Samia Leonard
Detroit
Summary
Results-driven professional with 14 years in business development and finance. Expertise in developing strategic partnerships, managing fiscal operations, and mentoring finance teams to enhance performance. Proven record of aligning tactical plans with organizational goals to drive sustainable growth.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Controller
Starfish Family Services
Inkster
02.2024 - Current
- Managed fiscal operations by analysing and monitoring financial reporting, revenue, and expense forecasting to support capital improvement planning.
- Managed a team of finance professionals responsible for accounting operations, including payroll processing, accounts receivable and payable, and bank reconciliations.
- Prepared detailed financial statements and presentations for board meetings, ensuring compliance with state and federal reporting requirements.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reports and reconciliations and review with senior leadership.
- Led the development of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts.
- Collaborated with department heads to analyse financial performance and forecasts, providing insights for strategic decision-making.
- Coordinate audit requirements with external auditors and supervise the preparation of audits.
Director Development and Finance
Phalen Leadership Academies
Detroit
08.2022 - 02.2024
- Lead the development and implementation of schools’ strategy and initiatives in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.
- Managed financial reporting processes and ensured compliance with accounting standards.
- Analyzed financial statements, offering strategic recommendations to inform business decisions.
- Mentored finance team members, fostering skill development and enhancing overall team performance.
- Evaluated performance, adjusted strategies, and maintained sustainable operations.
- Managed creation and implementation of learning programs for education professionals and their staff, including hiring process.
- Collaborate with organizational stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify target audience training needs.
- Present at board meetings with schools’ board of directors and stakeholders.
Assistant Controller
Plymouth Educational Center
Detroit
09.2016 - 09.2022
- Evaluated financial reporting systems, accounting and procedures, operating systems, budgets, and other financial control functions.
- Maintained accurate record-keeping and accounting systems leveraging current technology to enhance financial transparency.
- Led organization-wide activities that support team building and contribute to a culture of partnership, integrity, outcome-focused, innovation, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Ensured compliance with state, federal programs/ laws and procedures and monitored grants and fundraising initiatives to upscale educational development.
- Prepared accounting information, financial statements in accordance with accounting.
- Managed business finances, cash flow, overall business transactions, banking, and accounting procedures.
- Established and administered annual budget with controls to prevent overages and support sustainability objectives.
- Devised processes to enhance long-term business success and increase profit levels through strategic financial management.
Education
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Finance
Central Michigan University
MIBachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Business Communication
Wayne State University
MISkills
- Cash flow management
- Financial reporting
- Month-end and year-end closings
- Budgeting
- Financial software systems
- Analytical skills
- Problem-Solving
- Leadership
- Training and mentoring
- Team Player
- Interpersonal Skills
Certification
- Obtaining MSBO CFO certification
- Finance and Accounting Specialization
- Intuit Academy Bookkeeping
References
References upon request
Timeline
Controller
Starfish Family Services
02.2024 - Current
Director Development and Finance
Phalen Leadership Academies
08.2022 - 02.2024
Assistant Controller
Plymouth Educational Center
09.2016 - 09.2022
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Finance
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Business Communication
Wayne State University