Vernon Blessing
Medford,MA
Summary
Dedicated and personable financial expert with over 25 years of experience in non-profits, financial institutions, health services organizations, and technology startups. Proven ability to guide clients through transformative accounting services, ensuring alignment with their mission. Skilled in financial reporting, budgeting, and data visualization, with a strong focus on enhancing accounting operations and internal controls. Bilingual in English and Spanish, with extensive experience working remotely and on-site.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Financial Officer
East Boston Social Center
Boston, Massachusetts
2023.01 - Current
- Transformed financial department to better meet organizational mission
- Produced financial reports for management and Board decision-making, delivering presentations regularly
- Revamped budget process, leading to better accuracy and improved communication to stakeholders
- Managed contracts with the Department of Early Education totaling approximately $6.5 million
- Increased annual revenues by $100k through strategic investment of excess operating cash flow
- Applied for Employee Retention Credit with expected revenue of $1 million (September 2024)
- Sponsored migration to a new HR platform and new accounting system (Sage 300).
Chief Financial Officer
Casa Nueva Vida
Boston, Massachusetts
2021.06 - 2023.03
- Managed an annual budget of $8 million
- Enhanced finance function and governance processes
- Managed contracts with the Department of Housing and Community Development totaling approximately $7.5 million
- Implemented comprehensive financial and budgeting planning models
- Led migration from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.
Consultant
Abbott and Company
Boston, Massachusetts
01.2020 - 06.2021
- Provided tax and financial consulting services for individuals and businesses
- Conducted valuation services for biotech companies.
Chief Financial Officer
Pemica Inc & Panoptex Technologies, Inc.
Boston, Massachusetts
06.2016 - 03.2020
- Led capital-raising programs with external investors
- Implemented corporate governance practices
- Developed comprehensive financial and budgeting planning models.
Senior Consultant & Partner
Colomina, Blessing
Caracas, Venezuela
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Provided CFO outsourcing services, including working capital management, capital budgeting, commercial and bank facilities negotiations, and financial planning
- Developed financial and budgeting planning models
- Created dashboards and visual presentations for the Board of Directors.
Regional Chief Financial Officer
Citigroup
Caracas, Venezuela
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Managed financials of Citibank Venezuela and Aruba, maintaining relationships with banking authorities
- Oversaw financial statements and reported to headquarters and regulators
- Ensured integrity of financial statements and supervised tax planning and reporting
- Implemented market risk processes, maintaining business continuity under high volatility
- Led deviation analysis, delivering net income above plan.
Vice President of Trust Division
Santander Bank
Caracas, Venezuela
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Increased Trust Division’s net income by 50%, managing assets worth $230 million
- Improved investment portfolio returns, enhancing risk/return ratio.
Money Market Head & Consumer Bank Treasurer
Citigroup
Caracas, Venezuela
01.1992 - 01.1998
- Managed the bank’s liquidity and interest rate strategy, exceeding P&L plans
- Developed spot-forward foreign exchange arbitrage opportunities
- Implemented a risk management system for interest rate exposure.
Education
Master of Science, Finance -
Indiana University, Kelley School of Business
Bloomington, INAdvanced Studies in Finance -
Instituto Estudios Superiores Administracion
Caracas, VenezuelaBachelor of Business & Accounting -
Universidad Santa Maria
Caracas, VenezuelaSkills
- Accounting
- Budgeting
- Financial Planning
- Business Intelligence & Data Visualization (Advanced Power BI, Power Query, Excel)
- QuickBooks Online & Sage 300
- Bilingual: English & Spanish
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Cash Flow Management
- Reporting expertise
- Financial analysis expertise
- Financial Reporting
Activities
- Instructor, Financial Accounting - Brookline Education Center | Brookline, Massachusetts
- ALPFA Boston Coaching & Mentoring Program - Boston, Massachusetts
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Spanish
Proficient (C2)
C2
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer
East Boston Social Center
2023.01 - Current
Chief Financial Officer
Casa Nueva Vida
2021.06 - 2023.03
Consultant
Abbott and Company
01.2020 - 06.2021
Chief Financial Officer
Pemica Inc & Panoptex Technologies, Inc.
06.2016 - 03.2020
Senior Consultant & Partner
Colomina, Blessing
01.2008 - 01.2015
Regional Chief Financial Officer
Citigroup
01.2001 - 01.2006
Vice President of Trust Division
Santander Bank
01.1998 - 01.2001
Money Market Head & Consumer Bank Treasurer
Citigroup
01.1992 - 01.1998
Master of Science, Finance -
Indiana University, Kelley School of Business
Advanced Studies in Finance -
Instituto Estudios Superiores Administracion
Bachelor of Business & Accounting -
Universidad Santa Maria
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