Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
System Proficiencies
References
Timeline
Generic

Susan M. Boyer, CPA, CGMA

Auburndale,MA

Summary

Non-profit chief financial officer with over 25 years of experience. Strong business strategist. Skilled at identifying and implementing process and system improvements to drive efficiency and increase financial transparency. Trusted collaborator, executive leader and team manager. Excellent communication skills and ability to make financial information actionable.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Ceres
Boston, Massachusetts
01.2022 - Current
  • Provided oversight and management of the human resources, internal communications, finance and information technology departments for a sustainability non-profit that grew in annual revenues from $18 million to $45 million during my tenure
  • Strategic business partner to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive and Program Leadership teams, and the Board of Director's FInance and Audit Committees
  • Under my leadership the human resources department made changes and improvements to the talent acquisition process, the annual performance review process, benefits, workforce planning and corporate culture initiatives. The employee handbook was revised and reissued in an on-line format.
  • Provided executive sponsorship and led change management process for system conversion from the G-suite to Microsoft 365. Provided vision for development of the sharepoint intranet.
  • Oversaw the rapid growth of the information systems team from a one member department to a six member team that supports a robust use of salesforce for: fundraising from individual and foundations, tracking of network member interactions, tracking of grant deliverables, annual planning and tracking of programmatic outcomes and results
  • Chaired the workplace of the future initiative to reimagine and implement post-covid in-person, hybrid and remote work options. Negotiated post-covid cost saving office space consolidation.
  • Oversaw implementation of budgeting and forecasting system.

Chief Financial Officer

Ceres
Boston, MA
08.2017 - 12.2021
  • Provide oversight and management of the finance and information technology departments
  • Effectively led the organization through the Covid-19 crisis including securing a Paycheck Protection Program loan.
  • Implemented improvements in financial reporting and annual budget process
  • Prepared quarterly financial reports for the Board of Directors
  • Implemented on-line expense reporting software. Resulting in five-day improvement in monthly financial close
  • Developed a monthly close process and created more efficient and effective financial processes
  • Participated in process to create a five-year strategic plan with specific responsibility for developing a five-year financial model
  • Responsible for development and implementation of corporate risk management plan
  • Implemented improvements in revenue recognition for temporarily restricted grants which represent 70% of corporate revenues
  • Developed monthly budget to actual reporting by department and implemented monthly budget to actual meetings
  • Advised executive team on financial models and budget forecasts
  • Negotiated new lease and sub-lease for office spaces in Boston and San Francisco.

Vice President of Finance and Administration

Charles River Center
Needham, Massachusetts
11.2013 - 08.2017
  • Provided oversight and management of the accounting, information technology and facilities departments for $25 million non-profit organization that provides residential and day services to individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Advised CEO on financial models and budget forecasts
  • Prepared monthly financial reports for the Board of Directors
  • Implemented investment strategies for $10 million portfolio based on advice of investment advisor and approval of Finance Committee
  • Managed banking relationships including issuance of mortgage loans
  • Managed tax–exempt bond issue and refinance
  • Responsible for risk management and assuring appropriate insurance coverage
  • Directed information technology projects including: citrix implementation, corporate WIFI access, conversion to fiber internet connection, disaster recovery and penetration testing
  • Improved planning, execution and tracking of maintenance and capital projects
  • Number of projects completed tripled during my first year of supervising the facilities department
  • Upgraded maintenance project management software to cloud based version
  • Implemented corporate credit card solution to replace checking and petty cash for household purchases at 25+ residential homes
  • Significant experience with Department of Development Services (DDS) contracts including residential services, occupancy, CBDS, employment and family support
  • Chaired the building security taskforce
  • Culminating in creation of new security protocols, implementation of card access readers, exterior video cameras and employee identification badges
  • Created client benefits specialist position and set up new systems to assure proper oversight and accounting of representative payee funds for over 60 clients
  • Managed relationship with HUD for six HUD 811 corporations including rent increases, residual receipts and replacement reserve activity
  • Revised presentation of the statement of financial position to better reflect the net assets of the corporation
  • Implemented positive pay to protect agency from check fraud
  • Assisted development department with credit card integration and fraud protection for website donations
  • Conducted RFP’s for benefits broker and 401K investment advisor
  • Implemented paperless/checkless payroll
  • Rolled out on-line portal for paystubs and pay cards for employees not using direct deposit
  • Active role on the Charles River Center gala committee including solicitation of gala sponsors
  • Active role in implementing corporate health and wellness programs.

Controller

Jewish Family & Children’s Service
Waltham, Massachusetts
02.2011 - 11.2013
  • Responsible for preparation of consolidated financial statements, uniform financial report, 990 and MA PC tax filings for $30 million non-profit human services organization.
  • Prepared the federal indirect cost rate proposal.
  • Integrated accounting functions for two separate corporate mergers into accounting department at Waltham headquarters.
  • Researched financial and budgeting software options, recommended appropriate solutions and managed software conversion project.
  • Communicated budget guidelines, directives and process to department managers. Analyzed and evaluated budget submissions from approximately 65 departments.
  • Assured appropriate spending and billing of contracts with agencies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, agencies of the federal government, and private foundations.
  • Managed 3 direct reports and 2 indirect reports.

Controller

Pine Street Inn
Boston, Massachusetts
  • Responsible directly or as manager for all aspects of accounting function including: accounts payable and receivable, payroll, fixed assets, budgeting and financial projections, general ledger maintenance, revenue recognition, month-end close.
  • Managed accounting software conversion from Fundware to Sage MIP.
  • Responsible for preparation of consolidated financial statements, uniform financial report, HUD FASSUB filings for 811 and 202 projects, low income tax credit partnership financial statements and corporate tax returns.
  • Coordinated annual audit and budget process for $36 million non-profit homeless services organization with 70 cost centers.
  • Assured appropriate spending and billing of contracts with agencies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, agencies of the federal government, and private foundations.
  • Provided support to program planning and development departments for contract and grant proposals and renewals.
  • Analyzed exit strategies for 5 limited partnership low-income tax credit projects.
  • Prepared cost certification of HUD 811 project.
  • Conducted RFP for audit services. Managed transition to new audit firm.
  • Participated in RFP’s for investment manager, insurance and banking relationships.

Assistant Controller

Pine Street Inn
Boston, Massachusetts
  • Responsible for the daily operations of the finance department and managed a staff of four accountants.
  • Implemented a new financial accounting software package. This included: creating a new chart of accounts based on the UFR, creating and managing the project implementation plan and training schedule.
  • Responsible for the audit and tax returns for Pine Street Inn and five limited partnerships.
  • Reviewed budget to actual reports, researched unexpected or unexplained variances and met with program managers.
  • Co-chair of affordable housing strategic planning committee.

Audit Senior

Ernst & Young, LLP
Boston, Massachusetts

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting -

Indiana University

Skills

  • Financial and Organizational Strategy
  • Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Systems Selection and Implementation
  • Audit and Tax Compliance
  • Written and Oral Communication
  • Leadership, Management and Mentoring
  • Risk Management
  • Grant Administration

System Proficiencies

Intaact, Microsoft 365, G-Suite, Salesforce, Abacus, Avid Exchange, PowerPlan, Sage MIP, Fundware, Dynamics SL, Forecaster, BostonPost Property Manager, Accufund, RPM, Organimi, 15/Five

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Ceres
01.2022 - Current

Chief Financial Officer

Ceres
08.2017 - 12.2021

Vice President of Finance and Administration

Charles River Center
11.2013 - 08.2017

Controller

Jewish Family & Children’s Service
02.2011 - 11.2013

Controller

Pine Street Inn

Assistant Controller

Pine Street Inn

Audit Senior

Ernst & Young, LLP

Bachelor of Science in Accounting -

Indiana University

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Susan M. Boyer, CPA, CGMA