Kira Allen
Essendant (formerly United Stationers Supply Company)
Macedon
27
years of professional experience
Results-driven Senior Finance Manager with 27 years of leadership in financial planning, forecasting, and profitability analysis. Partnered with executive leadership to enhance business performance and optimize cash flow. Managed high-performing teams, developed annual operating plans, and led enterprise system implementations. Translated complex financial data into actionable insights to drive profitability and operational efficiency.
Work History
Sr. Finance Manager
1 Year 7 Months- Directed annual planning, forecasting, and monthly financial reporting for over $120M in supplier allowance programs, providing actionable insights that supported merchandising strategy and profitability.
- Enhanced cash flow through timely billing and collection of supplier allowances, strengthening reporting accuracy and financial controls.
- Developed and executed billing process for new third-party logistics business, partnering with operations to ensure contractual accuracy and improve forecast reliability.
- Minimized outstanding vendor receivables via proactive account reconciliation, dispute resolution, and collection management efforts.
Finance Manager
8 Years 10 Months- Managed enterprise-wide nonstandard supplier allowance programs, overseeing planning, forecasting, financial reporting, billing, and collections while ensuring strong internal controls.
- Managed enterprise-wide nonstandard supplier allowance programs, overseeing planning, forecasting, financial reporting, billing, and collections to ensure strong internal controls and compliance.
- Developed upfront customer pricing strategies for 2- and 3-Party Technology Supplier Contracts, aligning pricing with market trends and business objectives.
- Managed Team responsible for reconciling customer deductions ensuring quick resolution to improve cash flow.
- Directed credit card settlement and reconciliation processes, ensuring accurate daily balancing between ERP transactions and banking systems.
- Managed annual planning, billing, forecasting, and customer receivables for Managed Print Fulfillment programs, ensuring accurate financial tracking and reporting.
Region Financial Services Manager
11 Years 2 Months- Led the finance function on the regional Senior Leadership Team, influencing strategic decisions and long-term business planning.
- Directed development of the annual $600M operating plan, monthly forecasts, and quarterly business reviews for executive leadership.
- Delivered executive financial reporting with actionable recommendations that improved profitability and operational performance.
- Oversaw financial operations for Azerty de Mexico business unit, ensuring SOX compliance across key financial processes to mitigate risk.
- Designed sales incentive compensation plans, including quota development, target setting, and payout calculations, aligning incentives with business objectives.
Business Analyst
4 Years 4 Months- Conducted profitability analysis on customer portfolio, identifying revenue growth and margin improvement opportunities.
- Provided references upon request
- Analyzed business processes to identify improvement opportunities and enhance operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define project requirements and deliver strategic solutions.
- Developed detailed reports and dashboards using advanced analytics tools for informed decision-making.
Senior Financial Analyst
1 Year 6 Months- Established Freight Accounting Department, developing processes, controls, and reporting to enhance operational efficiency.
- Implemented freight audit procedures, resulting in identification of significant cost-saving opportunities.
- Delivered executive financial analyses that informed strategic decisions on sales trends, freight optimization, and customer profitability.
- References submitted upon request
Education
Master of Business Administration - Finance and Financial Institutions & Markets
- Graduation: Honors
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
- Graduation: Cum Laude
- GPA: 3.6/4.0
Skills
Proficient in Windows
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Word
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Outlook
SAP
Vistex
Hyperion
Financial Modeling
Data Analysis
Power BI
Pricing Strategy
Cash management
Revenue optimization
Stakeholder relations
Investment analysis
Business intelligence
Financial modeling
Cost management
Financial controls
Timeline
Sr. Finance Manager
Essendant (formerly United Stationers Supply Company)
2025.01 - CurrentRead More
Finance Manager
Essendant (formerly United Stationers Supply Company)
2016.03 - 2025.01Read More
Region Financial Services Manager
Essendant (formerly United Stationers Supply Company)
2005.01 - 2016.03Read More
Business Analyst
Azerty, A Division of United Stationers Supply Company
2000.09 - 2005.01Read More
Senior Financial Analyst
Azerty Incorporated
1999.03 - 2000.09Read More
Union College
Bachelor of Arts from Economics
Read More
State University of New York at Buffalo
Master of Business Administration from Finance and Financial Institutions & Markets
Read More
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY
- Board of Directors Rochester Jr. Americans, 2019-03, Present
- Board of Directors, Treasurer, South Macedon Fire & Rescue, 2012-11, 2024-12
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Business Partnering
- Cash Flow Management
- Profitability Analysis
- Variance Analysis
- Executive Reporting
- Team Leadership & Development
- ERP Systems (SAP, Vistex)
- Vendor Receivables