Carolyn S.

Embedded into venture-backed startups and scaling companies to architect finance infrastructure, navigate inflection points, and build operational systems that support sustainable growth. Key Contributions: • Led finance transformation initiatives across SaaS, consumer, and CPG companies from Seed to Series D • Designed and implemented scalable financial systems (QuickBooks to NetSuite, ERP and FP&A tooling) • Created fund deployment roadmaps and supported investor diligence for $10M–$100M raises • Developed post-M&A action plans and stewarded executive teams through financial and operational integration • Built customized forecasting, scenario, and margin models aligned to operational realities • Advised on executive transitions, cash flow triage, and business model pivots in turbulent cycles Clients include founder-led companies seeking both rigor and resonance—organizations navigating rapid scale, capital events, and structural reinvention.

Hired to stabilize finance and operations during a volatile growth phase. Diagnosed key systemic breakdowns and outlined a strategic recovery plan. Ultimately exited ahead of implementation due to organizational restructuring. Key Contributions: • Identified critical gaps in financial visibility, AR flow, and vendor reporting • Designed roadmap for scalable financial systems and cash flow governance • Advised executive leadership on investor readiness and structural risk Laid the groundwork for transformation—despite limited access and shifting leadership dynamics.

Senior leader overseeing finance, HR, and business operations during a period of restructuring, product expansion, and acquisition activity. Embedded across departments to restore financial rigor, implement scalable systems, and drive operational transparency. Key Contributions: • Rebuilt finance department and introduced systems that increased transparency and efficiency—reducing expenses by 15% • Recovered $500K+ in aged receivables through improved planning, billing workflows, and stakeholder alignment • Partnered with senior leadership on strategic planning, cash flow management, and resource prioritization • Designed annual budgeting process and integrated rolling forecast methodology for executive visibility • Established HR infrastructure including 401(k) matching, performance-based incentive plans, and onboarding frameworks • Dual role as Operations Controller for in-house SaaS spinout (Yoi): led finance and ops, managed due diligence for acquisition, cap table oversight, and revenue recognition documentation Built systems that endured well beyond tenure—serving as the operational backbone through multiple growth phases and structural shifts.

Oversaw financial operations for a portfolio of mid-size businesses across food service, creative production, and niche retail. Balanced strategic finance with hands-on operational leadership—often parachuting into chaos and delivering structure, profitability, and readiness for exit. Key Contributions: • Director of Finance for Along Came Mary Catering & Events—oversaw daily operations spanning production, finance, and HR; streamlined systems for productivity and led operational restructuring through acquisition • Business Manager and Controller for multiple mid-sized companies: improved operational workflows, increased profitability, and delivered executive-ready reporting • Launched a boutique costume startup for video game fans—led product development, vendor coordination, web marketing, and customer experience; brought the product to market on a tight seasonal timeline This chapter blended entrepreneurial grit with financial command—a proving ground for embedded leadership and zero-margin-for-error execution.

Sole finance and business operations lead for the West Coast agency group. Balanced client relationship management with back-office rigor—owning everything from contract structure to revenue analysis to AR collection. Key Contributions: • Drove profitability by managing budgets, conducting project audits, and surfacing margin gaps across accounts • Oversaw all financial aspects of client relationships—including billing, collections, and budget forecasting • Developed and implemented RFP and contract workflows, including letters of intent and client guidelines • Created custom pricing proposals aligned with client scope and internal capacity—negotiated from insight, not instinct • Acted as bridge between finance, client services, and leadership—ensuring execution matched promise.

Oversaw budgeting, forecasting, and month-end close for multiple Los Angeles-based broadcast stations. Balanced high-volume reporting with hands-on system implementation and team oversight during a period of operational transition. Key Contributions: • Developed annual budgets and rolling forecasts; performed cost, variance, and ad hoc analysis across business units • Led monthly close process: managed general ledger, approved sales orders and invoices, and produced financial reports • Supervised staff accountants and temp workers to meet tight reporting timelines • Spearheaded accounting system migration from Great Plains to Oracle—facilitated training, data integrity, and post-implementation support Delivered stability and structure during a high-pressure year of change—while keeping reporting clean and timelines intact.

Served as financial lead for emerging digital initiatives within Fox's entertainment division. Built operational workflows, delivered rigorous reporting, and brought financial visibility to a newly formed, rapidly evolving business unit. Key Contributions: • Created and managed annual budgets and forecasts across multiple business lines • Developed financial operations processes to improve workflow efficiency and interdepartmental communication • Conducted variance, cost, and ad hoc analysis to inform strategic decision-making • Led monthly close process and managed general ledger activity • Produced comprehensive reporting packages to support leadership and cross-functional teams.

Provided strategic finance and business development support to early-stage film, media, and VFX companies—bridging the gap between creative vision and financial execution. Key Contributions: • Developed business plans and operational models for emerging media ventures • Advised Reelfx (VFX/commercial studio) on financial systems, planning, and development strategy • Served as assistant accountant on Bobby (dir. Emilio Estevez)—supported production accounting and cost tracking • Acted as comptroller for TV/film production company; managed finances for pilots and features in development • Supported deal structuring and sales preparation for a TV pilot showcased at NATPE

Supported new business development efforts through cost modeling, custom pricing, and financial analysis for large-scale technology service contracts ranging from $800K to $90M. Key Contributions: • Created and maintained pricing models for emerging tech service offerings across multiple business units • Acted as financial liaison during high-pressure deal cycles—developed custom rates and project cost structures under tight deadlines • Led financial modeling and viability analysis for new service launches—collaborated cross-functionally on scope definition, gap analysis, and requirements gathering • Delivered cost analysis and financial validation for multiple concurrent bids during fast-paced growth and innovation phase