Richard Garafola
RONKONKOMA,New York
Summary
Results-driven Financial Data Analyst with extensive experience in decision-making support. Proven track record in financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and developing actionable dashboards to track financial performance. Skilled communicator adept at translating complex financial data into strategic insights and recommendations. Possesses an active Secret security clearance. Experienced in financial modeling, data interpretation, and strategic planning, utilizing analytical skills to provide actionable insights and support financial decision-making. Demonstrates knowledge of effective teamwork and the ability to adapt to dynamic business environments. Highly collaborative financial professional with comprehensive experience in financial data analysis and strategic forecasting. Recognized for consistently delivering strong results in dynamic environments. Proficient in financial modeling, data interpretation, and strategic planning, with a proactive approach to adapting to changing business needs.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Analyst
Iberia Advisory
01.2023 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive financial analysis for government contracts, ensuring 100% compliance with Secret Clearance requirements.
- Enhanced Weekly Status Report (WSR) process via SharePoint, improving reporting accuracy and reducing time by 20%.
- Developed PowerBI dashboards to track financial metrics, improving decision-making efficiency for multiple teams.
- Automated data reporting processes, improving budget accuracy by 15% and streamlining financial tracking.
- Analyzed invoices, ensuring 98% accuracy; Maintained Invoice Tracker.
- Monitored contractor rates, ensuring 100% compliance with tripwire thresholds.
- Designed and implemented data strategies, reducing manual workflows by 33%.
- Managed FMR Contracts dashboard, improving forecasting by 40%.
- Led quality control for WSR reports, ensuring 100% data accuracy.
- Managed SharePoint file systems and ensured 100% user access compliance.
- Oversaw contract reviews, ensuring 100% compliance.
- Maintained PowerBI dashboards, delivering timely insights to senior leadership.
- Analyzed invoices and supported financial reconciliation, increasing efficiency by 75%.
- Managed financial tracker updates, improving reporting accuracy and efficiency.
- Developed ad hoc projects, delivering insights and solutions for clients
Data Analyst / Python Developer / Trader
Confidential
01.2014 - Current
- Expanded role from Trader/Data Analyst to Python Developer, creating automated KPIs and processes that increased productivity by 40%.
- Automated investment analysis using Python and technical indicators, boosting efficiency by 30%.
- Developed SQL database and Streamlit dashboard, improving data access and visualization.
- Automated workflows and data pipelines, reducing report generation time by 25%.
- Built a visualization platform for analyzing market trends and asset performance.
- Applied Machine Learning for predictive analytics, improving accuracy by 15%.
- Migrated data to PostgreSQL, streamlining data transfer by 20%.
- Developed a framework with Plotly and Streamlit to visualize trends and enhance decision-making.
- Automated data collection with Python scripts, reducing manual entry by 50%.
- Developed tools that increased productivity and ROI by 20%.
Teacher Assistant
2U
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Assisted in delivering Python, SQL, and FinTech workshops, impacting 50+ students each semester.
- Mentored students on coding issues, data pipelines, and cloud computing, increasing success rates by 15%.
- Developed educational materials, improving technical skills and problem-solving, boosting student performance by 20%.
- Guided SQL, data analysis, and Python/Streamlit project development, achieving a 100% project completion rate.
- Evaluated and provided feedback on student projects, improving quality by 25%.
- Offered technical support, reducing troubleshooting time by 30%.
- Integrated latest trends (AWS, NLP) into course content, enhancing relevance and engagement.
- Fostered collaboration, improving grades and satisfaction by 20%.
Data Analyst Consultant
Iberia Advisory
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Prepared white papers and proposals for the SBIR program, increasing proposal acceptance by 20%.
- Presented research topics to leadership, improving project selection by 15%.
- Developed SOPs and training materials, improving risk communication by 25%.
- Created checklists and templates to streamline processes and ensure consistency.
- Drafted documents, improving communication and organizational efficiency.
- Organized and preserved Iberia's documentation, ensuring future project access.
- Enhanced WSR script and reporting processes, improving accuracy and timeliness by 30%.
- Built an employee management database, improving HR operations for all employees.
- Developed a candidate database, reducing time-to-hire by 20%.
- Designed a forecasting tool, improving financial projections by 15%.
- Developed a web-scraping tool, increasing proposal pipeline by 25%.
- Created PowerBI dashboards, providing insights for several teams.
- Designed a data automation strategy, improving efficiency by 30%
Education
Bachelor of Science - Data Analytics and Data Management
Western Governors University
01-2026
Bootcamp Certificate - Financial Technology FinTech Bootcamp
Arizona State University
01.2022
Skills
- Python Development (Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, JupyterLab, Streamlit)
- Financial Analysis (Modeling, Forecasting, Financial Reporting, Financial Statement Analysis)
- Machine Learning (Scikit-Learn, TensorFlow, Keras, Random Forests, Decision Trees, LSTM, ARIMA)
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Data Cleaning & Transformation
- Process Improvement & Automation
- Visualization Dashboards (PowerBI, Tableau, Excel)
- Statistical Analysis (Time Series, Risk Aggregation, Monte Carlo Simulations)
- Project Management & Strategic Planning
- SQL & Database Management (PostgreSQL, SQLAlchemy)
- Strong attention to detail and analytical problem-solving
- Collaborative team player & Self-starter
Professional Highlights
- Financial Technology Certificate, Arizona State University Fintech Bootcamp, Tempe, AZ, 12/31/22, Developed expertise in advanced trading algorithms, Python programming, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), blockchain, cryptocurrency, and regulation technology, along with an understanding of various financial domains.
- CompTIA Project+, CompTIA, 04/01/23, Demonstrates knowledge of project management concepts, tools, and techniques. Ability to manage small-to-medium-sized projects and teams. Proficiency in project planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
Timeline
Financial Analyst
Iberia Advisory
01.2023 - Current
Teacher Assistant
2U
01.2023 - 12.2024
Data Analyst Consultant
Iberia Advisory
01.2023 - 12.2023
Data Analyst / Python Developer / Trader
Confidential
01.2014 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Data Analytics and Data Management
Western Governors University
Bootcamp Certificate - Financial Technology FinTech Bootcamp
Arizona State University
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