KALA ARASU
Katy
Summary
Strategic Finance Leader with 20 years in financial performance, forecasting, and decision support within retail and energy sectors. Led complex transformations, including M&A integration and bankruptcy, while collaborating with executive leadership to enhance investment strategies and profitability. Expertise in FP&A, marketing finance, capital allocation, and executive communications.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Director
Saks Global
Remote
10.2022 - Current
- Lead Marketing Finance responsible for ~$200M Marketing expense through Saks/Neiman's merger and bankruptcy.
- Advise senior leadership on Marketing ROI, customer acquisition / maintenance, and investment strategy during restructuring.
- Drive budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning for agile decision-making during bankruptcy.
- Deliver executive dashboards on marketing performance and profitability.
External Reporting Director
Phillips 66
Houston
03.2016 - 10.2022
- Managed earnings release and executive reporting process, delivering key insights to C-suite for K and Qs and ensuring clarity in sensitive ad-hoc publications.
- Collaborated with IR and cross-functional leadership to refine language in all externally published documents, focusing on alignment and clarity.
Manager, Treasury
Phillips 66
Houston
03.2010 - 02.2016
- Optimized cash investments with global offices, significantly reducing idle cash.
- Led Treasury and cash activities during Phillips 66 spin-off, collaborating daily with Tax, Legal, and Controllers.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new employees on operational procedures.
Supervisor, Commercial FP&A
ConocoPhillips
Houston
10.2006 - 03.2010
- Managed team of analysts, after just months of being hired as an individual contributor.
- Improved financial reporting and insights to Commercial business leaders affecting bottom line in double digit percentages for consecutive years.
Risk Analyst
Marsh & McLennan
01.2004 - 09.2006
- Completed 6-month new hire training program, gaining comprehensive knowledge in various areas of the company.
- Provided risk analysis and strategic recommendations that informed decision-making for Fortune 1000 clients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance & MIS (Honors)
University of Illinois
12-2003
Skills
- Financial Forecasting
- P&L Management
- Investment Analysis
- Cost optimization
- Scenario planning
- Executive Reporting
- FP&A Leadership
- Data analytics
- Process transformation
- Cross-functional leadership
Timeline
Finance Director
Saks Global
10.2022 - Current
External Reporting Director
Phillips 66
03.2016 - 10.2022
Manager, Treasury
Phillips 66
03.2010 - 02.2016
Supervisor, Commercial FP&A
ConocoPhillips
10.2006 - 03.2010
Risk Analyst
Marsh & McLennan
01.2004 - 09.2006
Bachelor of Science - Finance & MIS (Honors)
University of Illinois