Brent McDonald, CPA

Chartbeat is a leading unified, end-to-end media operations SaaS platform providing digital and social video analytics and advertising order management to global media and technology brands. The platform serves 70%+ of the Top 50 global media companies and acts as a PE-backed enterprise solution that helps enterprise content creators optimize audience growth, campaign performance, and revenue operations across web, social video, and ad sales workflows. Lead end-to-end financial strategy and revenue operations as the SaaS platform scaled more than 15x from a single-digit million base to a high eight-figure ARR level through three strategic acquisitions and organic expansion, achieving sustained profitability in 2023. Drive M&A strategy and integration across a multi-brand platform, managing due diligence, deal structuring, integration planning, and post-acquisition synergy capture while protecting shareholder value. Partner closely with PE sponsors and executive leadership on long-range planning, capital allocation, and strategic alternatives, supporting several hundred million dollars in cumulative capital formation and M&A transaction value. Architect and lead the company’s financial and revenue operations infrastructure, including GAAP reporting, SaaS metrics (ARR, MRR, CAC, LTV, NRR), unit economics forecasting, and end-to-end revenue operations automation across multi-entity, multi-currency operations. Build and scale an institutional-grade finance organization, including FP&A, accounting, revenue operations, and business systems, with modern tooling (advanced Excel/Sheets modeling, BI tools, real-time dashboards).

Promoted to lead finance and operations during a period of accelerated SaaS growth, reporting directly to the CEO. Led an eight-figure Series C venture capital fundraise, including building a five-year financial model, investor pitch materials, and managing due diligence and investor relations through closing. Owned full P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow management, monthly closes, quarterly reforecasts, and annual budgeting across a multi-entity structure serving media technology clients. Established SaaS metrics and board reporting frameworks to communicate unit economics and growth trajectory to executive leadership and the Board.

Joined as founding finance leader for an early-stage SaaS startup and built core financial reporting infrastructure from the ground up. Implemented P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow reporting, budgeting processes, and monthly close cadence as the company grew >100% annually in the media technology sector. Established SaaS metrics reporting (MRR, ARR, churn, CAC) and dashboards for executive and Board visibility into subscription business health. Partnered with leadership on product rollout plans, sales strategy, and operational efficiency initiatives in a competitive SaaS market.

Gaming & Entertainment Sector Leadership Provided financial leadership for a newly created business unit launching Destiny, one of the fastest-selling new gaming intellectual properties in history with record day-one sales and top-ranked 2014 performance in the gaming market. Owned full P&L and Balance Sheet responsibility for a major gaming franchise, including annual budget, monthly forecasts, multi-year franchise plans, and presentations to senior leadership. Led launch planning analyses across retail and digital monetization strategies, pricing strategy, product roadmap, and business model development for a cutting-edge gaming title. Managed a $100M+ global marketing budget for a AAA gaming property and oversaw game development and infrastructure support budgets with external development partners.

Gaming Sector Scaling & Strategic Growth Led financial operations for the Call of Duty franchise during a period featuring three consecutive “biggest entertainment launches of all time” and 40M+ monthly active users—one of the largest gaming franchises globally. Managed a multi-billion-dollar gaming franchise P&L, delivering 40%+ operating income growth versus plan over three years and consistently outperforming market expectations. Oversaw a $100M+ consumer marketing budget for AAA gaming titles, using ROI-driven analysis and performance metrics to optimize spend across traditional and digital channels. Delivered 1,000+ hours in annualized savings through process improvements and efficiency initiatives in gaming finance operations and drove a 29% year-over-year sales increase in Canada through targeted marketing investment prior to a major franchise launch.

Gaming Portfolio Management Served as global business partner to Licensed and Owned Business Units with full P&L responsibility across budget, forecasting, close, and deal financials, managing a portfolio that included Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, one of the highest-rated and best-selling gaming titles of all time. Implemented process and systems improvements that automated accrual and reporting processes and enhanced forecast planning accuracy and timeliness for multiple gaming titles and franchises.

Integral member of four-person audit team responsible for completing projects within budgeted time frames. Conducted financial compliance audits for county schools and agencies, identifying control gaps and process risks in public sector operations.

Managed school district financial transactions. Advised school districts on budgeting, internal controls, fund accounting, and financial reporting, including preparation of multi-million-dollar budgets and implementation of cost-saving audit processes.

Graduated with Honors

Graduated with Honors, Dean's List