Christina Shirinyan
Senior Director of Finance
**********@*****.*** • +1-626-***-****
LinkedIn • Pasadena, CA
Dynamic and results-driven finance leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in strategic financial planning, analysis, and leadership within diverse industries. Proven track record of optimizing financial performance, driving growth initiatives, and implementing robust controls to enhance operational efficiency. Skilled in directing cross-functional teams, forging strategic partnerships, and aligning financial strategies with organizational objectives. Adept at navigating complex regulatory environments and leveraging advanced analytics to drive informed decision-making. Committed to fostering culture of continuous improvement and delivering superior results in high-pressure environments. Areas of Expertise
● Leadership & Team Training
● Financial Systems Implementation
● Budgeting & Forecasting
● Audit Compliance
● Grant Management & Administration
● Financial Reporting & Analysis
● Cost Reduction Strategies
● Compliance & Regulatory Standards
● Strategic Financial Planning
Professional Experience
Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA (Remote)
Senior Director of Finance - Children's Oncology Group 2020 — 2024
Direct all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, to support Children's Oncology Group. Develop and execute financial strategies to enhance revenue growth and optimize costs. Provide strategic financial guidance to executive team, focusing on risk management and identifying investment opportunities. Collaborate with department heads to establish and track key performance indicators that gauge fiscal health and operational efficiency. Lead annual budgeting process, aligning with organization's strategic goals. Manage relations with external entities, such as federal agencies, foundations, and academic institutions, complying with financial objectives. Streamline financial systems and controls to raise accuracy and productivity.
• Oversaw grant administration and consistently secured over $65M in federal grant awards on annual basis.
• Played pivotal role in fiscal agent and contract transitions involving assets exceeding $80M.
• Achieved 100% compliance in contract deliverables and federal audits, ensuring organizational integrity.
• Enhanced internal controls and compliance measures and significantly mitigated financial risk.
• Improved financial processes, resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy across organization. Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA (Remote)
Director of Finance - Children's Oncology Group
2016 — 2020
Planned and steered financial operations for leading pediatric oncology research organization, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and compliance with regulatory standards. Oversaw development and enforcement of financial policies and procedures, aligning with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and federal guidelines. Led comprehensive annual budgeting processes, providing crucial financial insights for executive decision-making. Identified and capitalized on cost-saving opportunities, enhancing resource utilization, and contributing to organization's financial health. Collaborated with various departments to streamline operations, bolster operational efficiency, and foster revenue growth.
• Contributed to 79% growth in organizational size over six years through strategic financial management and analysis.
• Crafted and implemented financial management system, including reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and a dashboard system. Page 2 2
• Recognized for outstanding problem-solving and financial reporting skills, culminating in well-deserved promotion in 2020.
• Played pivotal role in maintaining financial stability during periods of significant organizational growth and change.
• Enhanced interdepartmental communication and cooperation by establishing clear financial protocols and reporting standards. City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Senior Accounting Analyst - Research Finance
2014 — 2016
Streamlined post-award management and work processes for research finance, enhancing operational efficiency. Led initiatives to improve processes, including cleanup of pharmacy billings and grants billings, and resolved issues with pathology charges and internal studies. Monitored financial trends, executed variance analyses, and generated forecasts to support strategic decision-making. Developed financial models to optimize expense allocation, ensuring fiscal responsibility across departments. Conducted monthly account reconciliations and executed journal entries for revenue recognition and expense adjustments. Managed monthly and year- end close processes, maintaining accuracy in financial reporting. Provided specialized training to clinical research coordinators on study calendar updates to maintain compliance and accuracy in project billing.
• Oversaw portfolio of post-award sponsor research and federal grant projects with combined value of $900M.
• Recovered $750M in annual research effort for two consecutive years, reallocating research funding across departments.
• Created robust financial models for post-award financial management, enhancing precision of expense tracking and reporting. Kaiser Permanente, Pasadena, CA
Financial Analyst - Research & Evaluation Finance
2010 — 2014
Managed financial operations and maintained operating budgets over $300M for post-award research projects and federal grant portfolios. Developed and implemented financial models for accurate expense allocation across more than 150 departmental projects. Oversaw preparation of annual Federal A-133 audits and financial audits, upholding compliance with regulatory standards. Conducted monthly account reconciliations, performed journal entries, and managed revenue recognition and expense adjustments. Led monthly and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and precise financial reporting. Provided training and mentorship to new staff, facilitating effective onboarding and knowledge transfer.
• Devised financial models to enhance expense tracking and reporting across multiple departments and significantly improved financial accuracy.
• Streamlined annual Federal A-133 audit preparation, consistently adhered to complex regulatory requirements.
• Implemented variance analysis and forecasting system to support strategic decision-making and financial trend monitoring.
• Enhanced departmental efficiency by leading robust training program for new staff while ensuring seamless transition and continuity in financial operations.
Additional Experience
Escheatment Project Coordinator - General Accounting, Kaiser Permanente, Pasadena, CA Education
Certificate in Accounting, University of California, Los Angeles, CA Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX Certifications
Licensed Realtor, California Department of Real Estate (2007 - Present)