Customer Service Manager

LUIS TAVERAS

*** * ******** ****** *****: 646-***-****

Lindenhurst, NY 11757 ******@*****.***

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Cornell University; Ithaca, NY GPA 3.1 EMBA, 2008

AACSB Certification PQ (Professionally Qualified) Certification

College Level Instructor, 2007

Bentley University; Waltham, MA GPA 3.3 MS, Global Financial Analysis, 2004

University of Essex; Essex, UK Postgraduate Diploma, International Economics, 2001

Baruch College; New York, NY GPA 3.5 BBA, Operations Management, 1997

Magna cum laude

Chief Financial Officer with 10 years’ expertise in:

Financial Analysis, Strategic Planning, Budget Administration, Client Satisfaction,

Asset Management, Process Improvements, Quality Assurance, Claims Review, Communications,

Community relations

Driving ongoing cost savings and improving efficiency through expert financial strategic planning.

EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY

Lighthouse Academies, Inc. ROM/Regional CFO New York, NY

2013 - 2014

The Regional Operations Manager (ROM) is the business operations leader for the regional team, supporting

School Operations Managers, Principals, and Vice Presidents to execute all non-instructional school

functions so that the instructional team can maintain a concentrated focus on teaching and student

achievement and maximize instructional time.

Reduced the internet service cost by 50% by proactively conducting a thorough review of the

service provider and identifying shortfalls in the provision of service.

Detected overcharges and ensured the school was reimbursed by the vendor.

Managed the largest payroll in the network for approximately six months.

Saved a school $11,000 in a $50,000 IT order by selecting the best vendor while adhering to the

procurement protocols established by the State and the City of New York.

Worked directly with the school leadership and the community on an ongoing basis to build ties and

ensure their needs were being addressed in a timely manner.

Created financial strategic vision and plans for the East Coast region.

Led the negotiation and implementation of fiber optic by working diligently with the IT department

and Lightpath, Inc.

Successfully undertook responsibilities and assumed the duties of the School Operations Manager

when she was let go in January, 2014.

Served as an advisor to the trustees and actively participated in the Board of Trustees meetings.

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LUIS TAVERAS

609 N Hamilton Avenue Phone: 646-***-****

Lindenhurst, NY 11757 ******@*****.***

New York City

Department of Education Operations Manager New York, NY

2011 – 2012

Developed several tools to strengthen the office financial and grant management processes. Identified and

corrected financial weakness. Implemented a dynamic inventory system and designed a tracking mechanism

tool to maintain control over funding allocated to 100+ schools. Worked in collaboration with my colleagues

to ensure the provision of services to internal and external clients were done timely and accurately.

New York City Financial Business Manager New York, NY

Department of Education 2006 – Feb 2010

New York City Senior Budget Analysis New York, NY

Department of Education 2005 – 2006

Directed financial strategic planning and procurement across 30 stakeholders for the $23B Department of

Education, the largest public school system in the U.S. with 1M+ students and 1400 schools. Developed and

managed a combined total annual budget of $200M. Set strategic goals for network and individual schools.

Ensured compliance with federal, state and local grants to maintain funding. Collaborated with principals to

implement operating procedures. Maintained internal controls to prevent waste. Monitored building and

enrollment figures.

Change Agent:

• Served as change agent for Department of Education’s innovative new business model, implementing

corporate-style accountability and very proactive customer service.

• Assisted in employing wide-sweeping comprehensive school reform. Unique model became

national showcase, utilizing service centers and business managers.

• Led implementation and execution of chancellor’s directives across network of 23 schools.

Cost Savings:

• Saved network of 30 schools $20M by identifying and correcting budget discrepancies.

• Secured cost avoidance totaling $3M by identifying numerous items that were significantly

overpriced some up to 400%.

New York City Department of Education

• Saved school $75K by identifying and correcting error made by new financial services division.

Financial Analysis:

• Led quantitative and qualitative analysis of comprehensive school survey. Determined any potential

issues and work proactively to create solutions.

• Prevented schools from paying excessive prices by negotiating agreement allowing schools to

purchase items from lowest bidders, regardless of contract status.

• Performed cost-benefit analysis and equipped schools with core library database software by

facilitating critical new contract.

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LUIS TAVERAS

609 N Hamilton Avenue Phone: 646-***-****

Lindenhurst, NY 11757 ******@*****.***

Client Services:

• Achieved top-level ratings in ongoing assessments by all clients through extraordinary customer

service. Ensured stability in performance-based job by maintaining high ratings.

• Proactively worked to identify potential issues for schools in network, bringing issues to top-level

management and advocating for schools in determining a solution.

• Developed and delivered customized professional development sessions in financial management.

• Undertook innovative approach to information management by establishing a website that

substantially increased my alertness.

Strategic Planning:

• Determined budget and procurement strategic plan for each of 30 schools through comprehensive

analysis of school data and interviews with school leadership.

• Worked directly with school leadership on an ongoing basis to build ties and develop understanding of

school’s needs. Created financial strategic vision and plans to build school’s capacity.

• Selected as one of only 12 staff across Department of Education to participate in exclusive leadership

training program for finance division designed to create pipeline of new leaders.

GAB Robins North America Liability Specialist New York, NY

2004 – 2005

Analyzed complex claims for $425M global claims management company with offices in 50 countries and

over 4000 staff. Led claims review. Worked directly with executives, managers, and analysts.

• Processed up to 15 daily claims valued to $1M+.

• Co-managed account for $18B world’s largest real estate and travel company ( Cendant Corporation).

Worked directly with legal department on complex $1M to $10M liability claims.

• Co-managed and supported $2M account for leading worldwide franchiser.

• Managed account for Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn as third-party administrator.

Educational Sabbatical to complete graduate studies 2003 – 2004

CONSULTING ASSIGNMENTS

Empire State Development Consultant New York, NY

Corporation 2002

Worked with potential business recovery grant applicants after the events of September 11, 2001 for New

York State’s lead economic development agency. Counseled up to 15 clients daily. Evaluated and processed

grant applications. Disbursed up to $75K in funds per applicant. Represented state, federal and local

governments in implementing plan to assist small businesses. Ensured timely compensation.

• Analyzed federal assistance eligibility for businesses lost in World Trade Center tragedy.

• Interviewed $1M+ companies to accurately disburse funds from $77M relief grant.

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LUIS TAVERAS

609 N Hamilton Avenue Phone: 646-***-****

Lindenhurst, NY 11757 ******@*****.***

• Served as translator (from Spanish to English) and mediator for Latino community to ensure that

grants for business recovery after events of September 11, 2001 were equitably distributed.

• Identified $20K+ in overpayments. Provided recommendations to halt and recoup losses.

AON Corporation Quality Assurance Analyst New York, NY

2001 – 2002

Helped complete project to ensure file accuracy for $9B Fortune 500 insurance and risk management

company. Verified information and accuracy of files following four-month conversion to paperless

environment. Identified discrepancies and collaborated with senior coordinators to resolve errors. Selected

samples of scanned paperwork to ensure quality of work was nearly 100%.

• Initiated 50% improvement in efficiency by recommending advanced database solutions.

• Achieved 35% increase in customer satisfaction levels.

KPMG Financial Analyst (Internship) Dominican Republic

2001

Performed financial analysis for Dominican Republic division of $16.9B global network of professional

firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services. Examined stability and profitability for the world’s largest

financial institutions. Identified growth opportunities. Reviewed commercial banking system policy

changes. Utilized benchmarking to identify new client services and to show competitive analysis.

• Developed English and Spanish business proposals for multimillion-dollar prospects.

• Identified and valuated potential mergers and acquisitions valued to $3M+.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

The Cornell Alumni Association of Northern California Member

Cambridge Who’s Who Member

National Society of Hispanic MBAs; New York Chapter Former Treasurer

The Cornell Alternative Investment Club Member

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