Jennifer J Spray
St. Louis,MO
Summary
A self-motivated, goal-oriented professional. Thrive in dynamic, fast-paced business environment, with the ability to effectively handle multiple projects and responsibilities. Effective team player with a critical eye and the ability to make sound decisions with minimal supervision. Proven leadership abilities to drive change and develop team members.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager of Merchandising Finance
Pet Supermarket Inc.
02.2024 - Current
- Implemented financial analysis team to support direct business functions including Merchandising, Supply Chain Planning and Store Operations.
- Managed vendor negotiation process for 230+ vendors resulting in a 10% improvement in vendor funding.
- Created weekly inventory review process to provide forward look at receipts and inventory balances that resulted in improving cash flow forecasting and DC labor.
- Lead cross functional working team to identify margin opportunities which lead to reduction in sales cannibalization and improved margins.
- Analyze market trends to inform merchandisers of opportunities and bottlenecks for underutilized SKUs and Consumer behavior changes.
Manager of Finance – Merchandising FP&A
Save A Lot Food Stores
12.2019 - 02.2024
- Supported merchandising organization of 4 directors and 23 managers and analysts with daily financial analysis
- Created forecasting and budgeting tool for business partners allowing efficiency and accuracy in forecasting and budgeting model.
- Developed and administered annual bottoms up budgets to corporate finance teams for improved forecasting accuracy.
- Analyzed financial reports to identify trends and inform decision-making processes.
- Developed KPI dashboards for weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting.
- Developed annual budgets to align financial goals with organizational strategy.
Manager of Finance - Meat and Produce Merchandising
Save A Lot Food Stores
10.2018 - 12.2019
- Identified cost and retail opportunities which resulted in over $300K in additional margin for Q4 2019 through new analytical processes.
- Developed daily margin reporting tool through automation to eliminate manual work and improve accuracy.
- Created financial weekly reconciliation process resulting in a proactive approach to identify margin and sales issues before close of weekly results.
North America Commercial SG&A and Capital Analyst
Monsanto Company
06.2017 - 10.2018
- Created monthly and quarterly management reporting processes to consolidate income statement reporting for 3 regions.
- Lead efforts during integration of Bayer SG&A into Monsanto SG&A.
- Partnered with HR to create a more robust monthly headcount report; identified headcount KPIs for more accurate labor reconciliation.
US Commercial SG&A/Capital Analyst
Monsanto Company
06.2015 - 06.2017
- Improved accuracy to end fiscal year within 1% of target versus 5% in prior years.
- Worked with 30+ managers and 6 leadership teams to support and provide guidance regarding use of funds to deliver business results.
- Implemented cost center system driving a reduction in forecast time by over 50.
Operating Cash Flow Lead -US Commercial
Monsanto Company
02.2014 - 06.2015
- Responsible for corporate consolidations of total US Commercial operating cash flow.
- Identified needs for structure change and transitioned the team to implement a structure that eliminated work bottlenecks.
Financial Forecasting and Planning Lead
Monsanto Company
05.2013 - 02.2014
- Consolidated monthly, quarterly and annual cash forecasts for US businesses.
- Posted, analyzed and reviewed balance sheet entries for prepaid and marketing program accruals.
- Prepared and presented annual balance sheet review of cash flow to Controller and External Reporting Lead.
Senior Financial Analyst
Monsanto Company
01.2012 - 05.2013
- Streamlined the close process to reduce non-value added work.
- Identified analytical opportunities regarding factored receivables with partner Bank to allow for more accurate cash flow forecasting.
- Improved accuracy of fourth quarter collections forecast by 5% from prior year.
- Key participant in a Global Forecasting Project.
- Automated process that improved timeline allowing for 2 hours of additional time each month for leadership to review final financials.
Accounting Services Supervisor
Monsanto Company
05.2010 - 12.2011
- Improved Marketing Program accrual process by automating and decreasing work over eight hours during monthly close.
- Received Controllership Award for Fiscal Year 2011 for on time reporting, limited restatements and accuracy .
- Reduced cost centers by over twenty percent.
International Intercompany Lead
Monsanto Company
03.2008 - 05.2010
- Created lead role to improve international accounting support .
- Managed a team of 6 accountants responsible for global intercompany business transaction postings and reconciliations.
- Reconciled accounts reducing unreconciled balances from $1M to $10K.
- Successfully worked to bring 9 acquired businesses onto SAP platform.
Intercompany Analyst
Monsanto Company
11.2006 - 03.2008
- Developed monthly reporting process for cross country teams to deliver monthly business results to senior leadership.
- Performed system analysis, documentation, testing, implementation and user support for platform transitions.
Education
Masters - Business Administration, Finance
Webster University
St Louis, MOBachelors of Science - Business Administration, Finance
University of Missouri - St Louis
St Louis, MOSkills
- Budget and financial forecasting
- Strong interpersonal communication
- Process optimization
- Strategic planning
- Accurate budget projections
- Advanced financial modeling
- Performance analysis using data
- Effective strategic planning
- Sales projection expertise
System Experience
- Tableau
- Power BI
- Hyperion
- SAP
Timeline
Senior Manager of Merchandising Finance
Pet Supermarket Inc.
02.2024 - Current
Manager of Finance – Merchandising FP&A
Save A Lot Food Stores
12.2019 - 02.2024
Manager of Finance - Meat and Produce Merchandising
Save A Lot Food Stores
10.2018 - 12.2019
North America Commercial SG&A and Capital Analyst
Monsanto Company
06.2017 - 10.2018
US Commercial SG&A/Capital Analyst
Monsanto Company
06.2015 - 06.2017
Operating Cash Flow Lead -US Commercial
Monsanto Company
02.2014 - 06.2015
Financial Forecasting and Planning Lead
Monsanto Company
05.2013 - 02.2014
Senior Financial Analyst
Monsanto Company
01.2012 - 05.2013
Accounting Services Supervisor
Monsanto Company
05.2010 - 12.2011
International Intercompany Lead
Monsanto Company
03.2008 - 05.2010
Intercompany Analyst
Monsanto Company
11.2006 - 03.2008
Masters - Business Administration, Finance
Webster University
Bachelors of Science - Business Administration, Finance
University of Missouri - St Louis