Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Technology Skills
Timeline
Generic

Era Ryan

Colleyville,TX

Summary

Dedicated Finance Leader with 20 years of experience in Corporate Finance, Accounting, and Operations. Proven ability to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and provide critical support through quantitative and qualitative analysis in support of low-cost leadership. Strong business acumen to identify opportunities for improvement to maximize profit, leading and developing high-performing teams, and spearheading cross-functional transformational projects aligned with organizational goals.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Vice President of Finance- Operational Analytics

Niagara Bottling, LLC
06.2023 - Current
  • In charge of Financial Controllers overseeing over 50 factories, Cost Accounting, Finance Analytics, Supply Chain Analytics, Inventory Process, Business Intelligence & Data Science, and Internal Audit team. Board member of the Beverage unit.
  • Managed multibillion-dollar budgets for optimal resource allocation and supported strategy for financial success exceeding profitability goals YoY.
  • Developed comprehensive financial forecasts, driving accurate decision-making and budgetary planning.
  • Identified key performance indicators and established benchmarks to measure progress toward company objectives.
  • Collaborated with the executive leadership team to develop and implement innovative financial strategies for growth.
  • Identified key drivers of variance of performance to goal, and provided strategic decision-making support related to sales (pricing and product mix/volume), raw materials policy, manufacturing and operations, supply chain (freight & D&W), and SG&A. Drove cost savings from $50M-$100M on an annual basis across various categories.
  • Provided cost-benefit and postmortem analyses to support multiple department cost savings projects and expansion (domestic and international) including M&A, with budgets from $100k to $500M.
  • Provided financial analytics and guidance tactically and strategically, in direct support of the executive leadership team, collaborating with every respective department and cross-functional teams, to support YoY margin and market share growth goals since 2013.
  • Responsible for inventory process and policy to improve operational efficiencies and reduce cost by 25%+ through cost accounting initiatives and process redesign. Spearheaded strategic operational and technology alignment across the business for process and system optimization.
  • Redesigned and optimized various team structures. Responsible for multiple team development, training, and growth.
  • Developed financial models based on quantitative analysis and leveraged data science to support growing business complexity and provide accurate analytics while increasing efficiency and reducing time to output for optimal course correction in support of over 25% top-line growth from new business.
  • Designed processes and policies to improve and monitor internal controls in support of GAAP to drive compliance for internal and external audits.

Sr. Director of Finance

Niagara Bottling, LLC
01.2022 - 06.2023
  • Achieved multi-departmental goals by developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives.
  • Streamlined operations for increased efficiency with process improvements and automation.
  • Championed change management efforts during major organizational restructuring, ensuring smooth transitions for affected employees.
  • Increased employee satisfaction, by providing regular coaching and feedback sessions.
  • Enhanced internal communication channels, resulting in improved information flow and decision-making processes.
  • Established data-driven decision-making processes and implemented best practices in analytics to optimize performance across the organization.
  • Managed risk effectively by identifying potential threats, developing contingency plans, and implementing mitigation strategies in line with overall business objectives.
  • Instituted formal operating procedures and enforced adherence to policies and regulations that impacted the bottom line.
  • Partnered with financial and customer operations teams to drive business transactions using customer data and Lean concepts.

Director of Finance and Inventory Process

Niagara Bottling, LLC
01.2019 - 12.2021
  • Reduced overhead costs by 10% identifying inefficiencies and implementing targeted cost-saving measures across various departments.
  • Improved internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard company assets and minimize potential losses.
  • Provided insightful recommendations for process improvements, contributing to increased operational efficiency across the organization.
  • Successfully managed multiple, concurrent projects by prioritizing tasks and allocating resources efficiently leading to multi-million $ savings.
  • Facilitated seamless business transitions during mergers or acquisitions, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations while integrating teams effectively.

Plant Director

Niagara Bottling, LLC
01.2018 - 12.2018
  • Improved plant efficiency by streamlining production processes and implementing lean manufacturing principles.
  • Reduced downtime and increased productivity by implementing a proactive maintenance program for machinery and equipment.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction and retention through effective communication, training programs, and recognition initiatives.
  • Developed strategic plans to optimize resources, drive cost savings, and achieve operational excellence in the facility.
  • Implemented safety programs that significantly reduced workplace accidents, fostering a culture of safety awareness among employees.
  • Coordinated with supply chain partners to streamline procurement processes, reduce lead times, and optimize inventory levels.
  • Optimized workforce scheduling practices resulting in lower labor costs without sacrificing performance or morale.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for direct reports identifying areas of opportunity for growth or improvement.
  • Leveraged data analytics tools to identify trends and areas for improvement within the plant, driving informed decision-making.

Senior Finance Manager

Niagara Bottling, LLC
12.2017 - 12.2018
  • Increased financial efficiency by streamlining budgeting processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
  • Identified areas for improvement within the finance team, leading to increased productivity and reduced errors.
  • Enhanced internal controls by implementing strict compliance procedures and conducting regular audits.
  • Spearheaded automation of manual processes, increasing accuracy and efficiency in financial reporting.
  • Mentored junior finance staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
  • Forecasted trends and recommended improvements based on financial risk analyses.
  • Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve the accuracy of financial reporting.
  • Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis, and monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.

Finance and Cost Accounting Manager

Niagara Bottling, LLC
01.2015 - 11.2017
  • Streamlined month-end close process through automation initiatives that increased data accuracy while reducing the closing cycle by 5 days.
  • Developed and maintained a comprehensive cost accounting system for accurate financial reporting and decision-making support.
  • Managed budgeting process, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
  • Implemented internal controls to ensure compliance with accounting standards and best practices.
  • Reviewed product costs, identifying variances and opportunities for improvement.
  • Conducted regular audits of cost accounting records, ensuring accuracy and adherence to guidelines.
  • Guided pricing strategies based on detailed product cost analysis.
  • Educated operational managers on cost drivers within their departments, promoting a culture of cost awareness throughout the organization.
  • Streamlined month-end closing processes, reducing the time required while maintaining accuracy in financial reporting.
  • Facilitated communication between finance team members through regular meetings that encouraged knowledge sharing.
  • Analyzed profitability metrics of various business segments which led to strategic shifts yielding increased revenue YoY.

Strategic Financial Analyst

Niagara Bottling, LLC
09.2013 - 12.2014
  • Provided vital insights for business development initiatives through diligent market research and competitive analysis.
  • Assisted in M&A transactions, conducting valuation analyses to ensure favorable deal terms for the company.
  • Evaluated proposed projects' ROI using NPV, IRR, and other financial metrics, helping prioritize initiatives with maximum value potential.
  • Supported new product development efforts by providing detailed costing information during the design phase.
  • Collected data and developed detailed spreadsheets to identify trends and create revenue, profitability, and expense forecasts.
  • Performed complex financial and budget analyses to determine requirements and justify requested funding.
  • Determined pricing, margins, and risk factors for active and proposed projects.
  • Assisted in the preparation of presentations, data tables, and other documents for investor meetings.

Financial Planning and Analysis

Western Food Distribution former TLD
11.2009 - 08.2013
  • Responsible for financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis
  • Supported CFO with financial statements, book closing, and journal entries
  • Ensured the department met all deadlines with accuracy and timeliness
  • Streamlined and improved workflow.
  • Improved financial forecasting accuracy by implementing advanced planning models and techniques.
  • Streamlined budgeting processes for increased efficiency and accuracy through automation and standardization.
  • Enhanced financial reporting capabilities with the development of comprehensive dashboards and KPI tracking tools.
  • Provided actionable insights for executive decision-making through in-depth analysis of financial trends and variances.
  • Reduced overhead costs by identifying inefficiencies and implementing cost-saving measures across various departments.
  • Mentored junior team members, fostering professional growth and enhancing productivity within the team.
  • Supported CFO with special projects and additional job duties.
  • Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis, and monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.

Financial Reporting and Operations Manager

Computek International
05.2006 - 10.2009
  • Responsible for financial reporting and profitability analysis
  • Reduced operational costs by designing a new workflow structure (Order to Cash and P2P).
  • Reduced turnaround time for project completion through effective resource allocation and team management.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
  • Implemented a new inventory management system to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
  • Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
  • Spearheaded process improvements, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex business challenges.
  • Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
  • Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency, and help the company evolve and grow.
  • Raised property accuracy and accountability by creating a new automated tracking method.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine the company's product offerings.
  • Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.

Education

Ph.D. -

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
07.2024

Master of Business Administration With Concentration in Accounting -

University of La Verne
05.2006

Bachelor of Science in Business Admin With Concentration in Information Technology -

University of La Verne, Athens Campus
06.2003

Skills

  • Corporate Governance
  • Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis
  • Performance Metrics Evaluation
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Staff Management and Development
  • Cash Flow Management
  • Resource Allocation Optimization
  • Business Process Optimization and Transformation
  • Financial Reporting and Cost Accounting
  • Inventory Process

Certification

  • Model Thinking, September 2014, PHU564BV57
  • The Data Scientist’s Toolbox, September 2014, MMN85RSEGQ
  • R Programming, January 2015, 2NCG4UG59G

Technology Skills

  • Oracle
  • Power BI
  • OACS
  • Cognos Analytics
  • Tableau
  • R Programming
  • SPSS
  • SQL
  • JDE
  • Q4Bis
  • QuickBooks
  • Peachtree
  • Crystal Reports
  • Microsoft Office
  • Capstone Business Simulation

Timeline

Vice President of Finance- Operational Analytics

Niagara Bottling, LLC
06.2023 - Current

Sr. Director of Finance

Niagara Bottling, LLC
01.2022 - 06.2023

Director of Finance and Inventory Process

Niagara Bottling, LLC
01.2019 - 12.2021

Plant Director

Niagara Bottling, LLC
01.2018 - 12.2018

Senior Finance Manager

Niagara Bottling, LLC
12.2017 - 12.2018

Finance and Cost Accounting Manager

Niagara Bottling, LLC
01.2015 - 11.2017

Strategic Financial Analyst

Niagara Bottling, LLC
09.2013 - 12.2014

Financial Planning and Analysis

Western Food Distribution former TLD
11.2009 - 08.2013

Financial Reporting and Operations Manager

Computek International
05.2006 - 10.2009

Ph.D. -

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Master of Business Administration With Concentration in Accounting -

University of La Verne

Bachelor of Science in Business Admin With Concentration in Information Technology -

University of La Verne, Athens Campus
Era Ryan