FinanceTransformation Consultant

Are you a Finance Leader whose team will be part of a large IT implementation such as an ERP? Are you looking for someone to advocate for the Finance team, help manage day-to-day project activities, and ensure finance processes and controls are in place? Large system implementations can be disruptive and time-consuming. Finance processes are an integral part of any company and an important component of being a valued partner. With my help, your finance team will have an informed partner who will ensure you are represented in driving value for your team and company.

As your trusted advisory partner, we offer a range of benefits when you have us on your team.

I'm Cathleen, and I would like to discuss how an independent Finance Transformation Consultant can make a difference in your large IT implementation such as ERP. I have been in your seat. I have led large Finance teams and know how critical systems are to the day to work.

Finance and accounting touch all areas of your company and are impacted by most of its day-to-day activities. It is critical to have an advocate in your corner, who understands your processes while being able to speak IT language.

Think of me as the “voice of Finance”. I will manage and coach your Finance team through the transformation. I understand the best practices IT and/or an implementation partner should be following. I bridge the gap between IT and business to ensure your needs are met.

I partner up with your finance team to understand what drives revenue, value, and profit for your business. I learn your priorities and then use that knowledge to champion the interests of the finance team.

I also take charge of managing the workload for the finance users, and I can step into project meetings and activities as their representative.

Here is what you can expect when partnering with me.

1. Expert guidance on the best practices for those large IT transformations.

2. Organization of key project activities, allowing your team more time to focus on their critical day-to-day tasks.

3. Focus on enhancing value and improving processes.

4. A bridge with the IT team, speaking their language while understanding financial processes. It's like getting the best of both worlds.

With me, you've got a seasoned Finance Transformation Consultant who's dedicated to making your finance team successful in managing the change IT transformations can bring.

Areas Of Expertise

Cathleen manages key finance activities for large IT transformations. 

  • Manage and represent your Finance team on IT transformations.

  • Transformation from current processes to future processes following your implementation.

  • Coaching on best practices for effectively managing change within your organization.

  • Drive focus towards creating value from your IT investments.

I will be your guide through the phases of your IT implementation: Here's the Overview

Let’s face it: IT implementations can be disruptive. It is important to have representation to advocate for your team through all project phases. I am here to advise and provide alternatives and best practices to coach your team through the implementation. I have years of experience working in all project stages. Let’s walk through these phases.

  • During this phase, you'll develop a business case, define current state processes, and evaluate solutions and system integration partners.

  • In this phase, you'll define requirements, develop user stories, review user roles and security, and identify and define data.

  • Here, you'll build test plans, define the "to-be" process, review training and change management, and develop cheat sheets and process reviews.

  • This phase will involve reviewing system and integration testing, leading and executing end-user testing, and validating data, processes, and integrations.

  • During this phase, you'll plan and execute hyper care and super user sessions, assist with end-user training, and document lessons learned.

  • These are the activities that will span throughout the program and include program, scope, and risk management, change management and training, value management and business case review, data management (master, transactional, and migrated), and stakeholder engagement and communications.

Would you like a trusted advisor who understands your needs to help you through these phases? I would love to connect and discuss how we can partner together. Reach out today.

Driving Business Success: A 20-Year Blend of Finance and Tech Expertise

Empowering businesses through the fusion of financial acumen and technological expertise, I bring over 20 years of finance leadership and a robust background in IT project management. Bridging the realms of business and technology, I craft transformative solutions that not only add value during implementation but also ensure a seamlessly functioning business post-launch. From strategic planning to hands-on engagement in all project phases, my commitment is to instill clarity, allay concerns, and foster confidence in every business solution.

FAQs

  • Cathleen Warren Coaching and Consulting, Inc. is an S-Corporation in the state of Massachusetts. We carry $1.0M of liability insurance.

  • Cathleen signs a Master Services agreement with each new client. She then signs a separate statement of work outlining the terms, length, and deliverables for each project. 15-day payment terms are requested.

  • Cathleen has experience in all phases of a project from business case through to implementation and training. She studies understanding the end-to-end integration of the solution. She puts a strong focus towards managing change, driving value, and advocating for the Finance team.

  • Cathleen holds an MBA in Information Systems from Bentley University. She holds a certified coaching certification, CPC, from iPec and a PMP certification from PMI.

  • An independent consultant’s first priority is to the client. They act as an agent for the Finance team with IT, system integrators, and project management. Cathleen has managed many functional Finance teams and has been there when the dust settles after an implementation. She understands your concerns and what it is like to be you.

  • Absolutely! References are available upon request. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to see recommendations regarding my services and expertise.