Mari Rivera, CPA, MBA

Connor Group, CX is a professional services firm made up of top-tier public accounting alumni and industry professionals who work alongside some of the world’s top growth companies. We find, train, and equip the best financial operators in the world, and connect our people, talent, tools, and experience to client accounting and finance teams. Our professionals are prepared to address the most common and the most complex issues finance and accounting executives face. CX is part of the Connor Group organization, which is trusted by 800+ world-class companies because of our vast expertise and quality of work. Whether due to growth, turnover, special projects or a variety of other reasons, our clients have critical and oftentimes sensitive needs that require high-quality professional resources. We at Connor Group, CX understand these challenges and have worked to create a solution. Our professionals have the unique opportunity to be the solution to those needs and step into challenging and sometimes complex client roles, integrating with our clients on an interim basis, providing support when companies need it most.

Director of Finance (Nov 2014 - October 2023) Senior Finance Manager (June 2013 - Nov 2014)

Finance Manager, Private Brand & Direct Import (2013) Provided high-level financial support for private brand and direct import sector, including business development, inventory, and national brand strategies. Researched and evaluated financial results of operational decisions and initiatives and delivered insights to senior leaders. Managed budget, tracked results, and recommended process improvements to maximize efficiencies. Manager, Investor Relations & Finance (2011–2013) Partnered with VP of Investor Relations to facilitate multiple simultaneous financial and investor management functions. Created quarterly and annual filings, earnings documentation, and strategic communications. Generated reports featuring detailed competitive and industry analysis and comparative valuation for senior managers’ use during quarterly earnings and analyst calls. Senior Financial Analyst (2008–2011) Supported financial planning for company’s $90M retail division by analyzing capital projects, inventory, shrink exposure, and implementation strategies to determine performance trends and successes. Facilitated weekly meetings with senior leaders to discuss impact of new capital investments. Reconciled general ledger each month and effectively resolved discrepancies. Constructed financial models that pinpointed areas for growth. Orchestrated Oracle implementation across inventory department.

Accounting Manager – Miami, Florida (Sep 2006 – May 2008) Promoted to manage accounting initiatives for a popular Fortune 250 global company. Created and implemented policies and procedures to support fiscal operations, managed Sarbanes-Oxley compliance efforts, and conducted monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close activities. Led and coached the accounting staff for the division. Analyzed and authored financial statements to aid leadership in making data-informed business decisions. Developed a division-wide annual department budget and subsequent financial forecasts. Corporate Senior Auditor - Irvine, California (Jul 2004 – Sep 2006) Responsible for testing corporate policy and procedure compliance, traveled internationally and domestically to conduct testing, and planned and performed IT audits, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance audits, and other financial audits.

Conducted in-depth auditing for one of the top accounting and business advisory organization. Planned and executed financial audits, procedures, reviews, and compilations. Completed business and technical research to complete each audit, and coordinated all reports, statements, and supportive audit notes. Promoted to a senior after one year as an Auditor.

Chartered Financial Analyst Global Research Challenge (September 2011 – March 2012) Selected to participate in a global challenge and research of a publicly-traded company; drafted a research report on investment recommendations; presented investment thesis to high-profile finance experts; advanced to the Florida state finals.