MELISSA RASMUSSEN

• Manage the three-year investment planning cycle for all US offices and update practice group forecasts on an ongoing basis as circumstances change including headcount movements, productivity levels, recoveries, etc
• Monitor and report progress against targets at practice group and fee-earning department levels and draft short commentaries
• Review financial projections for lateral partners and other investments to drive a range of projects that are designed to improve the efficiency and agility of the firm
• Review the annual income, headcount, and equity budgets across all US practice groups and ensure buy-in from the practices and management
• Monitor and report progress against targets at the practice group and fee-earning department levels by managing key metrics, analyzing data, and providing support and insight for strategic planning.
• Execute (i) timely accurate and relevant financial information for decision-making, (ii) profitability forecasting based on multiple levers/potential outcomes, and (iii) influencing or offering advice to optimize the desired outcome
• Review partner performance on an ongoing basis and escalate as necessary
• Responsible for the delivery, design, and preparation of financial presentations and one-off financial analyses as required to support the CFO and firm management in making strategic decisions
• Spearhead the reporting process improvements resulting in improved accuracy and efficiency by promoting the use of reporting analytics techniques within financial planning and analysis processes
• Perform in-depth P&L analysis and budget planning to manage financial resources for optimal results effectively

• Managed relationships with partners, accounting firms, law firms, investment advisors, and banks
• Spearheaded and streamlined processes related to the support of new, current, and retired partners on all financial wellness
• Optimized department budget while acting as the primary point of contact regarding partner compensation, tax, finance and pension teams, and external advisors
• Implemented innovative solutions to improve and enhance deliverables to partners and leaders of the Firm by solving complex problems and streamlining operations.
• Executed project contracts and tracked deliverables
• Spearheaded various finance firm initiatives through robust modeling and end-to-end execution
• Delivered support to the Investment Committee in executing all investment-related decisions and was responsible for supporting the pension team on the legal compliance of the plans, coordinated efforts with external auditors on year-end independent audits, filings, and adherence to plan documents to meet ERISA, GAAP, and tax regulation requirements.
• Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
• Worked closely with organizational leadership on executing the Firm's strategy.
• Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
• Spearheaded successful product launches that resulted in increasing efficiency to meet the firms needs.

• Directed project teams to deliver multiple complex projects from inception to completion by advancing the firm’s strategic goals while adhering to budgetary constraints for ongoing automation and other continuous improvement projects for financial reporting
• Worked collaboratively with other offices and external resources for support to execute organization-wide changes and substantiate current reporting and future needs
• Tracked and reported project deliverables as well as mitigated risks to ensure the smooth implementation of intended plans and strategies
• Prepared timely and accurate reports, variance analysis, and narratives as part of higher-level forecasting and management reporting
• Worked with the pricing team on financial models to determine the economic feasibility of proposed projects or investments & monthly reporting to section heads and partners on WIP and AR status
• Provided focus and clarity in establishing individual goals, driving performance management, supporting career development, and rewarding strong performance
• Provided Data Mining and Modeling for utilization for global staff, senior associates, and partner movements
• Benchmarked across peer firms to identify improvements and cost savings
• Evaluated and advised on the impact of long-range planning, the introduction of new programs/strategies, and regulatory action.
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.

• Led all tax and finance operations for multiple operating entities, including financial reporting, partnership tax return preparation, and payment of sales & use, and occupational taxes
• Managed tax engagements in collaboration with internal and external advisors
• Oversaw general accounting functions including cash position and cash movement for management operating entities
• Ensured compliance with treasury policies, tax policies, accounting guidelines, governance policies, and internal organizational financial controls
• Conducted searches of current bankruptcy cases using PACER and provide key reports to General Counsel
• Provided critical support during annual audits, ensuring timely completion and accurate representation of company finances
• Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports

• Directed the conversion and implementation of a customized partner compensation system which freed up critical server space on the firms’ outdated system and improved the accuracy and efficiency of partner payments
• Coordinated with management on partner cash flow forecasting, financial planning, and capital/tax implications of departures, conversions, and lateral hires
• Developed supplemental schedules released with audited financial statements, including allocation of net assets, partnership interest buy/sell transactions, and capital/pension payments
• Spearheaded detailed financial research regarding escalated accounting and tax queries across pensions, benefits, global mobility, and other areas
• Devised business strategy by collaborating with the director of financial accounting
• Modernized firm processes by supporting the transformation from a paper-based to an electronic filing system, including the recreation of relevant financial data spanning 29 years
• Monitored various accounts and reporting systems to ensure all accounting was in compliance with US GAAP
• Achieved operational excellence by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
• Demonstrated exceptional adaptability in navigating complex situations or rapidly changing environments with ease
• Implemented innovative solutions to overcome challenges, leading to enhanced productivity levels
• Promoted a culture of continuous learning through regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions for staff

• Coordinated the global tax return preparation and made every effort to be fully informed on tax matters so the tax implications on given tax matters could be identified and analyzed
• Managed relationships with outside tax consultants and regulatory authorities on an ongoing basis
• Directed the preparation of franchise tax, sales tax, use tax, commercial rent, and property tax and led all external related audits; implemented strategies to minimize or eliminate audit exposure
• Led various projects related to international operations (e.g., transfer pricing, tax planning, tax incentives, foreign tax credit review, etc.) Managed the day-to-day activities of the tax accounting team, providing leadership, mentoring, consultation, and goal setting
• Viewed as a strong, senior leader, responsible for team development and motivating staff of professionals
• Streamlined tax-related processes, including disclosures, estimated payments, income tax projections, global tax compliance, and tax law changes
• Implemented work papers with automated calculations, e-filing system, file import process for quarterly tax filing, and detailed tax calendars
• Successfully managed all firm’s day-to-day US and non-US tax compliance
• Assisted management with partner cash flow forecasting, financial planning, and capital/tax implications of departures, conversions, and lateral hires
• Liaised with Partner advisors to address and resolve federal and state penalty abatement tax controversies

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