Lauren Cosgrove
Financial Management
Nashville,TN
Summary
Senior Financial Analyst with strong track record of 10 years in financial forecasting, budgeting, and data analysis. Proven ability to deliver actionable insights and drive financial performance through collaboration and adaptability. Equipped with expertise in financial modeling, strategic planning, and risk management. Known for service-minded attitude and ability to thrive in dynamic environments. Combines military precision with business acumen to create value, reduce costs, and fuel sustainable growth.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Financial Analyst
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
07.2024 - Current
- Provided non-profit financial management and oversight of all 19 Department of Pediatrics specialty divisions including for both clinical and federal grant sponsored research endeavors.
- Developed and implemented complex financial models to analyze the impact of capital investments on business performance.
- Negotiate payment terms and assist in research contracting for both federal and non-federal studies
- Monitor and execute invoicing for clinical trials studies for three major department divisions ensuring payment timeliness
- Approved travel authorizations and expense reports for hospital providers and executive personnel
- Partner with Interim Chief Business Officer to drive operational clarity and implement initiatives across department
- Experience in ERP eStar (EPIC) reviewing department schedules, financial reports, reimbursement metrics, and other financial analysis functions including monthly reconciliation of charges
- Knowledge of federal regulations and reporting standards regarding sponsored programs; direct experience managing and reporting on sponsored programs monthly, ensuring financial compliance and donor-driven requirements are met
- Analyzed financial data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement
- Identified cost-saving strategies to maximize profitability and reduce expenses by creating Power BI provider billing dashboard—increased overall visibility for dept reimbursement metrics by 100%
- Conducted thorough reviews with monthly financial statements to ensure accuracy in budgeting and forecasting
- Provided technical expertise in developing complex financial models and customized reporting for different division clinical or research needs
- Successfully completed closing of FY25 budget cycle, forecasting, and entering of FY26 budget into Workday
- Adaptive Planning despite facing challenges like major budget cuts to research programs and limited continuity or direction
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop annual operating budgets and long-term strategic plans.
- Evaluated potential investments, acquisitions, mergers, and other corporate transactions for their effect on the organization's finances.
- Utilized Workday to process financial transactions, reports, employee HR related tasks, leave submissions, and more
- Assessed financial projections and reporting to donors regularly, recommending strategic adjustments as needed
- Drafted presentations illustrating key insights from financial analyses for use in board meetings and fundraising related activities.
- Prepared comprehensive presentations showcasing financial information for professional stakeholders
- Enhanced overall productivity leading to decreased labor costs and improved efficiency
- Conducted variance analysis to compare budgeted figures against actual results and identified causes of discrepancies
- Utilized financial software and advanced Excel functions to streamline data analysis and reporting processes
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to gather financial data and insights for comprehensive reports
- Monitored budget expenditures ensuring precision and transparency, communicated findings with dept leaders regularly
- Provided valuable insights by leading monthly variance analysis reviews between actual results and budget/forecast expectations.
- Enabled informed decision-making by presenting key findings from complex data sets in clear, concise formats for senior leadership team members.
- Trained new analysts on corporate policies and procedures and implemented continuity program, reducing onboarding time.
- Streamlined financial reporting processes, resulting in more efficient delivery of critical information to stakeholders.
- Maximized company resources by performing ad-hoc analyses supporting cost reduction initiatives across departments.
- Played a pivotal role in annual budget planning, collaborating with department heads to allocate resources strategically.
- Created financial strategies to optimize portfolio performance and reduce risk.
Financial Analyst - US Operations
Habitat for Humanity International
10.2022 - 07.2023
- Provided expert analysis, management, processing and correction of financial transactions and issues and problems that involve the full range of non-profit financial management services and grant funding tracking in a lead role for all US Operations, connecting with international counterparts when necessary
- Analyzed financial data to identify trends, patterns and strategies
- Advised senior leaders on financial program health, employee hiring capabilities, US Operations program advancement, and planned spending in accordance with federal and donor regulations or guidelines
- Owner of financial dashboard model development used to monitor spending, allocate funding, inform business decisions, and organize data to align with several multi-million department budget plans
- Pulled financial data daily from various systems to update, maintain, and improve financial models for the US Operations team; provided real time insights of available funding, potential shortfalls, and areas of identified growth
- Identified and executed opportunity to improve efficiency with use of SmartSheet tools to coordinate a more collaborative remote working environment across US Operations in conjunction with grant managers, directors, finance, and affiliates
- Supported key human resources personnel functions including but not limited to: new employee setup in PeopleSoft payroll system, position planning, headcount analysis, new hire target salary analysis, and time reporting
- Summarized financial information to clearly relay concepts and drive understanding of non-financial leaders across the organization
- Worked cross-functionally with accounting professionals to oversee execution of financial plans, journal entries, P&L ownership, PeopleSoft Payroll entries, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, daily transactions, and Cash-flow
- Established and prepare annual budgets, continuity development, and pipeline of scheduled/planned events for US Operations
- Led biweekly US Operations team call with directors and above to discuss financial program health, organize planned grant spend down, and execution of funding aligned with organizational policies and goals
- Maintained, updated, and processed employee funding forms to draw salary effort from appropriate donor sources
- Sole liaison between US Operations directors and the Finance department to lead in financial analysis, planning, and support
- Proactively resolved crucial cash flow issue by identifying incorrect coding combinations on affiliate funding agreement; swiftly recovered $500k for HFHI affiliate operational usage
- Analyzed financial data to determine efficient use of resources while considering economic conditions and operational policy developments
- Analyzed actual financial results vs budget to prepare variance reporting to functional groups
- Utilized and maintained several financial and administrative systems such as: Navision, ADP, SmartSheet, MS Office, SharePoint, MS Excel, and more
- Conducted detailed financial analysis to identify and evaluate changes in operations, trends and potential areas of improvement.
- Facilitated smooth month-end close processes by efficiently reconciling accounts and addressing discrepancies promptly.
- Supported corporate restructuring, analyzing financial implications of proposed changes.
- Enhanced team productivity, leading initiatives to improve financial analysis tools and techniques.
- Researched macroeconomic, industry and company-specific data to inform investment decisions.
M&A Financial Analyst - Business Development
Upstream Rehabilitation
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Provided detailed analysis, data research, coordination of due diligence process, contracting, legal, administrative functions, and advising of business development opportunities in a lead analyst role while contributing to the achievement milestone of Upstream becoming the largest physical therapy network in the United States
- Created and organized minutes, agendas, and communication materials for key business development leaders and potential partners
- Scheduled planned calendar of events and administered weekly and monthly meetings during due diligence process with business development team, legal, human resources, quality assurance, and external customers
- Collaborated and communicated with various department heads, executive management, business partners and potential partners to ensure full transparency and availability for business needs
- Performed market research, data mining, business intelligence, and EBITDA valuation comps within MS Excel
- Created complex financial models to analyze revenue projections, expenses, balance sheet information, payor mix, and projections for growth and expansion of business development opportunities
- Contributed to growth and expansion of the largest PT network in the United States by directly supporting the acquisition and merging of PT practices; launched M&A efforts into expansion of over 1,200 clinics nationwide
- Maintained and completed several analysis projects within tight deadlines in fast-paced corporate environment; identified time-saving alternatives when needed
- Advised key leaders by providing extensive audit reviews and detailed information to educate decision making and future of organizational expansion across the PT network
- Maintained financial forecasting, reporting, operational metrics tracking, and development pipeline within Salesforce system
- Analyzed payor mix, risk-based payor contracts such as Medicare/Medicaid, and fee schedules to review impact of financial health for potential acquisition target
- Operated within various clinic accounting and ERP systems to pull financial, headcount, and people data needed to build a comprehensive financial profile (QuickBooks, WebPT, Kareo, etc.)
- Reviewed business processes, portfolio characteristics, economic and socioeconomic market analysis, payor contracts, and generated financial models to compile research results and inform board of Business Development on potential risks and areas of opportunity for growth
- Reported directly to Vice President of Business Development and assists with special tasks and responsibilities
- Reviewed, tested, and challenged third party models when performing valuation analysis throughout the deal life-cycle; briefed findings in formal presentations to team and external customers
- Instructed M&A team on the use, construction, and development of financial models
- Created professional and productive relationships with business partners to foster a collaborative working environment
- Resolved problems and managed multiple tasks using strong planning and process management abilities with rapidly changing requirements
- Prepared professional presentations and materials for executive level decision support
- Trained new financial analyst with valuation models, due diligence process, various personnel functions, and overall position requirements
- Analyzed financial insurance and data to identify trends, patterns and strategies for economic growth within the PT industry along with compliance and legal requirements
- Streamlined audit processes, coordinating effectively with external auditors to ensure compliance.
- Increased stakeholder confidence, providing transparent and accurate financial reports.
- Evaluated proposed projects'' ROI using NPV, IRR, and other financial metrics, helping prioritize initiatives with maximum value potential.
- Led financial due diligence for potential M&A activities, ensuring thorough evaluation of targets.
- Participated in client meetings to discuss financial analysis and investment strategies.
- Developed financial models to assess potential investments and identify potential risks.
- Orchestrated client-centered financial packages factoring in current market trends.
- Created financial strategies to optimize portfolio performance and reduce risk.
- Conducted detailed financial analysis to identify and evaluate changes in operations, trends and potential areas of improvement.
Finance Management Technician, Active Duty
National Guard, Air Force
06.2016 - 10.2022
- As a Financial Management Specialist Non-commissioned Officer (NCO), I provided technical expert knowledge, validation, processing and correction of financial transactions and issues and problems that involve the full range of financial management and personnel services as well as supervisory functions in a lead role over financial customer service supporting 24/7 ops USAF RPA, cyber, and intelligence operations
- Travel pay expert- lead NCO for all things related to booking and processing travel reimbursements, often for last-minute deployments or trips; maintained and administered required annual travel training for all base personnel
- Performed financial analysis of interrelated accounting, logistics and computer file systems concerning pay, accounts payable and receivable, supply chain, and several entitlements to resolve especially complex and sensitive, out-of-balance conditions associated with processing actions within financial management systems
- Managed financial customer service team of Airmen as lead NCO; consistently received satisfied comment cards and accolades for outstanding service
- Led various financial personnel functions to include initial employee in-processing briefings, processing of required forms/new employee information to generate payroll, Thrift Savings Plan setup, process monetary bonuses, debt reconciliation, records upkeep, and other various administrative duties
- Monitored Centrally Billed Account (CBA) and Individually Billed Accounts (IBA) for base personnel as Citibank 118th Wing level AOPC; ensured proper account usage when approving travel documents for Permanent Change of Stations (PCS) and temporary duty (TDY) in accordance with regulations
- Submitted award and administration packages for Airmen in coordination with human resources to celebrate career milestones, mission related accomplishments, and academic excellence; including training military personnel
- Developed and implemented several new processes to improve work accuracy and efficiency including: checklists, training guides, local policies, and regular audits of unit purchase card administration programs performed to ensure proper record reconciliation, maintenance, and controls were being followed
- Developed understanding of FAR, CAS, and GAAP/SOX requirements to monitor and process federal contracting payments/reimbursements within various military contracting and accounting systems
- Administered accounting procedures related to execution of government contracts, US-AID programs, federal funding, and daily base operations in accordance with financial regulations such as FAR, DFARS, NGB, and OMB guidance
- Trained all new Financial Management Technicians on financial directives & customer service operations in a supervisory role; developed and set the standard of expectations for superior customer support
- Created travel pay continuity and employee training for new hires, unit level approvers/certifiers, and hosted annual training seminars on travel pay system processing
- Provided expert decision support to the comptroller, unit commanders, resource managers, and senior enlisted leaders
- Created several new processes to improve work accuracy and efficiency including: checklists, training guides, local policies, and templates; awarded Diamond Sharp Airman award (#2) for innovative solutions
- Utilized federal regulations related financial management, including OMB Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standards, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and Major Federal funding agency guidelines
- Administered travel funds for conferences, advances, and training events while staying in compliance with specific coding instructions for fund usage as regulated by fiscal law
- Created and maintained Travel Pay SharePoint and file plan on shared drive
- Contributed to superior performance rating on 2020 Financial Audit from the Air Force Auditing Agency
- Directed financial management activities, including reviewing internal controls and quality of services
- Served as member of WIT team—dedicated to change management and process improvement in normal operations or disaster recovery response; served in audit capacity for finance administration
- Organized fiscal data and past budget reports to advise on the financial planning of special projects such as COVID and tornado relief
- Advanced Microsoft Office and Excel (Pivot Tables, V-lookup etc.); Advanced computer applications
- 2013-2016 additional USAF military experience
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS)
Shreveport, LA12-2026
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Bryan College
Dayton, TN08.2022
Skills
- Skilled at prioritizing tasks under tight deadlines
- Extraordinary organizational skills
- Proficient in resolving complex issues
- Self-motivated individual
- Strong interpersonal communication
- Power BI data visualization
- Advanced financial modeling
- Workday Adaptive Planning, Salesforce, Quickbooks, ERP systems
Accomplishments
- Received a prestigious professional excellence award twice from the TN Air National Guard (Diamond Sharp Airman Award).
- Achieved operational visibility and efficiency by introducing Power BI for cash flow and reimbursement reviews.
- Supervised team of 8 staff members.
- Consistently maintained highest number of positive customer service survey scores as financial management technician.
- Achieved elite Superior audit rating from the U.S. Air Force auditing team through effectively leading financial management office.
- Documented and resolved sponsored funding cash flow issue which led to recovery of $500k.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets for military base operations.
Certification
- Project Management Institute (PMI) PMP Bootcamp Completion: 2025
- Repeat Top Graduate in Air Force training schools
- Department of Defense Financial Management Certification Level 2
- United States Air Force Financial Comptroller Apprentice Course: Jan 2018
- United States Air Force Services Apprentice Course - Nov 2014
Languages
Spanish fluency
Limited Working
Timeline
Senior Financial Analyst
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
07.2024 - Current
Financial Analyst - US Operations
Habitat for Humanity International
10.2022 - 07.2023
M&A Financial Analyst - Business Development
Upstream Rehabilitation
04.2022 - 10.2022
Finance Management Technician, Active Duty
National Guard, Air Force
06.2016 - 10.2022
MBA - Business Administration
Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS)
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Bryan College
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