Six Sigma
Open To Work
Virginia Garner
Woodstock,GA
Work Preference
Summary
Finance and operations leader with 15+ years driving organizational transformation and process improvement. Proven track record implementing systems, identifying cost savings, and leading cross-functional teams through complex change initiatives. Expertise in budget development, compliance, strategic planning, and building scalable operational infrastructure.
Work History
Director of Finance & Administration
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, USA
09.2023 - 06.2025
- Developed internal methodology supporting revenue-based budget model for $12M in projected expenditures.
- Designed and implemented financial structures enabling data-informed decision-making and oversight.
- Coordinated analysis of procedures across matrixed, cross-functional teams.
- Established internal oversight processes ensuring compliance for equipment, facilities, and refunds.
- Guided leadership teams through transitions, reshaping workforce structures and policies.
- Facilitated collaboration between college-level responsibilities and existing functions to enhance program support.
- Created onboarding and success plans promoting long-term sustainability objectives.
- Streamlined financial operations while aligning staffing models with organizational goals.
Business Manager- Associate Vice Chancellor & Provost Office
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, USA
08.2020 - 08.2023
- Advised executive leadership on fiscal operation strategies, focusing on cost-benefit analyses and organizational structures.
- Conducted staffing analysis for two new colleges, estimating $24M in annual expenditures for state proposals.
- Reduced attrition by 73% and increased efficiency by 15% in global affairs division through targeted analysis.
- Implemented fund structures to eliminate duplication of efforts and simplify processes.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement with subject-matter experts to address complex problems.
- Developed comprehensive operational and staffing plans, ensuring compliance and financial assessments.
- Promoted to shared fiscal officer role, addressing pandemic-related challenges and realigning affected positions.
- Reviewed transactions for program alignment, approving expenditures to ensure compliance.
- Analyzed financial reports and operational metrics to identify trends and recommend improvements.
- Monitored compliance with university policies and state regulations to maintain operational integrity.
Director of Finance & Administration (Concurrent)
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, USA
01.2022 - 11.2022
- Developed college state allocations and implemented new budget model for $8.9M in annual expenditures.
- Identified budgeting error in salary model, preventing $2.2M shortfall.
- Provided comprehensive support for budget, operations, and compliance by evaluating staffing plans.
- Supervised seven direct reports while developing 17 additional roles across various departments.
- Established sustainable organizational structure to enhance programs and onboarding processes.
- Cultivated supervisory governance culture focused on student experience and accountability.
- Analyzed financial structures to enable data insights and economic modeling.
Director of Finance & Operations (Concurrent)
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, USA
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Implemented new campus revenue-based budget model, incorporating $8.9 million in state allocations.
- Conducted extensive salary data analysis, eliminating inaccuracies and updating outdated practices.
- Corrected $5 million in salary data to facilitate accurate budget implementation.
- Developed a consistent, easily replicated analysis method for efficient onboarding of new leaders.
Business Manager
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, USA
05.2016 - 07.2020
- Implemented compliance, onboarding, and engagement practices, increasing staff retention by 55% within one year.
- Redesigned operations for five departments, achieving full remote functionality with zero startup time during pandemic response.
- Developed operational strategies supporting UTK's vision for distance education and experimental learning.
- Championed regional infrastructure projects to ensure equitable access to technology and education during COVID response.
- Introduced a financial structure aligning with compliance and GAAP standards, reducing costs by over $200K.
- Established a $150K endowment from underutilized funds to enhance faculty development opportunities.
- Merged and created new offices, collaborating with campus stakeholders and state audits for program continuity.
- Supervised staff members directly while managing extensive redesign of facilities and vendor relationships.
Senior Accounting Specialist
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, USA
03.2013 - 04.2016
- Led college through financial and operational transformations during leadership changes.
- Facilitated comprehensive state audit amidst transitional leadership.
- Collaborated with campus leadership to implement strategic initiatives that mitigated crises.
- Managed expenditures, HR, and operations for federal ARRA/MOE, state, and gift-funded departments.
- Streamlined communication across Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis campuses and state offices.
- Guided staff and directors on GAAP compliance; assisted new leadership in reorganization efforts.
- Conducted financial analysis for first online doctorate at UTK and DSW program in SEC; recovered $157,000 in misaligned fees.
- Oversaw extensive redesign of Henson Hall facilities, managing vendors to ensure timely project delivery.
Administrative Support Assistant III
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, USA
06.2010 - 03.2013
- Reduced office supply costs by 30% and modernized processes, saving $10,000 in first fiscal year.
- Coordinated fundraising and special events for over 1,000 families and 7,000 community members annually.
- Developed inaugural external marketing strategy for college to enhance visibility.
- Managed human resources, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and oversight of travel and purchasing functions.
- Processed travel arrangements and expense reimbursements for department personnel, ensuring compliance with university policies.
- Supported student and community engagement initiatives by organizing and executing outreach events and activities.
- Monitored and tracked departmental budgets, assisting in expense reporting and financial forecasting.
Administrative Specialist
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, USA
07.2007 - 06.2010
- Managed extensive physical space inventory across five departments and ten buildings.
- Applied regulations for facilities housing living mammals, biohazards, chemicals, and radioactive materials.
- Collaborated with campus offices to conduct periodic Federal space and equipment audits.
- Facilitated assessments determining campus research support rates for upcoming 20-year cycle.
Accounting Clerk - University Center
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, USA
02.2006 - 06.2007
- Managed daily accounting functions for University Center/Student Union efficiently.
- Collaborated with leadership, architects, and Student Services on design of new Student Union, largest campus building to date.
- Conducted extensive market research and cost-benefit analysis to assess stakeholder needs and regional industry trends.
- Planned for future growth by evaluating teaching technology requirements and peer offerings.
- Managed daily financial transactions, including data entry and reconciliation of accounts.
Education
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Business & Global Affairs, Concentration on Banking & Finance
University of Tennessee
Martin, TN06.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences, Concentration in Business & Psychology
University of Tennessee
Martin, TN01.2014
Skills
- Compliance and risk analysis and consultation
- Policy, procedure, process development
- Strategic planning
- Benchmarking and metrics
- Ad hoc reporting
- Relationship management
- Leadership and staff development planning
- Accounting coding frameworks
- Confidentiality practices
Certification
College Business Management Institute, 07/2021, SACUBO-Southern Association of College and University Business Officers
College Business Management, Treasury Management Track, 07/2021, SACUBO-Southern Association of College and University Business Officers
College Business Management, Treasury Management Track, 07/2021, SACUBO-Southern Association of College and University Business Officers
Accomplishments
Major Organizational Launch
Provided expertise and guidance to executive leadership developing cost-benefit projections,
staffing models, and budget projections for three new business unit launches, working directly with
C-suite to prepare proposals and implementation plans.
Crisis Leadership & Operational Continuity
Coached newly appointed C-suite executives through critical regulatory audits, pandemic
business continuity transitions, and high-level leadership turnover. Served as primary contact
consulting cross-functional needs for finance to garner support from operations, IT, audit, and
executive leadership during significant organizational change.
New Service Line Financial Modeling
Partnered with senior leadership on cost-benefit analysis and financial modeling for first major
digital service offering, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and regional market reach.
Flagship Facility Development
Supported design and planning stages including needs research, revenue and cost projection,
cost-benefit analysis, and scenario modeling for organization's largest capital project to date and
multiple buildings across campus.
Projects
I've had the privilege of working on several high-stakes initiatives that shaped organizational strategy and financial sustainability:
New Business Unit Launches (2023): Partnered directly with executive leadership and incoming division heads to build financial frameworks for three major organizational expansions. Developed cost-benefit projections, staffing models, and multi-year budget plans that informed regulatory proposals and guided implementation strategy.
Digital Service Line Launch: Collaborated with senior leadership to design the financial model for the organization's first fully digital service offering. Combined insights from existing programs with market analysis to ensure long-term viability and expanded regional access.
Major Capital Projects: Contributed to planning and design phases of the organization's largest facility development project and renovation of five major capital projects, including needs assessment, stakeholder research, revenue modeling, scenario analysis, and design aesthetics that enhanced functionality of space, shaping customer experience.
Infrastructure Modernization: Supported financial planning and operational coordination for multi-building renovation projects, ensuring alignment between capital investment, operational needs, and organizational priorities.
These experiences taught me that the best financial strategy isn't just about the numbers—it's about building systems that enable leaders to make confident decisions during uncertainty and change and enhancements that keep customers coming back generation after generation.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Websites
Quote
I believe you have to be willing to be misunderstood if you're going to innovate.
Jeff Bezos
Interests
Lean Business Process Planning
Governance, Risk, Compliance
Languages
English
Native language
Software
SAP ERP
Oracle Cloud ERP
Microsoft Office Suite - Office 365
Timeline
Director of Finance & Administration
University of Tennessee
09.2023 - 06.2025
Director of Finance & Administration (Concurrent)
University of Tennessee
01.2022 - 11.2022
Director of Finance & Operations (Concurrent)
University of Tennessee
08.2021 - 12.2021
Business Manager- Associate Vice Chancellor & Provost Office
University of Tennessee
08.2020 - 08.2023
Business Manager
University of Tennessee
05.2016 - 07.2020
Senior Accounting Specialist
University of Tennessee
03.2013 - 04.2016
Administrative Support Assistant III
University of Tennessee
06.2010 - 03.2013
Administrative Specialist
University of Tennessee
07.2007 - 06.2010
Accounting Clerk - University Center
University of Tennessee
02.2006 - 06.2007
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Business & Global Affairs, Concentration on Banking & Finance
University of Tennessee
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences, Concentration in Business & Psychology
University of Tennessee