Katherine Watson
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Results-driven finance leader specializing in long-range planning and cross-functional strategy execution. Translates complex financial data into actionable insights to enhance decision-making and profitability. Optimizes forecasting processes and improves reporting transparency while collaborating across functions to tackle business challenges. Drives initiatives from inception to completion with a structured approach to problem-solving.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Finance Manager, Packaging Coatings
PPG INDUSTRIES
Pittsburgh, PA
06.2024 - Current
- Consolidates global financial results for monthly business reviews, analyzing performance drivers and presenting insights to senior leadership.
- Manages full-year forecasting across P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow, ensuring alignment with business goals and enhancing accuracy.
- Monitors business performance using internal metrics and external market data, identifying trends and recommending actions to optimize profitability.
- Collaborates with global key accounts team on proforma development, delivering data-driven recommendations that influenced pricing and investment decisions.
- Assists SBU finance director in annual business strategy review, contributing financial modeling and market analysis for executive presentations.
Manager of Planning and Development, Strategic Planning
PPG INDUSTRIES
Pittsburgh, PA
07.2022 - 06.2024
- Utilized internal financial data and external market insights to drive strategic recommendations.
- Supported development of long-term goals by analyzing opportunities impacting profitability and efficiency.
- Analyzed performance metrics relative to competitors, preparing quarterly summaries for senior management.
- Collaborated on business strategy presentations, offering market insights and consolidating submissions.
- Contributed to operating committee meetings and board presentations with comprehensive analysis.
Associate Strategy Analyst
HIGHMARK
Pittsburgh, PA
02.2021 - 06.2022
- Conducted competitive and market analysis, shaping strategic priorities and guiding investment decisions.
- Supported margin improvement initiatives through data-driven analysis and cross-functional collaboration to drive actionable insights.
- Built and maintained an interactive performance dashboard for real-time leadership insights.
- Delivered presentations to external stakeholders, aligning performance metrics with stakeholder expectations.
Field Exam Associate
HILCO GLOBAL
New York, NY
06.2019 - 01.2020
- Conducted asset-based lending field exams across industries, assessing inventory and operational risks to inform lending decisions.
- Identified structural and operational red flags through trend analysis, interviews, and financial testing, enhancing risk awareness.
- Delivered findings via detailed reports and client discussions, facilitating transparency and enabling actionable insights.
Senior Representative
BNY Mellon
Pittsburgh, PA
06.2017 - 06.2019
Summer Analyst
BNY Mellon
Pittsburgh, PA
05.2016 - 08.2016
Summer Analyst
BNY Mellon
Pittsburgh, PA
05.2016 - 08.2016
Education
BBA - Finance and Supply Chain Management
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
Pittsburgh, PA05-2017
Skills
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Strategic Forecasting & Modeling
- Business Strategy
- Market Analysis
- Executive reporting
- Data Analysis
- Excel and PowerPoint
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Problem solving
- Effective Negotiation
Timeline
Global Finance Manager, Packaging Coatings
PPG INDUSTRIES
06.2024 - Current
Manager of Planning and Development, Strategic Planning
PPG INDUSTRIES
07.2022 - 06.2024
Associate Strategy Analyst
HIGHMARK
02.2021 - 06.2022
Field Exam Associate
HILCO GLOBAL
06.2019 - 01.2020
Senior Representative
BNY Mellon
06.2017 - 06.2019
Summer Analyst
BNY Mellon
05.2016 - 08.2016
Summer Analyst
BNY Mellon
05.2016 - 08.2016
BBA - Finance and Supply Chain Management
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH