Citi

Led projects that help Citi become a more dynamic and integrated organization. Work with partners across Corporate FP&A, Capital Planning, and Risk to improve financial forecasting and governance by modernizing processes and changing how individuals do their jobs.

Key Achievements:
- Automated the firm’s forecasting model back-test calculation and reporting process, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency. 
- Through process modernization, improved the quality and integration of the operational planning process—as well as its speed—by 15%. 

Specialties:
- Process modernization and implementation
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Communication

Senior Vice President (SVP), Finance Transformation

New York City Transit

McKinsey-like internal consulting group for a $12 billion public transportation network

Execution expert and thought partner to senior leaders, driving digital transformation, optimizing operations, and elevating user experiences through data-driven strategies. 

Achievements:
- Saved $2.3 million/year through a retention strategy which increased the rate by 23%.
- Increased a shop's productivity by 12% through a new production model. 
- Avoided excessive overtime utilization with the development of a real-time information tool.

Specialties:
- Business and process modeling
- Data analysis and visualization
- Hypothesis testing via simulation
- Project management

Tech-stack:
- Data query/data management (SQL, SSIS, Access, Excel Array Functions)
- Data visualizations and dashboards (Power BI, Tableau)
- Data analysis (Excel pivot tables, solver, multiple regression, trend curves)
- Communication (PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Word)

Project Leader, Strategic Initiatives

Fashion Institute of Technology

For over 12 years, I had the privilege of teaching in an entrepreneurial education program aimed at helping students unlock their career potential in university settings.

Spearheaded the development and implementation of a hands-on New Venture Development course, equipping students with practical knowledge of opportunity evaluation, business creation, and management strategies. 

Achievements:
- Designed and delivered curriculum focused on product/service development and customer acquisition strategies.
- Increased student engagement by 30% through interactive learning exercises.
- Guided students in launching 10 successful business ventures

Adjunct Professor / Lecturer, Venture Development & Entrepreneurship

McMichael Group, LLC

Directed strategic initiatives to support Founders, Presidents, and Business Development Heads of emerging businesses in enhancing operations by reducing uncertainty and complexity through prototyping, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative methods.

Achievements:
- Designed, stood up, and managed the back-office functions, including accounting and governance controls, for a consumer-facing internet concern.
- Produced a compelling story (financial and outcome) for a media-powered consumer engagement platform that secured partnerships with a top consulting firm and a package goods concern.

Specialties:
- Proficient in Advanced Microsoft Excel (power pivots, what-if analysis, v-lookups), PowerPoint, and Apple Keynote.
- Experienced in SQL, Power BI, and data visualization techniques.

Management Consultant | Finance and Operations

National Urban League

Directed the transformation of a for-profit business concept into a successful reality by designing and executing the right social enterprise model. 

Achievements:
- Effectively managed and empowered a dedicated team of five that successfully realized the vision of a business advisory service (social enterprise) within a year. 
- Developed strategic partnerships with two Global 100 firms generating $1.5 million of consulting fees.
- Advised entrepreneurs on scalable business practices and participated as a broker on $50 million of hard asset acquisitions.

Tech-stack:
- Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Apple Keynote

Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Business Development

Showtime Networks Inc.

Directed strategic finance initiatives, including framing complex problems, conducting investment analysis, due diligence for partnerships, acquisitions, and derivatives, and developing financial models for a $1B division of Viacom. Specialized in long-term investment planning, deal analysis, and modernization efforts.

Achievements:
- Extracted $54 million of value from an unprofitable, declining business by negotiating an asset sale/marketing partnership with a strategic buyer.
- Delivered $172 million of strategic projects, better positioning Showtime in the evolving market.

Specialties:
Long-term investment planning,  deal analysis, and modernization

Vice President, Strategic Financial Management

Promoted by the EVP of Finance and Operations, after serving as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis (6 months), to modernize the company’s finance and accounting operations. 

Achievements:
- Formulated the $30 million capitalization structure that ensured the creation of the Sundance Channel. 
- Developed the financial strategy that allowed Showtime to produce 50 original movies per year.
- Developed the financial model for TV Land; rejuvenated fully depreciated content assets.

Tech-stack:
Microsoft Excel (financial modeling), Word, and PowerPoint

Director Corporate Development

Honeywell

Honeywell International, Inc.  (formerly AlliedSignal)

Directed financial operations for a $50 million business unit including forecasting, annual budgeting, and financial cycles, achieving cost efficiencies and strategic financial planning milestones.

Achievements:
- Captured $400,000 annual cost avoidance by restructuring the division’s transportation practices.
- Implemented streamlined financial processes leading to increased profitability.

Tech-stack:
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook)
- Proprietary accounting system and controls

Financial Analyst, Financial Planning and Analysis

Imagine embarking on a journey where every decision you make not only enhances your bottom line but also propels your teams forward, ensuring that every move aligns with your core values and delights your customers. That's the future we're building together—a realm where profitability and purpose harmoniously coexist.

Over my 20-year career, I've honed a unique skill set that hinges on integrating business processes, technology, and, most importantly, the ability to forge meaningful, impactful relationships. It all began with a deep-rooted passion for engineering, where I mastered the art of crafting innovative solutions that push boundaries at UVa. Strengthened by an MBA from Duke, this passion has driven me to consistently deliver impactful results for organizations seeking growth and transformation, such as Honeywell, Paramount Global, and Citi.

In my collaborations with leaders, I have witnessed a transformative shift—where:
   • Clarity of purpose illuminates the path forward
   • The right initiatives are executed with precision
   • Results are not just met, but exceeded 

Through structured problem-solving, data-driven analysis, and strategic planning honed over countless projects, I've enabled businesses to unlock their full potential and navigate complex challenges with confidence.

My expertise encompasses:
   • Identifying value creation opportunities
   • Facilitating end-to-end project execution
   • Ensuring decisions are backed by actionable insights and measurable outcomes

I bring a unique blend of analytical rigor and strategic vision to every endeavor.

If you're ready to explore how we can collaborate to drive your business forward, or if you simply want to chat about the latest in technology or share cycling tips, I invite you to connect with me here on LinkedIn.

Let's inspire change together!

Donald McMichael

Play a key role in Citi’s shift to a more dynamic and integrated firm. Lead projects around process improvement, simplification and Corporate Governance in order to improve quality, efficiency and maintain controls within ICG to meet strategic and operational milestones while reducing cycle time and effort.

VP - ICG Finance Transformation

National Association of Black Accountants Inc.

•Manages a board of 15 professionals and serve over 1000 members to accomplish NABA’s mission and goal of helping black professionals in the finance and accounting industry to advance professionally
•Develop strategies to help alleviate challenges of social disparities and unconscious bias for minority professionals 
•Develop and facilitate professional development programs, workshops and online training targeted to college students and professionals of diverse backgrounds

President, NABA NY

VP, NABA NY

Leadership and Professional development
•Primary liaison between NABA NY Professional Chapter and over 18 New York Collegiate Chapters
•Planned and coordinated activities geared towards students' professional and personal development for over 18 New York Collegiate Chapters
•Supported NABA NY student members to successfully transition from college to the workforce
•Achieving objective of living by NABA’S motto “Lifting as we Climb”
•Provided students with an understanding of and the necessary tools required by companies for entry-level positions such as a strong resume; an effective cover letter; networking skills; leadership ability and other soft skills
•Developed the students' leadership skills and competencies that will ensure success on their internships and full-time positions, such as problem solving, time management, oral and written communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Student Member Services Director & Chair

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

•Provided financial analytical and reporting services including budgeting/forecasting and strategic planning services
•Liaison with CFO and LEC Finance partners in the writing, maintaining, and reporting expense allocation rules and ensuring compliance with legal entity and regulatory guidelines. 
•Managed monthly expense allocation process and annual budget planning and multi-year forecast deliverables for the WM business globally
•Assisted with monthly close and executive management reporting deliverables 
•Conducted due diligence on the reasonability of forecasts and effectively communicate (both written and oral) variances & drivers to internal and external stakeholders

Financial Planning, Reporting and Analysis - Associate

Santander Bank, N.A.

•Prepared financial business related analysis at an entity level and line of business level for revenues and expenses reporting and control 
•Prepared monthly presentation for senior management
•Performed daily reconciliation of outstanding checks and bridge accounts

Financial Analyst (Temp)

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

•Analyzed daily revenue trends and market drivers and reported findings to senior management and regulators
•Performed P&L forecasting, revenue and expense analysis and variance analysis for management
•Completed various FP&A ad-hoc request from audit, senior management and regulators
•Involved in the daily, monthly and quarterly life cycle of P&L, from trading desk, to senior management to investor relations and SEC reporting

Financial Analyst

Optima Fund Management, LLC

Assessed the hedge funds under management operational infrastructure and reported findings to the Due Diligence Vice President
Reviewed qualitative and quantitative data provided by hedge funds managers and third parties
Generated exposure reports and designed presentations of Optima's portfolio for weekly meeting
Confirmed the accuracy of the data provided by hedge funds for Optima's investment and risk systems

Risk Management

Baruch College

Analysis of the Economic Crisis on New York Homeowners; Designed original research study that explored socioeconomic factors of owning a home in a recession
Developed Surveys and Interviews to examine the impact of the economic crisis on New York homeowners
Applied quantitative and qualitative data analysis to extrapolate meanings from the information collected
Gained a new perspective on how the mortgage crisis affected homeowners on a micro level

Primary Researcher

Paula is a finance and strategy professional with solid experience in the financial services industry in various roles such as Finance Transformation, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), Risk Management and Investor Relations.

She is passionate about professional development and works with several organizations including the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) where she served as the President of the NY professional chapter. 

Paula is also the founder of Ellivate Group which is a professional development consulting firm that specializes in developing the next generation of diverse leaders. Ellivate Group provides HR Consulting and Educational Consulting services to college students and young professionals.



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The Battle

Donald McMichael

Paula Heywood, MBA

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