Leighann Harris
Orlando,FL
Summary
Dynamic finance leader with extensive experience at The First Academy, driving financial sustainability through strategic planning and robust audit processes. Expert in GAAP compliance and stakeholder communication, fostering team collaboration, and enhancing employee engagement. Proven track record in managing complex financial operations and improving organizational growth initiatives.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Director of Finance
The First Academy
09.2012 - Current
- Spearheaded the annual financial planning process, working closely with the Head of School to establish and monitor the school’s financial goals, budgets, and investments, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with strategic objectives. Annual budget of $30 million.
- Developed and implemented a plan increasing strategic cash reserves from $0 in 2015 to $17M in 2024.
- Led all financial reporting, including monthly and annual financial statements, as well as reports to the Executive Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.
- Managed the audit process, working with external auditors to ensure accurate, timely audits and compliance with all GAAP and regulatory reporting requirements for State of Florida Scholarship programs. All years with unqualified opinion and clean internal control reports.
- Directed and improved the internal controls for financial operations and compliance, introducing key policies and procedures to enhance transparency and reduce financial risks.
- Led HR initiatives to ensure compliance with applicable laws, improving recruitment, retention, and staff satisfaction.
- Collaborated with external banking, investment, and insurance partners to manage and report on the organization’s cash position, investment performance, and endowment funds. Improved investment performance last year by $750,000.
- Developing a comprehensive strategic financial and capital projects plan to drive organizational growth, aligning financial, IT, and HR initiatives with mission-driven goals.
Manager - CPA Firms
Deloitte, Other Local CPA Firms
- Worked for three years as a Staff/In-Charge Accountant for Deloitte in the Audit/Assurance Practice. Performed audits and reviews of clients in various industries including financial institutions, higher education, manufacturing, contracting, public utilities, governmental and various public entities with SEC reporting requirements.
- Continued work at local and regional CPA firms for twelve years. Managed audits, reviews and compilation engagements for not-for-profit, for profit, and state and local governmental entities.
- Skilled in preparation of financial statements and presentation of audit findings to the Board and client leadership.
- Performed audit engagements under GAAP, GAGAS, and Single Audit.
- Prepared multi-state corporate and partnership tax returns, and not for profit tax returns.
- Developed and taught internal continuing education and training courses for employees and maintained firm records for peer review compliance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, OKSkills
- Financial Leadership: Annual budgeting, financial forecasting, operational budgeting, fund accounting, GAAP compliance, cash & investment management, audit processes
- Non-profit Experience: Deep understanding of non-profit financials, including tax-exempt status maintenance, Form 990, and donor-related financial reporting and compliance
- Contract & Risk Management: Vendor selection & evaluation, RFP process, insurance procurement, risk management, contract compliance
- Human Resources Management: Staff recruitment, onboarding, engagement programs, performance reviews, compliance with labor laws, competitive salary reviews, contract preparation
- Team Leadership & Development: Mentoring and coaching senior staff, fostering team collaboration, achieving KPIs, and enhancing employee performance through structured feedback and recognition programs
- Stakeholder Communication: Presenting financial reports to the Board of Directors, and leadership teams; developing strong relationships with the Executive Finance Committee, investment advisors, and auditors
Certification
SHRM-CP
CPA-Inactive/Expired
Technology Experience
MIP/Abila, Quickbooks, ADP
Microsoft - Excel, Word, Powerpoint
Google Suite
Timeline
Senior Director of Finance
The First Academy
09.2012 - Current
Manager - CPA Firms
Deloitte, Other Local CPA Firms
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Oral Roberts University
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