Lead process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows and strengthen reporting efficiency.
- Oversee compliance with institutional policies, GAAP principles, and sponsor regulations.
Finance Analyst II
UC Davis Health
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Supported financial operations including budgeting, reconciliations, reporting, and cost analysis.
- Analyzed financial data and identified discrepancies to improve reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Assisted with audit preparation, financial documentation, and fiscal reporting.
- Developed reports to monitor fiscal performance and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor policies.
Contracts & Grants Supervisor I / Research Administrator II / Account Manager
University of California, Davis
08.2017 - 07.2020
- Supervised administrative staff in a high-volume operational environment, providing training, workflow coordination, and performance support.
- Managed complex budgets and financial reporting across multiple projects and departments.
- Conducted financial analysis, reconciliations, and forecasting to support operational planning and budget management.
- Coordinated with leadership and cross-functional teams to resolve financial and operational issues.
- Developed and improved operational procedures to support efficiency, compliance, and accountability.
Office / Project Manager
Pavement Coatings Co.
07.2015 - 07.2017
- Managed estimating, bidding, and contracting for public and private construction projects.
- Coordinated project schedules, job cost tracking, supplier deliveries, and subcontractor management.
- Oversaw accounts receivable and payable, billing, and cost allocation.
- Supported HR functions including recruiting, onboarding, union dispatch, and accident management.
- Led a full office remodel and relocation project.
Senior Contract Administrator
VSS International, Inc.
02.2010 - 07.2015
- Oversaw competitive bidding and contracting across 9+ Western states.
- Prepared and executed bids, bonds, contracts, and subcontracts; ensured compliance with public-sector requirements.
- Managed subcontractor databases, insurance compliance, licensing, and prequalification packages.
- Trained and supervised contracting staff and temporary employees during peak seasons.
Education
Diploma - undefined
Winters High School
01-2007
Skills
- Budget Development & Financial Forecasting
- Financial Analysis & Variance Reporting
- Project Cost Controls, Tracking & Resource Allocation
- Construction Estimating, Bidding, Contracts & Subcontracts
- Operations Management & Project Coordination
- Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable
- Vendor & Subcontractor Management
- Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
- Staff Training & Operational Leadership
- Advanced Excel & Microsoft 365
SUPERVISORY LEADERSHIP
- Provide operational supervision and technical guidance to finance and administrative staff supporting grants administration, financial reporting, and compliance activities across multiple faculty research portfolios.
- Review staff work for accuracy and compliance, establish priorities and performance expectations, and provide ongoing coaching to support professional development and operational effectiveness.
- Train and onboard new analysts and staff, establishing clear procedures and expectations for financial reporting, reconciliation, and sponsored program administration.
- Analyze existing workflows and implement process improvements to strengthen financial controls, improve reporting efficiency, and support consistent compliance with university and sponsor requirements.
- Coordinate team workflows in high-volume environments with competing deadlines while maintaining strong internal controls and service standards for faculty and leadership.
Timeline
Finance Manager
UC Davis Health
08.2021 - Current
Finance Analyst II
UC Davis Health
07.2020 - 08.2021
Contracts & Grants Supervisor I / Research Administrator II / Account Manager
University of California, Davis
08.2017 - 07.2020
Office / Project Manager
Pavement Coatings Co.
07.2015 - 07.2017
Senior Contract Administrator
VSS International, Inc.
02.2010 - 07.2015
Diploma - undefined
Winters High School