LISA OWENS
Tucson,AZ
Summary
PROFILE SUMMARY RELEVANT SKILLS Dedicated Financial Executive with 25 years of financial experience, adept at implementing innovative accounting software, practices, and procedures to improve efficiency. A versatile, analytical, and reliable leader with strong business acumen who thrives in a high-paced environment experienced in financial reporting and budget management. With a solid work ethic, driven to provide accurate, efficient, and timely solutions, I bring a strong commitment to the success and advancement of the organization.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President of Finance
Visit Tucson
01.2022 - Current
- Perform all HR functions for the organization to include hiring and release of all personnel, salary and benefits management, and coordinate with external service providers
- Ensure successful biweekly payroll processing and reporting for 40 staff
- Management of building operations and maintenance
- Oversee budget process, coordinate with senior management for development of annual operating and program budgets, perform monthly review, and preparation of reports and analysis for $12M budget
- Responsible for all cash management, investments, insurance, and financial reporting, and help drive the company’s financial strategy
- Perform risk management through analysis of company assets and liabilities, identify areas for cost reduction and process enhancement
- Analyze company financial strengths and weaknesses, internal operations, and strategic direction of the organization
- Ensure cash flow is compatible with operations by overseeing day-to-day accounting, recording, reporting, and internal-control activities of the organization
- Develop and implement best practices and tools to ensure a well-controlled yet flexible organization that has strong fiscal management, project coordination, cross-team communications, and workflows.
Associate Director of Finance
University of Arizona Foundation
02.2019 - 01.2022
- Special projects lead for Financial Edge NXT conversion and software upgrade
- Plan, design, implement, and train for new software and develop procedures and training for University partners
- Develop internal control policies and procedures; analyze, design, and implement processes to provide efficiency
- Manage workflow, conduct reviews, and set short- and long-term goals for Accounts Payable and Trust departments
- Develop business planning, solutions, and strategy to achieve objectives and goals
- Review and approve all disbursements, ~13k per year, including checks, EFTs, wire transfer, credit card transactions, and weekly transfer to the University of Arizona as well as American Express account and cards
- Provide financial support and service to the 18 departments within the Foundation and all units across campus
- Generate and present monthly and annual financial statements in an accurate and timely manner for financial analysis and reporting to senior executives
- Work closely with senior staff to develop and implement annual budget
- Manage monthly reconciliation of Foundation $18M annual budget
- Develop and maintain Foundation policies
- Ensure adherence to UA Foundation, University of Arizona, GAAP, and IRS policies
- Develop and deliver AP and FE NXT training for UA Foundation and Campus Community
- Prepare and report audit schedules and yearly 990 preparations and annual 1099s
- Oversee and approve the monthly closing process for the entire Financial Services department.
Accountant
University of Arizona Alumni Association
10.2014 - 02.2019
- Managed the Collegiate License Plate program; award and reconcile all affiliated Chapter and Club UA cash scholarships
- Implemented and maintained the Concur expense reporting system for the Alumni department
- Managed membership payment processing; reconciled and reported monthly
- Prepared, reconciled, and analyzed financial reports and ledgers within UAccess and Financial Edge
- Reviewed and controlled accounts and records to ensure accuracy, proper documentation and compliance for all pertinent accounting procedures and regulations
- Onboard and train new student workers and staff
- Maintained vendor records, payables, and receivables
- Managed and reconciled Alumni investments and bank reconciliations
- Maintained budget worksheets and reporting.
Representative
Northwestern Mutual
12.2005 - 10.2014
- Prepared and executed insurance, investment, and estate planning portfolios
- Specialized in client relationships to communicate efficient and accurate financial planning management
- Maintained effective and organized office to allow for growth and building client relationships
- Manage finance personnel and oversee financial IT systems, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory entities.
Finance Specialist
Vantage West Credit Union
03.1998 - 07.2003
- Advanced rapidly from Teller to Member Services, Loan Processor and ultimately to Accounts Payable representative
- Managed all aspects of accounts payable system and process
- Ensure accurate coding and reporting in the general ledger
- Provided support for payroll processing
- Collaborated with accounting team to perform month-end balancing
- Implemented new AP Peachtree software.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Finance
University of Arizona, Eller College of Management
Tucson, AZ10.2022
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Finance, Financial Administrator
University of Arizona, Eller College of Management
Tucson, AZ12.2005
Associates - General Studies
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ05.2002
Skills
- Business Intelligence and Innovation
- Analytic and Technical skills
- Infrastructure Maintenance
- Strategic Risk Management and Controls
- Strong Leadership and Communication
- Finance and Accounting Operations
- Teamwork and Interpersonal skills
Certification
Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA)
Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA)
A Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) is a person who wants to be informed and knowledgeable about all that Tucson and Southern Arizona have to offer.
Timeline
Vice President of Finance
Visit Tucson
01.2022 - Current
Associate Director of Finance
University of Arizona Foundation
02.2019 - 01.2022
Accountant
University of Arizona Alumni Association
10.2014 - 02.2019
Representative
Northwestern Mutual
12.2005 - 10.2014
Finance Specialist
Vantage West Credit Union
03.1998 - 07.2003
Master of Business Administration - Finance
University of Arizona, Eller College of Management
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Finance, Financial Administrator
University of Arizona, Eller College of Management
Associates - General Studies
Pima Community College
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