Lauren Dunbar
Columbus,OH
Summary
Results-driven professional with 16+ years of financial, accounting, and auditing experience with demonstrated success in developing compelling visual presentations, coordinating complex timeline-driven projects, and leading cross-functional teams. Proven record of implementing process improvements that drive operational efficiencies with ability to quickly build relationships, understand processes, problem-solve to achieve goals, and communicate with senior leadership and stakeholders to create an aligned vision. Highly values collaboration and contributing to team success.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager – Investor Relations
The Wendy's Company
Dublin, OH
07.2022 - 05.2024
- Developed visual presentations for C-suite executives and Wall Street community, creating compelling quarterly earnings materials and investor presentations
- Managed timeline-critical projects including end-to-end planning of the 2023 and 2024 Annual Shareholder Meetings, including budgeting, logistics, and on-site execution
- Analyzed market trends and financial data to provide strategic insights to senior management
- Improved team operational efficiency by streamlining reporting processes and creating internal training materials
- Managed one senior analyst, providing mentorship and performance feedback
Senior Financial Analyst – Marketing
The Wendy's Company
Dublin, OH
10.2019 - 06.2022
- Launched major brand initiatives including Breakfast and the Meal Deal Evolution to restructure the Biggie Bag and 4 for $4 for profitability, the company's biggest projects in over 5 years
- Created high-quality analytical presentations providing weekly insights on sales performance and product innovation to management
- Maximized sales and profitability through analysis of product performance, sales trends, and key business metrics to influence strategic decision-making
- Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing and operations leadership to provide financial recommendations and strategic guidance
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining reporting processes and creating internal training materials
Senior Financial Analyst – Inventory Control
Abercrombie & Fitch
New Albany, OH
09.2016 - 09.2019
- Developed and maintained financial analytics to identify process improvement opportunities and operational insights
- Presented strategic recommendations to senior leadership
- Played a key role in budget development for monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasts with a heavy focus on margin optimization
- Ensured completeness and accuracy of inventory valuation throughout supply chain
- Mentored team members and contributed to hiring processes to build department capabilities
Director of Accounting
Mexicue
New York, NY
09.2014 - 08.2016
- Implemented accounting, payroll, and human resource systems eliminating manual processes and improving operational efficiency
- Managed project coordination for new location build-outs, monitoring spending throughout project lifecycles
- Led stakeholder presentations in monthly meetings with leadership and investors, providing data-driven recommendations
- Consolidated multi-location operations analyzing financial data across multiple legal entities
Senior Accountant
Vilardi & Co
New York, NY
10.2013 - 09.2014
- Prepared financial statements for restaurant clients weekly to annually
- Led weekly client review meetings to present analyses and recommendations
Senior Audit Associate
SS&G Financial Services
Cleveland & Columbus, OH
10.2011 - 08.2013
- Performed financial and operational audits, analytical reviews, internal control testing, and walkthroughs
- Presented findings, risks, and detailed recommendations to leadership team and clients
Staff Audit Associate
SS&G Financial Services
Cleveland & Columbus, OH
01.2009 - 10.2011
- Promoted at mid-size public accounting firm to audit clients in-person across multiple industries
Audit Intern
SS&G Financial Services
Cleveland & Columbus, OH
01.2008 - 04.2008
- Performed financial and operational audits, analytical reviews, internal control testing, and walkthroughs
- Presented findings, risks, and detailed recommendations to leadership team and clients
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
Kent State University
Skills
- Process improvement
- Creative and complex problem-solving
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Implementing feedback effectively
- Managing changing priorities with urgency
- Streamlining workflows
- Time management
- Exceptional communication
- Creating visual and verbal presentations
- Fostering cross-functional collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Gaining stakeholder trust and buy-in
- Naturally optimistic, curious, and outgoing
- Project management
- Timeline coordination, deadline management, cross-functional collaboration, process improvement
- Manages changing priorities with urgency
Websites
Timeline
Manager – Investor Relations
The Wendy's Company
07.2022 - 05.2024
Senior Financial Analyst – Marketing
The Wendy's Company
10.2019 - 06.2022
Senior Financial Analyst – Inventory Control
Abercrombie & Fitch
09.2016 - 09.2019
Director of Accounting
Mexicue
09.2014 - 08.2016
Senior Accountant
Vilardi & Co
10.2013 - 09.2014
Senior Audit Associate
SS&G Financial Services
10.2011 - 08.2013
Staff Audit Associate
SS&G Financial Services
01.2009 - 10.2011
Audit Intern
SS&G Financial Services
01.2008 - 04.2008
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
Kent State University