Christopher Blanco Email & Phone Number

New York, Ny, Us

Evanston, Il, Us

Hired by this PE-backed (Varsity Healthcare Partners) newly acquired provider of commercial and tech-enabled consulting services to biotech and life sciences clients to elevate the finance function Brought operational excellence and transparency through process, technology, and talent upgrades, resulting in significant improvements in cash management, liquidity, revenue recognition, and performance measurement.► Created cash flow visibility forecasting models that ensured liquidity, reduced interest rate on term debt, and achieved >100% operating cash flow conversion.► Introduced financial transparency and performance management cadence, including KPIs and scorecards, financial reporting roadmap, adjusted EBITDA and cash flow budgeting/forecasting process, and frameworks for Board and product line reporting, resulting in more agile planning for key company initiatives and timely completion of budgeting process.► Implemented integrated accounting processes, including accrual accounting, revenue recognition (ASC 606) and lease (ASC 842) accounting standards, and new ERP system with project accounting capabilities resulting in 40% reduction in accounting close timeline, 26.5% DSO improvement, and updates enabling product line reporting.

Stamford, Ct, Us

Evaluated financial processes and technology during period of explosive growth. Created best practices to achieve financial clarity and mitigate risk. Introduced financial structure, scale, and rigor that enabled continued growth and contributed to successful exit.Financial Platform Optimization Strategy ► Introduced structured accounting procedures leading to a month-end close process, including formalizing revenue recognition under ASC 606, Income Statement review, and Balance Sheet reconciliations. Ensured tax compliance.► In less than seven months, implemented a new accounting and project management software to elevate financial reporting capabilities and improve forecasting.► Instituted first financial statement review and financial audit; received clean opinions.► Fostered banking relationships; negotiated line of credit.Pre- & Post-Sale Contributions► Played key role in identify/vetting potential buyers and narrowing down to finalists. ► Developed/delivered management presentations addressing financial highlights, including strong revenue growth, forward-looking revenue visibility, Quality of Earnings (QoE), margins, free cash-flow conversion, and financial levers driving business. ► Completed due diligence and detailed closing process (in partnership with lawyers, bankers, and transaction advisors) that included finalizing financing agreement, determining opening balance sheet, ensuring compliance with sponsor insurance agreements, and completing a successful audit process. ► Following sale, improved financial transparency and forecasting, simplified bank reporting, and mitigated financial risk by implementing more rigorous financial close and reporting processes, including preparation of adjusted EBITDA to reported EBITDA comparative statements, cash flow modeling, detailed revenue analysis by driver, and LTM trend statements.

Boulder, Colorado, Us

Integrated marketing services platform with expertise spanning creative, digital content, experiential, retail marketing, commerce and merchandising. Private equity backed through Southfield Capital.Brought in by Southfield Capital to drive integration and efficiency across the financial processes and systems. Focus placed on revenue and expense cycles, financial reporting and treasury. ● Recommended process improvements to provide for greater cash management transparency, reduce the time required for the accounting close process and enhance financial reporting.● Provided pre-close cash funding analysis.● Supporting banking transition to new partner.

Louisville, Ky, Us

Fully integrated provider of marketing solutions, digital imaging and design-to-print graphic services to top branded consumer products companies, retailers, and the printers that serve them. Private equity backed through Onex Partners.Financial Management:● Created a financial reporting process for the three operational pillars of the business including monthly business reviews.● Enhanced the revenue flash process with more forward-looking analytics.● Built out Finance team to support key business pillars through the hiring of analytical leads.Business Transformation Project:● Established a policy to appropriately recognize costs totaling over $40 million in spend. This initiative brought clarity to above vs below the line costs.● Established a tracking methodology and reporting system and presented the design to executive management and private equity owners.● Presented a historical SG&A analysis to private equity owners to support the addition of an enterprise project management office and enhanced support capabilities.M&A:● Closed two acquisitions, one within one month of joining, which provided strategic value through expanding the scope of design services.● Led diligence for the evaluation of a major regional tier one advertising agency which was planned to expand the design pillar.Planning:● Created the first pillar budget review process based on the major operating centers of the business.● Managed the preparation and presentation of several budget updates as well as final submission to executive leadership team and private equity owners.●Chaired a capital review meeting resulting in cutting budgeted capital requests in half.Cash Flow:● Implemented PO/no-ship policy intended to significantly reduce unbilled orders.● Partnered with sales to create client payment options that resulted in winning $500k in business.● Worked with Onex Partners to complete a credit revolver extension and analyze a bond buyback opportunity.

New York, New York, Us

$1 Billion division of News Corp that focuses on providing media services for consumer packaged goods clients. Responsible for overall financial management of company including driving strategy, ensuring the transparency of financial information to key stakeholders, leading an organization of 75 employees while reporting to the division CEO and News Corp CFO.Financial Management:● Led business review and strategy sessions focused on maximizing profitability while assisting consumer packaged goods companies meet marketing objectives.● Enabled the executive leadership team to become more focused on digital products that complement existing offerings.● Identified and managed the implementation of cost reduction programs across all functional areas including production, distribution, and overhead totaling $37 million enabling company to achieve forecasted financial goals as well as become more competitive within the marketplace.● Presented to head of News Corp's Board Audit Committee the division's internal control action plan.M&A:● Led the acquisition of Checkout 51, a mobile marketing omni-platform solution that allows for member purchase data to be collected and used for targeted consumer programs. Led the initial financial analysis, worked with the business development team through the negotiation, led the financial due diligence including retaining a third-party accounting firm, and gained the approval of the News Corp Office of the Chief Executive.● Managed a cross-functional subcommittee focused on acquisitions and alliances that examined and coordinated due diligence for opportunities within the InStore marketing space.FP&A:● Orchestrated company budgeting and forecasting processes as well as monthly business reviews. ● Managed the Finance team through expanded audit requirements resulting from News Corp separation as well as business expansion. ● Formed a Financial Controls department focused on assessing risk and improving business process.

New York, New York, Us

● Managed an organization of 30 local and 25 offshore employees within the Accounting, Reporting, Billing, Accounts Payable and Payroll departments. Expanded responsibility within role to include Financial Planning & Analysis team.● Led a Business Process Outsourcing initiative to transition Billing, Accounts Payable and Payroll processing functions to an offshore partner including vendor selection, knowledge transfer and transition.● Implemented a new payroll system including the vendor selection and implementation processes. Team received Company Global Honors Award for success of project.● Supported a News Corp cost reduction initiative covering all major cost areas that resulted in over $70 million in cost savings for the division.● Managed a cross-functional subcommittee focused on acquisitions and alliances that examined and coordinated due diligence for opportunities within the InStore marketing space.● Engineered an implied variable pricing model that calculated price based on product lift, product return on investment and brand margin.

New York, New York, Us

● Integrated the financial analysis processes for Company's division in Canada with no additional headcount added to team. Financial support ensured that division reached its operating profit goal for the fiscal year.● Wrote the Company budget presentation strategy document. Worked with Company Chairman to refine and support his budget presentation.● Led a project to interface general ledger accounts with Essbase consolidation model reducing reporting time.● Successfully developed team members through hosting "lunch and learn" sessions with key business leaders as well as requiring team members to present an accountability to Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance.

New York, New York, Us

● Continued leadership of cost control resulting in $15 million in field operations savings. Presented success story to market managers at annual conference.● Implemented financial analysis process for reviewing retailer contracts. Process was key to supporting negotiations with major retailers including Kroger, Safeway and Ahold.● Led the financial analysis for a Field Operations technology project, prepared the capital request document and ensured approval by News Corp.● Led the Company's major financial reporting processes including annual budget, quarterly forecasts and weekly flash reports. Streamlined the preparation of the weekly flash report through implementing an Essbase model.

New York, New York, Us

● Reduced cost by $20 million by implementing an activity based cost model that analyzed field market performance to Company standards. Presented success story to market managers at annual conference.● Awarded the Chairman's Award within first six months at Company for success in cost reduction.● Implemented Finance meetings for each field division focused on reviewing expenses.

Us

Mba, Finance/Marketing

Bba, Accounting