Cynthia McLaughlin

Ms. McLaughlin is a proven Business Consultant and Finance Manager, noted for integrity and the ability to help a business identify key areas for improving profitability. Cynthia is known for being flexible yet persistent in solving problems. She is successful at leading cross-functional and international teams in process improvement and system implementations. Adept at training and developing financial analysts and accountants, Cynthia has great skill in building productive teams. Her experience includes financial and strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, accounting and business controls for a variety of organizations including Sales, Marketing, IT, Facilities, and Consulting.

Results

Led change initiative for $3B business to reduce length and complexity of close process. Met corporate requirements while enabling continued business support and minimized impact on workload levels. Milestones were:

Launched worldwide team and developed strategy that addressed people, systems and process changes required to achieve objectives and reduce close time 20-25%.
Improved timing and quality of cost accounting data by brokering agreements with IT support and multiple financial and accounting organizations to change processes.

Guided an entrepreneurial start-up with three business models (support, consulting and licensing) with rapid growth. Partnered with worldwide business manager for strategic planning and provided on-going ad hoc analysis for business decisions. Also coached and managed a team of six analysts globally. Specific results included:

Managed business not only to target, but successfully reduced HQ spending 50% and improved profitability. Supported pricing decisions and analyzed cost structure in order to define critical mass for business to breakeven.
Developed ad hoc forecasting tools and communication methods for an international team that enabled quick business decisions in response to volatile trends in business volume. Led regional analysts in developing targets and analyzing financial results.
Implemented process to monitor investments provided by software partner and ensure contractual obligations were met.
Developed in depth profile of 'pass-through' accounting in order to ensure appropriate reporting of licensing business.

Provided financial guidance including planning, reporting, business controls and cost structure analysis to senior management team and customer center including technical response center, order fulfillment and distributor marketing. Negotiated costs and service levels with providers of facilities and IT support. Supervised two analysts.

Developed a comprehensive financial planning model so as to balance $55M in resources effectively among field sales, the distribution channel and a new marketing center.
Worked cross-functionally to ensure that Field incentive compensation was properly calculated and accrued. Saved $25K+ by reviewing and correcting bonus calculation.
Coordinated activity-based costing project that resulted in more effective alignment of sales organizations into channels.
Investigated Accounts Receivable metrics to understand below target performance. Worked with credit manager and order fulfillment to reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and improve cash flow.

Education

MBA, Finance, University of Texas at Austin
MA, History, University of California at Berkeley
BA, History, Mills College, Oakland, California

Other training

Project Management Fundamentals, Igniting and Sustaining Change, Fundamentals of Management, Diversity Workshop