Sherry Leonard
Peoria,IL
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Finance
Chestnut Health Systems
01.2025 - 08.2025
- Provide leadership and oversight of financial operations including budgeting, grants, and payroll.
- Oversee payroll and employee benefits management.
- Manage the annual budget process. Equip managers with tools to track and manage expenses.
- Monitor budget performance and provide analysis and recommendations for leadership.
- Present financial performance and collaboration with CFO on financial policies and align with strategic goals.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Systems analysis to achieve organizational efficiency.
Director of Fiscal Affairs
University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria
06.2021 - 01.2025
- Provided oversight of the financial strategy for the Medical Service Plan (MSP), optimizing billing, accounts receivable, compliance, and customer service operations.
- Represented the University for budgetary and administrative matters.
- Directed the multi-million-dollar budget process, driving efficiency and resource allocation improvements across departments.
- Delivered comprehensive financial reports and analysis, ensuring accuracy and timely compliance for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
- Served on executive-level committees such as JPAC Finance Subcommittee, Medicaid Managed Care meetings, EPIC/EHR status updates, and Medical Service Plan Management Committee.
- Spearheaded a strategic cost-saving initiative (Revenue Optimization Project), which resulted in improved profitability through enhanced revenue processes and cost reductions.
Interim CFO
University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria
02.2023 - 01.2024
Accounting Manager
CityLink
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Supervised teams handling accounting, payroll, and customer service functions, driving operational efficiency across finance-related functions.
- Review benefits information entered for accuracy.
- Collaborated with the CFO to manage the budget process, including budget creation, variance management, and financial performance reporting.
- Prepared monthly financial reports, bank reconciliations, and inventory reporting, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Led process improvements in cash management and ticket reconciliation, increasing operational efficiency.
- Developed policies and procedures, trained employees, and conducted performance evaluations to improve team effectiveness.
Accountant
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
10.2010 - 07.2020
- Conducted variance analysis and presented financial insights to senior leadership, driving informed decision-making.
- Streamlined accounts payable and receivable processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness in payments and deposits.
- Identified and implemented process improvements, reducing errors and increasing efficiency across the finance department.
- Assisted in managing special projects, providing strategic financial support and analysis.
- Worked closely with department heads to align budget and forecast objectives with operational goals.
Administrative Assistant
Time Management Inc.
07.2009 - 10.2010
- Provided administrative and clerical support to senior leadership and managed the scheduling and reporting of clinic operations.
- Ensured smooth operations by overseeing special projects, tracking clinic statistics, and coordinating supply management.
Revenue Cycle Team Manager
HeartCare Midwest
10.2000 - 02.2009
- Managed a high-performing billing team, driving goals and achieving improved revenue cycle outcomes.
- Improved collection rates and minimized bad debt write-offs by optimizing billing and payment processes.
- Developed and implemented policies to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations and operational efficiency.
- Verified all employee benefit information such as health insurance, retirement contributions and payments.
Timeline
Director of Finance
Chestnut Health Systems
01.2025 - 08.2025
Interim CFO
University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria
02.2023 - 01.2024
Director of Fiscal Affairs
University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria
06.2021 - 01.2025
Accounting Manager
CityLink
07.2020 - 06.2021
Accountant
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
10.2010 - 07.2020
Administrative Assistant
Time Management Inc.
07.2009 - 10.2010
Revenue Cycle Team Manager
HeartCare Midwest
10.2000 - 02.2009