In my previous role, I noticed that the company was overspending on vendor services due to a lack of competitive bidding. I initiated a vendor assessment project, evaluating cost, quality, and service levels. By implementing a structured bidding process and negotiating contracts, we reduced costs by 15% annually without compromising service quality. This experience honed my ability to identify inefficiencies and implement practical solutions.

I start by thoroughly understanding the company's strategic objectives and then assess current financial processes to identify gaps. Collaborating with stakeholders, I develop a roadmap that prioritizes initiatives offering the highest value. For example, by automating reporting processes, we saved 20 hours per week, allowing the finance team to focus on strategic analysis. This approach ensures that transformation efforts directly support business goals.

I prioritize metrics like EBITDA, cash flow, and ROI because they provide a comprehensive view of financial health and operational efficiency. EBITDA offers insight into operational profitability, cash flow indicates liquidity, and ROI measures the efficiency of investments. For instance, by focusing on improving these metrics, I helped a previous employer increase profitability by 10% within a year. These metrics are crucial for informed decision-making.

I establish regular cross-functional meetings and clear communication channels to ensure alignment. For example, during a recent ERP implementation, I created a shared dashboard for real-time updates and held weekly sync-ups. This approach minimized misunderstandings and ensured all departments were informed and engaged, leading to a smooth transition and widespread adoption of the new system.

In a past role, I analyzed customer profitability data and identified that 20% of customers were generating 80% of profits. By reallocating resources to focus on these high-value customers and adjusting pricing strategies for others, we increased overall profitability by 12%. This example underscores how data-driven insights can lead to strategic financial decisions that enhance business performance.