Operating Officer Chief

Melissa L. Schwartz

Chief Operating Officer

********@*****.*** • 217-***-****

linkedin.com/in/melissa-schwartz-3841316/ • Chicago, IL

Summary

Versatile, accomplished business leader with extensive experience in executive operations management and financial controllership in the legal and financial sectors. Analytical problem solver with the demonstrated ability to thrive in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments. Collaborative communicator, adept in building productive professional relationships with clients and associates to drive operational efficiency and organizational profitability. Exceptional team builder, continuously invested in talent development and mentorship, possessing a knack for cultivating career-long professional bonds with direct reports.

Areas of Expertise

Operations Management

Business Administration

Business Development

Strategic Planning & Forecasting

Financial Reports

Acquisition Management

Financial Controllership

Business Accounting & Analysis

Human Resources

Budget Management

Team Leadership & Mentorship

Emotional Intelligence

Process Improvement

Risk Management

Profitability & Revenue Growth

Communication & Collaboration

Problem Solving

Technology Management

Professional Experience

Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP, Chicago, IL 4/2021 – 3/2023

Chief Operating Officer

Served in multifunctional capacity in oversight of all firm operations for prominent Chicago law firm specializing in wealth preservation, succession planning, corporate restructuring, insolvency, bankruptcy, and corporate law. Collaborated with Managing Partner and Executive Committee in the development of short-term and long-term business strategies and objectives.

●Recruited and hired as first Chief Operating Officer in firm’s history.

●Efforts were instrumental in significantly reducing firm’s hours exhausted on manual processes after evaluating firm standard practices and implementing operational process improvements.

●Transformed firm culture and workplace environment through introduction of Employee Life Committee, spurring employee engagement and productive collaboration between departments.

●Implemented formal annual staff evaluation process, yielding enhanced productivity and accountability.

●Enhanced and increased firm’s communication processes, providing greater visibility and transparency into the firm’s management and future endeavors.

●Created a Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Committee to train firm personnel to recognize and counter phishing and cybersecurity attacks, and to ensure that the firm is continuously monitoring and mitigating risk.

Altair Advisers LLC, Chicago, IL 10/2015 – 3/2021

Director of Finance & Administration

Oversaw financial and business administrative operations for independent wealth advisory firm providing individualized investment management, financial planning, and client education services. Engaged in financial reporting to executive leadership, budget planning and forecasting, 401(k) plan administration, and business insurance plan renewal management.

●Spearheaded numerous process improvements and system upgrades including: new email archive system; phone system, and network/server migrations to the cloud; cybersecurity monitoring; VPN; Company Portal Multifactor Authentication; email signature program; accounting system restructure; and payroll platform upgrade.

●Overhauled and streamlined HRIS system, enhancing the efficiency of all HR functions.

●Redesigned and upgraded office space in response to COVID-19 requirements and protocols.

●Served as Chair of Employee Life Committee and Business Continuity Committee; participated as member of Compliance Committee.

Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC, Chicago, IL 5/2008 – 10/2015

Controller (1/2013 – 10/2015)

Accounting Manager (9/2010 – 12/2012)

Staff Accountant/Financial Analyst (5/2008 – 8/2010)

Excelled in a series of rapidly advancing roles for private law firm specializing in litigation, real estate, trust and estates, tax planning, and corporate law. Played integral role consulting with Executive Director and Executive Committee to organization into one of the most progressive firms and top thought leaders in the industry.

●As Controller, cross-collaborated with multiple departments in testing and deployment of new and current system upgrades, including New Business Intake, Conflicts, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Benefits Enrollment, and HRIS systems.

●As Accounting Manager, revamped firm’s accounts payable and expense reporting processes, and streamlined payroll and time systems to improve overall functionality.

●As Staff Accountant, mastered Excel formulae and Macros to support the reduction of manual financial processes and increase operational efficiency; recognized by senior leadership as high performer and innovator.

Education

Master of Business Administration

Governors State University, University Park, IL

Bachelor of Science in Accounting; Minor in Business Administration

Governors State University, University Park, IL

Technical Proficiency

MS Office Suite ProLaw Paycor Rippling Sage 50 Intacct Password Manager Pro Budget Maestro TABS

NetDocs Concur Expense Watch

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