●Technology: AI development Strategies, AI Financial Modeling, Excel, Access, MIP, Peachtree, FundEZ, SAP, Great Plains, FrX, QuickBooks, ADP, MS Dynamics 365 Business Central, Salesforce, NetSuite, Concur, Trinet, Ceridian-Dayforce, Sage Intacct, SQL, Python, Power Bi, Alteryx, Raiser’s Edge, Financial Edge
WALTER SANTANA
East Meadow,USA
Summary
Highly skilled finance professional with a track record of successfully tackling high-level challenges. Brings valuable experience in strategic financial management and operational efficiency. Known for fostering collaborative environments and driving results. Deep understanding of complex financial landscapes, adept at navigating and adapting to evolving business needs.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interim CFO
Brooklyn Community Services, Inc.
07.2024 - Current
- Lead with the collaboration of leadership and program staff the preparation of a $34M budget that spanned across 140 programs, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities
- Proficient in compliance requirements and unique financial reporting standards applicable to not-for-profit organizations
- Lead and aligned the organization’s mission and goals to ensure that financial resources were allocated in a way that supports programmatic priorities
- Develop advanced financial models to support budget variance analysis and financial forecasting, providing strategic insights and actionable recommendations to the executive team
- Successfully leveraged technology to streamline processes that improved data accessibility
- Establish key performance indicators to measure financial health and operational efficiency
- Prepare the Consolidated Financial Report (CFR) required for OPWDD & DOHMH
Controller
Brooklyn Community Services, Inc.
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Assist in the completion of annual Form 990 filings including the compilation of financial data and narrative disclosure
- Conduct thorough reviews and analysis of financial information to ensure accuracy and completeness in CHAR500 reporting
- Successful in leading a team of 10 employees to achieve project goals and deliver results with specified timelines
- Lead single & funder audit processes from planning to completion, ensuring compliance with audit standards and deadlines
- Demonstrated proficiency in preparing accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements
- Successful in leading and managing the Payroll and General Ledger team, overseeing all aspects of payroll processing and financial reporting
- Demonstrated strong financial acumen in forecasting cash flow requirements and optimizing cash management strategies to meet operational needs
- Developed controls and protocols to maintain data integrity
- In ERP systems and accounting software
Director of Finance
Writers Guild of America, East, Inc.
06.2015 - 06.2023
- Oversaw a $13.5 million budget, implementing strategic financial planning and monitoring to ensure optimal resource allocation and compliance with fiscal policies
- Prepared and presented monthly and quarterly financial reports to the executive team
- Maintained a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
- Oversaw the operations of the fiscal and accounting responsibilities of the organization in compliance with City and State labor laws
- Managed monthly cash flow receipts of approximately $2.1M in union dues
- Processed two biweekly payrolls and reviewed the quarterly tax reports
- Maintained and performed monthly audits of the union dues collection and recording system
- Managed the preparation and reporting requirements for the annual budget and forecasts
- Recommended benchmarks against which to measure the performance of the collection of union dues
- Provided for a system of management cost reports
- Oversaw and managed the compliance of all union insurance coverages
- Managed all HR compliance, reporting and workforce onboarding
Development Operations Grants Manager
Natural Resources Defense Council
10.2012 - 05.2015
- Successfully managed a budget of $210 million, ensuring effective allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines throughout the grant period
- Provided oversight in the processing of individual, foundation contributions, and pledges in the development software to ensure compliance with donor intentions and consistency with the internal reporting structure
- Supported the Finance and Accounting department in preparing financial reports and audit process
- Reviewed monthly and annual reconciliation of contributions between accounting and development, ensuring variances are resolved in a timely manner
- Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue reporting and analysis for the development team
- Provided data analysis, such as variances and trends, to support senior leadership in strategic planning
- Assisted in the compilation of data for the Federal form 990
- Developed and collaborated with various departments in the creation of donation processes and parameters
- Provided grants management & development software training to new and existing program staff
- Supervised three employees
Accounting Manager
Case Commons
07.2011 - 09.2012
- Administered a budget of $12 million
- Prepared and presented monthly Financial Statements and Budget variance reports for the Executive Team and Board Members
- Analyze and reconcile general ledger accounts to ensure accuracy
- Correspond with the executive team regarding financial decisions
- Monitor and reconcile 3 bank accounts totaling $8million and a corporate credit card account of $40 thousand
- Process, post, and manage bi-monthly payroll of over $200 thousand
- Establish an accounting department and sound fiscal policies by preparing a Financial Policies Manual
- Ensure that costs are accurately allocated to projects and phases by implementing processes and utilizing web-based software to capture the data
- Perform essential accounting functions; processing A/R, A/P, and cash management
- Prepare 990 and participate in the annual audit
Director of Finance & Human Resources
Ross Global Academy Charter School
05.2008 - 07.2011
- Supervised a staff of two employees
- Administered and provided reports for a $7 million budget for a school of 414 Students
- Worked with Board Members and School Leaders in developing funding strategies for school programs
- Identified appropriate prospects and secured over $400,000 per year in fundraising
- Prepared Proposals, Budgets and Budget Analysis reports for School Leader and Board Members
- Prepared and submitted reports required by government restricted funding sources
- Supervised ADP payroll process & posted to general ledger, prepared, and issued W2s as well as 1099s
- Established sound fiscal policies by preparing a Fiscal Policies and Procedures Manual
- Developed and established Human Resources Manual according to the Department of Labor regulations
- Empowered school leaders and faculty by preparing workshops that strengthen school culture
- Prepared 990 and participated in the annual audit
Accounting Manager
MSD Visual, Inc.
10.2006 - 05.2008
- Supervised a staff of two employees
- Prepared monthly financial statements and presented them to officers
- Assisted Controller in preparing monthly sales tax reports and reconciliations
- Coordinated the circulation, review and implementation of financial forecasting and budget allocations
- Reconciled invoicing and journal sales of over $6.5 million
- Coordinated the monthly sales forecasts through Gross Margins and forecast product invoicing
- Oversaw the payroll processing of over 51 employees-biweekly, as well as new hires and terminations
- Audited and reconciled month end inventory worth over $70k, quarterly and year-end payroll tax reports
- Reconciled 3 bank accounts, a credit line of $2 million, and 12 credit cards totaling $355k
- Prepared and updated the Accounting Department’s training manual and Standards of Procedures manual
- Trained new Sales Representatives and Managers in the accounting software
- Implemented and supported new technological advances in software, signage and the environment
Finance Manager
Asociación de Familiares y Amigos de Pacientes con VIH/SIDA, Inc.
02.2000 - 09.2006
- Reported, managed and administered a $10 million budget for 2 clinical, hospice and shelter sites for low-income HIV/AIDS patients, each site housing 30 participants
- Prepared proposals for over $7 million in federal funding with the Department of Health and Human Services (Ryan White Part A) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HOPWA Grant)
- Prepared proposals for over $3 million in state funding with the Department of Health, Legislature and local Governmental Agencies
- Presented and discussed at board meetings monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports
- Prepared corporate quarterly and year-end payroll tax forms
- Coordinated the circulation, review and implementation of financial forecasting and budget allocation
- Formed strong sustainable relationships with community organizations, medical centers, government agencies and educational partners to develop and deliver innovative programs that increased agency’s visibility
- Evaluated finances of new patients admitted to hospice site, those undergoing HIV/AIDS treatment, and potential homeless participants
- Made entrance evaluations of patients submitting applications for permanent or transitional housing aid
- Negotiated medical assistance to HIV/AIDS patients with Health Care providers
- Provided fiscal technical assistance to other small community-based organizations
- Organized fundraisers, charity balls and other sources of funding totaling $100k per year
- Supervised a staff of three accounting clerks
Education
Master’s - public administration
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ09.2014
Bachelor’s - accounting
Inter-American University of Puerto Rico
San German, PR06.2000
Skills
Technology: Expertise in AI development strategies, financial modeling, and proficiency with various software including Excel, MIP, Peachtree, FundEZ, Great Plains, QuickBooks, ADP, Dynamics 365 Business Central, Salesforce, NetSuite, Concur, Ceridian-Dayforce, Sage Intacct, SQL, Python, Power BI, Alteryx, Raiser’s Edge, and Financial Edge
Languages: Fluent in English and Spanish
Accomplishments
- Over 20 years of financial expertise.
- Leadership in preparing multimillion-dollar budgets.
- Proficiency in audit and compliance processes.
- Development of advanced financial models.
- Successful integration of technology to streamline processes.
- Effective team leadership and management.
- Oversight of substantial budgets up to $210 million.
- Proven skills in fundraising and grant management.
- Comprehensive management of HR and payroll.
- Strong educational background with ongoing CPA preparation.
Certification
Graduate Certificate: accounting Certification Preparation: CPA Exam Preparation, DeVry University and Keller Graduate School, In-Progress, 09/01/25
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Healthcare benefitsPaid sick leavePaid time offCompany CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancementPersonal development programsSoftware
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Interests
Financial Managment, strategic planning and compliance Leveraging technology to strealime financial processes and improve data accessibility
Quote
“You can’t look at the competition and say you’re going to do it better. You have to look at the competition and say you’re going to do it differently.”
Steve Jobs
Timeline
Interim CFO
Brooklyn Community Services, Inc.
07.2024 - Current
Controller
Brooklyn Community Services, Inc.
07.2023 - 07.2024
Director of Finance
Writers Guild of America, East, Inc.
06.2015 - 06.2023
Development Operations Grants Manager
Natural Resources Defense Council
10.2012 - 05.2015
Accounting Manager
Case Commons
07.2011 - 09.2012
Director of Finance & Human Resources
Ross Global Academy Charter School
05.2008 - 07.2011
Accounting Manager
MSD Visual, Inc.
10.2006 - 05.2008
Finance Manager
Asociación de Familiares y Amigos de Pacientes con VIH/SIDA, Inc.
02.2000 - 09.2006
Bachelor’s - accounting
Inter-American University of Puerto Rico
Graduate Certificate: accounting Certification Preparation: CPA Exam Preparation, DeVry University and Keller Graduate School, In-Progress, 09/01/25
Master’s - public administration
University of Phoenix
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