Jody Raman Resume
CAREER SUMMARY:
An executive level innovative, results-driven, business-minded, and highly adaptable accounting and project management professional with over thirty years of insightful experience specializing in human relations, customer service, effective team building, front-end user experiences, front-end user process improvements, front-end requirements gathering and documentation, data quality, internal controls, case management, SOX compliance, IT audit readiness, and root cause analysis in an independent consulting capacity now focusing on supporting small businesses within the continental United States.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Owner & CEO, Small Business Project Management, Harrisburg, PA
December 2021 - Present
SmallBusinessProjectManagement.com
Type of Work Performed:
- Chief Executive Officer, Owner
- Executive Level Project Consultant
- Executive Level Business Consultant
- Executive Level Management Consultant
- Executive Level Career Consultant
- Director of Project Management
- Director of Customer Experience
- Director of Training and Talent Development
- Director of Technology and Operations
- Director of Case Management
- Senior Systems Security Project Management
- Senior Systems Security Analyst
- Senior Project Manager
- Senior Financial Systems Project Manager
- Senior Financial Systems Analyst
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Senior Human Resources Project Manager
- Senior Human Resources Systems Analyst
- Senior Systems Analyst
- Senior Business Analyst
- Senior Functional Analyst
- Senior Case Management Project Manager
- Senior Case Management Systems Analyst
- Web Developer
- Graphic Designer
Areas of Concentration:
- End User Empathy
- Customer Experience
- Customer Service
- Web Development
- Gaphic Design
- Workflow Automation
- User Permissions
- Approver Hierarchy
- Business Requirements Gathering & Documentation
- Functional Requirements Gathering & Documentation
- Business Continuity
- Systems Security Project Management
- Systems Security Analyst
- Training and Talent Development
- Technology and Operations
- Case Management
- Human Resources Project Management
- Organizational Management
- Approver Hierarchy
- User Permissions
- Performance Management Project Management
- Performance Management Business Consulting
- Performance Management Business Analysis
- Performance Management Functional Analysis
- Performance Management Gap Analysis
- Talent Acquisition
- Talent Acquisition Project Management
- Knowledge Base Project Management
- Repository Project Management
- Knowledge Base Repository Project Management
- Search Engine Optimization Project Management
- SEO Project Management
- Case Management
- Case Management Project Management
- Case Management Business Analysis
- Case Management Functional Analysis
- Change Management Consultancy
- Change Management Project Management
- PMO Consultant
- PMO Project Management
- T Shirt Sizing Project Management
- Resource Allocation
- Resource Allocation Project Management
- Capacity Planning
- Capacity Planning Project Management
- Task Management
- Task Management Project Management
- Project Presentations
- Project Proposals
- Statement of Work (SOW)
Accomplishments:
For security purposes and out of respect for all past, present, and future clients, work is not being disclosed.
Senior Project Manager, Commonwealth of PA (Contract), Harrisburg, PA
August 2019 - July 2020
Areas of Concentration:
- End User Empathy
- Customer Experience
- Customer Service
- Web Development
- Workflow Automation
- User Permissions
- Approver Hierarchy
- Business Requirements Gathering & Documentation
- Functional Requirements Gathering & Documentation
- Business Continuity
- Systems Security Project Management
- Systems Security Analytics
- Training and Talent Development
- Technology and Operations
- Case Management
- Human Resources Project Management
- Organizational Management
- Approver Hierarchy
- User Permissions
- Performance Management Project Management
- Performance Management Business Consulting
- Performance Management Business Analysis
- Performance Management Functional Analysis
- Performance Management Gap Analysis
- Talent Acquisition
- Talent Acquisition Project Management
- Knowledge Base Project Management
- Repository Project Management
- Knowledge Base Repository Project Management
- Search Engine Optimization Project Management
- SEO Project Management
- Case Management
- Case Management Project Management
- Case Management Business Analysis
- Case Management Functional Analysis
- Change Management Consultancy
- Change Management Project Management
- PMO Consultant
- PMO Project Management
- T Shirt Sizing Project Management
- Resource Allocation
- Resource Allocation Project Management
- Capacity Planning
- Capacity Planning Project Management
- Task Management
- Task Management Project Management
- Project Presentations
- Project Proposals
- Statement of Work (SOW)
Accomplishments:
- Single-handedly created a complete Software Requirement Specification (SRS) package from scratch in just over 4 months that included over 1700 business requirements, an executive summary, objectives, goals, purpose, project time line, and vision statement, as well as placeholders for all functional requirements and technical design specifications
- SIngle-handedly scheduled and conducted business and functional requirements sessions with high-level Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stakeholders to include the Deputy Director of Human Resources, Director of Enterprise Management (Human Resources), Director of Organizational Management, Director of Talent Acquisitions, and many more
- Single-handedly conducted 40+ one-on-one discovery sessions with Human Resources key users in a little over one month
- Single-handedly hosted 10+ group meetings with Human Resources key users
- Single-handedly created a successful Statement of Work (SOW) and proposal for same project
- Single-handedly created a successful Case Management Proof of Concept for presentation to high level high profile stakeholders
- Single-handedly conducted a succssful Human Resources functional gap analysis
- Single-handedly had a $3million dollar high profile project successfully approved
- Worked with high-level COPA stakeholders to define new position descriptions needed to build out role-based permissions (RBPs) based on the new HR case management solution functionality
- Worked with OA-HR/Enterprise Systems Director on the creation of a Statement of Work for outsourcing the new HR case management solution implementation team
- Created the new HR case management solution business proposal to present to COPA CIO, Governor’s executive office, OA Secretary, OA IS Budget Director, and IES Director for approval
Project Manager, Scientific Games, Middletown, PA
Sept 2018 – August 2019
Areas of Concentration:
- End User Empathy
- Customer Experience
- Customer Service
- User Interface (UI) Development
- User Interface (UI) Functional Design
- Business Requirements Gathering & Documentation
- Functional Requirements Gathering & Documentation
- Software Requirements Specification Documentation Preparation
- Systems Security Project Management
- Systems Security Analytics
- Technology and Operations
- Project Presentations
- IT Audit Preparation
Accomplishments:
- Successfully created terminal user interface designs (UIs) for Derby Cash, Xpress Car Racing, and KENO lottery games for seven different terminal types, including a newly upgraded behind-the-counter WAVE terminal
• Scheduled and conducted business and functional requirements sessions with high-level Scientific Games and PA Lottery stakeholders to include the PA Lottery Director of Contract Compliance, the PA Lottery Deputy Director, the Scientific Games Software Design Director, Scientific Games Technical Project Management Lead, and the Scientific Games General Director
• Single-handedly gathered all business, functional, and technical requirements (FRD) for Derby Cash, Xpress Car Racing, and KENO lottery games
• Negotiated with multiple high-level PA Lottery and COPA Dept of Revenue stakeholders to define the “ask” while gathering requirements for Derby Cash, Xpress Car Racing, and KENO Lottery games
• Single-handedly created project charter and scope documentation, included vision, goals, and risks.
• Single-handedly created a complete software requirements specification document (SRS) for Derby Cash, Xpress Car Racing, and KENO lottery games that included business requirements (BRD), functional requirements (FRD), and technical design documentation (TDD)
• Worked with high-level Scientific Games and PA Lottery stakeholders on the creation and production schedule for 5 million new Derby Cash playslips to align with the rollout of the Derby Cash lottery gam
• Utilized standard project management methodology to deliver intended results and applied process improvement changes when and where required
• Acted as Scientific Games spokesperson for reporting all Derby Cash, Xpress Car Racing, and KENO status updates to all PA Lottery and COPA Dept of Revenue stakeholders
• Worked alongside Scientific Games and PA Lottery stakeholders on user acceptance testing (UAT) for Derby Cash, Xpress Car Racing, and KENO lottery games and recommended appropriate changes
• Reviewed and analyzed user needs and created system solutions that supported business strategies
• Functioned as a liaison between IT and end users providing both business and technical expertise - Assisted the Scientific Games Technology & Operations Project Manager in the preparation and administration of a full scale formalized IT audit. Owner of all segments of IT audit documentation regarding the Scientific Games staff front of the house processes.
Financial Systems Project Manager, Systems Architect, Developer, Corporate Trainer - Cathothic Diocese of Harrisburg (Contract) Harrisburg, PA
July 2012 – Oct. 2014
Accomplishments:
- Single handedly designed a very elaborate financial system using Microsoft Dynamics Navigator (NAV) framework to include Financial Core (Company structure, Chart of Accounts, G/L Funds, G/L Dimensions), and Human Resources, Payroll, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable Modules
- Single handedly configured all data architecture in the new financial system to include calculation methodologies to drive sub bucket totals for any possible end user queries and internal controls
- Conducted Steering Committee, Project Committee, and requirements gathering meetings with high level stakeholders to include CEO, Corporate Controller, HR Director, and Department Managers to discuss "To Be" requirements needed to meet project requirements and mitigate any potential migration issues
- Designed/maintained all project dashboard, roadmap, status reports, timelines to report project status
- Collaborated with SME’s and high-level stakeholders to build all SOX and Federal regulatory requirements into the “To Be” financial system architecture
- Collaborated with IT and finance stakeholders to incorporate shared visions for short and long-term solutions on how to eliminate all previous workarounds within the system and return to "out of box" to ensure effective cost control, time management, and department efficiencies were being utilized
- Collaborated with Data Administrator to understand the "To Be" data requirements, as well as any applicable interim processes required until all modules were fully implemented
- Developed a data quality control model to monitor the system for any exceptions with data mapping
- Participated in UAT, test case, and all functional reviews, as well as analyzed large data extracts for accurate parameterization and mapping for all financial systems implementation efforts
- Provided group and individual training both in large training groups and through Illuminate sessions
- Trained new end users on new corporate financial system post-migration, which included creating and providing data dictionaries and elaborate training documentation
- Directly involved in defining post-migration processes for efficient functionality across a very elaborate multi-dimensional ERP based financial application
- Worked with high-level stakeholders to assign permissions, approvers, and key users for each department
- Collaborated with Network Administrator and Database Administrator on design/implementation of a complex and robust Share Point repository build
- Designed each end user’s RTC (role tailored client) specifically for their specialized use and permissions
- Ensured all end users had everything they needed to perform tasks efficiently and accurately, including but not limited to troubleshooting any financial system related issues and personally shadowing and training over 200 end users to provide comfort while performing tasks in the new system
International Financial Systems Project Manager, Geoban USA, Santander (Contract) Reading, PA
October 2011 - June 2012
Accomplishments:
- Successfully managed the Cumbre G/L, Financial Management Information Systems (FMIS), and FRS/Share Point project efforts in the migration from the old Sovereign financial systems (Fiserv, Legacy, InformEnt) to the new Santander financial systems (Cumbre, Partenon) to include developing “As Is” and “To Be” process work flow architectures, corporate control and support models, project roadmaps, budget, time lines, status reports, capacity plans, and KPI/ SLAs for all three financial projects
• Selected by Sovereign CFO over Santander Director of Change Management to direct the change management effort through the financial systems implementation process
• Implemented and managed an effective support model to troubleshoot all Cumbre G/L, FMIS, FRS and Share Point implementation and BAU issues using Remedy in a ticket driven environment
• Trained/assisted executive financial officers of Sovereign Bank on how to submit change requests for enhancements to the new tools post-migration to accommodate Finance and Operations stakeholders
• Hired, managed, and mentored six business analysts to support all financial user issues and perform complex daily/weekly data quality analysis tasks (validations/reconciliations) during implementation and business as usual (BAU) as part of the internal controls model across all financial systems
• Organized and conducted Steering Committee, Project Committee, and Financial Operations meetings with high-level stakeholders, which included the CFO of Sovereign Bank and Technology & Operations Director of Santander Bank, to discuss project requirements and resolve all migration issues
• Collaborated with Director of Compliance and IT SME’s to ensure all SOX and Federal regulatory requirements were incorporated in the “To Be” financial control model
• Collaborated with IT and finance stakeholders for proper internal controls within the financial systems
• Participated in UAT, test case, and all functional reviews, and analyzed large data extracts for accurate parameterization and mapping for all financial systems implementation efforts
• Developed and conducted group and individual training for all financial users on new post-migration corporate tools (Cumbre, Partenon), which included providing data dictionaries and elaborate training documentation showing how to perform correct parameterization for data extracts
• Directly involved in defining post-migration processes for efficient multiple work stream functionality
• Collaborated with IT stakeholders to assign resolver groups within Remedy for incident resolution
Project Management Administrator, SunTrust Bank (Contract) Richmond, VA
August 2010 - December 2010
Accomplishments:
- Performed project financial analysis for SOX (Sarbanes Oxley) compliance on resource allocation and expense/budget variances for two largest project portfolios (Retail and Mortgage - $39M) within SunTrust
- Collaborated with Strategic Planners on 2011 project planning efforts for Retail and Mortgage portfolios ($39 million budget), which included creating initial shells within Planview project tracking platform
- Collaborated with portfolio stakeholders to assist with hiring and streamlining resources for all phases of portfolio projects and initiatives using Agile and SDLC methodologies
- Collaborated with Project Managers and Change Management staff on projects within portfolio to streamline efficiency, to include drawing up white papers for change requests for project enhancements
- Collaborated with Human Resources to ensure resource allocation project deadlines/budgets were met
- Created weekly/monthly roadmap presentations to report progress/deficits to portfolio management team
Senior Financial Analyst, Wells Fargo (Contract),Richmond, VA
September 2009 - July 2010
Accomplishments:
- Performed project financial analysis for SOX (Sarbanes Oxley) compliance on resource allocation, budget variances, investment variances and expense variances
- Acted as final review for project financial business case development and the funding approval process for all Chief Investment Officers and Project Managers, which included project financial forecasting and modeling, white papers, Wells Fargo Integration project financial reports, business channel reports, project road maps, metrics reports, presentations, and “As Is” and “To Be” process workflow architecture
- Compiled, validated, and corrected monthly forecast data for accuracy on each project prior to data import into reports by extracting and manipulating general ledger data from proprietary Oracle database
- Acted as final quality check on all project reports – Investment Variance, Expense Variance, Budget Variance, Road Mapping, Business Channel, Key Statistics, etc.
- Created and reviewed white papers for change requests to new tools post-migration
- Created/analyzed various reports as requested by Project Managers and Chief Investments Officers
- Assisted with STAMP migration parameterization by extracting, validating, and correcting large datasets
Accountant,Coughenour & Associates, Inc.(Contract) Richmond, VA
March 2008 – November 2008
Accomplishments:
• Performed general accounting functions in a CPA firm environment – bank reconciliations, A/P, A/R, payroll, tax filing, mileage/expense reimbursement, journal entries, EOM reconcilements and closings
• Prepared monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual financial reports for 35-40 assigned small business clients, which included storing all documentation into a server-based file cabinet
• Designed/implemented a company wide client tracking database, which included all tax filing data
• Trained clients and associates on elaborate VPN-based CSA and QuickBooks accounting platforms which included creating elaborate technical training documentation
Project Manager, Wachovia Securities (Contract) Richmond, VA
November 2007 - February 2008
Accomplishments:
• Managed project for high profile FA client seeking recognized gain calculation on 4th quarter monthly and EOY brokerage statements through all phases of the project life cycle using Agile methodology
• Strategized and developed workarounds for cost basis system limitations in BETA for high-profile client
• Derived new realized and recognized gain/loss by creating complex conditional formulas in excel from extrapolated data for accounts/lots impacted by new terms established by corporate action events
• Compiled daily/weekly metrics spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations for executive management
• Analyzed/developed process improvements to develop streamlined SOPs for fluency and efficiency
Staff Accountant, KDR Real Estate Services, Inc. Richmond, VA
February 2007 - April 2011
Accomplishments:
• Analyzed/derived job costing of all billables for proper invoicing to clients on $1.2M in annual revenues
• Performed all company accounting functions - A/P, A/R, payroll, journal entries, reconciliations, labor efficiency, budget and forecast calculations, prepared quarterly and EOY state and federal tax filing
• Collaborated with external auditors to ensure annual overhead rate objective was met
• Analyzed/developed process improvements for streamlined company SOPs for fluency and efficiency
• Handled all benefit administration – insurance, compensation package (including 401K), withholdings
• Troubleshot all companywide server issues (power outages, reboots, software upgrades/installs, etc.)
Accounts Receivable Manager – Norfolk Wire & Electronics, Inc. Richmond, VA
October 2003 - April 2005
Accomplishments:
• Trained 50+ internal and 6000+ external customers on billing and purchase order process for compliance
• Supervised cash management and A/R operations for 6000+ accounts comprising $25M annual revenue
• Formulated and implemented process improvements/SOPs for client invoicing, integrated A/R functions, and credit policies for A/R department, resulting in streamlined operations and increased revenues
• Established and managed the A/R collection process, which involved working directly with overdue accounts to address issues and unresolved payments while maintaining customer retention
• Worked directly with Controller/CFO to create A/R, reconciliation, monthly and year-end financials
• Reviewed/evaluated credit risks by analyzing financial statements and related information to determine credit worthiness and/or risks to extend/ recommend credit within established limits and policies
International Invoicing Analyst, AMF Bowling Products, Inc. Mechanicsville, VA
January 1999 - January 2001
Accomplishments:
• Collaborated with International sales offices (Egypt, Turkey, Poland, Russia, Germany, etc.), Master Scheduler, Forecasting Manager, Installation Scheduler, Engineering, and Shipping Manager to ensure accurate completion of full bowling center package invoices (~$1M) and bill-of-lading documentation
• Single-handedly created/implemented a company-wide database tracking system for all shipments
• Performed gap analysis for inventory back order issues and warranty/shortage issues due to JDEdwards BOM configuration errors to ensure proper order fulfillment
• Adhered to all customs compliance policies, which involved direct communication with foreign countries
Credit Analyst, LabCorp Analytics, Richmond, VA
August 1997 - January 1999
Accomplishments:
• Single-handedly developed and implemented a database tracking system for all delinquent accounts
• Successfully recovered $750,000 in delinquent funds within the first six months by working with delinquent clients to resolve complex invoice processing issues
• Established front-end system flags to identify system vulnerabilities that led to invoice delinquencies
• Compiled data analysis and statistical reports to aid in reviewing aged A/R to support collection efforts
• Reviewed and evaluated credit risks, formulated credit policies, procedures, and practices for department
• Extended/recommended/reviewed credit within established limits and policies for all customers
• Acted as accounts receivable back up - posted deposits and payments, filed invoices, mailed statements
Territory Sales Representative, Cosmair, Inc. Richmond, VA
March 1995 - August 1997
Accomplishments:
• Brand ambassador and primary point of contact for the Maybelline, L’Oréal, Lancôme, and Ralph Lauren cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance lines across big box chain stores such as Hills, Target, Kmart, Roses, CVS, Rite Aid, PHAR-MOR, Wal-Marts, The Cosmetic Centers, and Sears
• Responsible for selling in monthly, quarterly, and seasonal counter displays and merchandisers
Assistant Store Manager, The Cosmetic Center, Inc. Richmond, VA
March 1990 - September 1994
Accomplishments:
• Responsible for assisting Store Manager in sales, payroll, operations, asset protection, and human resources functions of the store to ensure a great customer experience and maximum profitability
• Hired, trained, motivated, and mentored 35+ sales associates and assistant managers on how to achieve full potential when selling high end cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance lines such as Lancôme, Clinique, Clarins, Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder, Ultima II, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren
SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE:
• 26+ years of accounting and financial analysis experience- public accounting, A/R, A/P, G/L, G/L mapping, reconciliations, month end, payroll, journal entry, budgeting, chart of accounts, job costing, SOX compliance, labor efficiency, KPI analysis - proven record of productivity, efficiency, quality, and integrity
• 38+ years of customer service experience – able to communicate to external/internal customers in a professional, constructive, and positive demeanor, understanding that the client’s needs are always first
• 10+ years of supervisory experience - hired, trained, and mentored a staff of 35+ retail associates and 7+ business analysts; motivated staff to achieve personal and organizational objectives
• 20+ years of front-end process improvements – well versed in requirements gathering, front-end systems concept design, data mapping, internal controls, white paper interpretation, identifying and incorporating client’s vision, organizational strategy, and front-end systems process flow using Agile and Waterfall methodologies across banking, real estate, manufacturing, e-commerce, and telecommunications sectors.
• 10+ years of executive level project management - well versed in requirements gathering, documentation, road mapping, bench marking using Agile and Waterfall methodologies, all while working with very reluctant high-level operational stakeholders and cross-departmental end-users. In one example, acted as the lead project manager responsible for data quality across all financial systems for the third largest banking migration in world history when Santander merged with Sovereign.
• Strong analytical skills - able to identify and implement process improvements for improved efficiency
• Informative and persuasive – able to enlist all levels of stakeholder support on new ideas and projects
• Strong administrative skills – typing 90+ wpm, proofreading, organizational, and communication skills
• Computer Skills – Shopify, LibreOffice, SAP, ERP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Business Objects, SharePoint, Remedy, Oracle, PeopleSoft, QuickBooks, Peachtree, Business Works, JDEdwards, Prophet 21, BETA, STAMP, Creative Solutions, ADP, Paychex, Photoshop, Planview, Outlook, Windows 2000/NT/XP/2010, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Project, Visio, and Microsoft Office Suite – Place 90th percentile in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Education & Certifications:
• Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA - Business Administration
• PlanView - Certified (Super) Key User – 2010
Hobbies & Interests
- Competitive Billiards
- Writing/ Prose
- Music
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