MONICA C. CATES, CSM
ATLANTA, GA Cell: 205-***-**** ********@*****.***
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
•Certified Scrum Master
•SAP Activate
•Project Management SDLC – (AGILE & Waterfall)
•Business Analyst
•SAP S/4 HANA 2209 Training
Finance Processes
•Order to Cash
•Record to Report
•Procure to Pay
TECHNICAL
•CRM – CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
•LMS - LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
•CMS – CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
•HTML, CSS, Python, JavaScript/jQuery, AJAX, SQL
•System Analysis/Database Design – ERDs, DFDs, ER modeling/mapping, normalization, logical schema
•Excel Advanced, Microsoft Project, Visio
•Gherkin
•Atlassian: Jira/Confluence
•Delphi – Oasis & Workday
Ten years of experience with implementation/management of Cloud-based and on-premises software systems with six years in Business Analysis techno-functional roles implementing SAP –Sales Enablement with integration to CPQ, CLM, Litmos and Commissions tools. Knowledgeable in SAP S/ HANA Finance modules of General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivables, Cash-Bank and Fixed Assets.
Substantial experience in Project Management roles leading and managing SDLC projects using Waterfall and Agile/ Scrum in the design, development and delivery of large and medium sized projects. Participated as Business Analyst or lead on implementations, upgrades, Gap analysis, application configuration, production support with specialties in end-to-end business process improvements and six sigma best practices continuous improvements.
Additional experience in web-based application development focusing on e-commerce and database management.
Currently pursuing an MS – Information System with a focus in Business Web Analysis and Project Management.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
IMPEL PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING, LLC, Atlanta, GA May 2018 – Present
Project Manager/Business Analyst – (remote)
Lead SAP S/4 HANA Finance techno-functional implementation using Agile-Scrum project delivery methodology with integrations to Procure to Pay, IWM-Inventory & Warehouse Management along with all of the Master Data Governance. Assisted in the planning and execution of IT projects focused on Azure Cloud and SAP implementations, resulting in improved business processes and increased efficiency.
Project Management Activities:
PMO - Prepared project timeline, activities/tasks, issues and risk analysis
Stakeholder Management: manage the team of (Functional & Technical ) resources; budget, RAID log identifying risks, action items, issues, dependencies, with escalation to senior executives on impediments to progress and governance.
•Prepared monthly Forecast, Actuals and Variances to budget for project resources and other costs
•Performed Goods Receipt analysis for invoices of external resources/vendors
•Created and maintained project documentation, including project charters, schedules, and status reports
•Prepared and presented project reports to senior management, highlighting key milestones, challenges, and solutions
Scrum Master - Utilized Agile methodology for Sprint planning, Backlog Refinement and validation
•Daily Scrum Stand-up, Sprint Review, Retrospective
•Writing/Management of User Stories and Product Backlog (Gherkin)
•Utilized Jira for testing and backlog (Scrum and Kanban)
•Developed User Acceptance Criteria
•Liaised with enterprise-wide groups to drive change management initiatives
Business Analyst Activities:
Business Requirements and IT Requirements:
•Conducted workshops with key Stakeholders and Business Partners in outlining strategies utilizing Visio DFDs and ERDs, focused on maximizing the overall evaluation of client requirements and minimizing inefficiencies
•Development and prioritization of Epics, Features and User Stories for backlog
•Obtained business sign-off of Roadmap and Release Plan alignment with goals outlined by the Stakeholders and Business Partners
Process Management:
•SAP S/4 HANA Finance technical - interface implementation
•Data mapping for backend database design
•Implementation and integration of CMS/LMS to provide real time updates tracking the completion status of training modules, certifications, and required documentation in the on-boarding repository
•Reviewed analytics and metrics related to LMS, providing updates on the effectiveness of training modules and documentation stored in the CMS repository
•Provided system training module updates as necessary based on feedback
Change Management:
•Lead core change management processes such as audience analysis, impact analysis, role design, organizational design, site readiness, training and communication to ensure end user adoption
•Training – Trained and mentored junior project managers and team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth
•Developed advanced techniques in training concepts, business solutions, and CMS/LMS/CRM implementations
Test Management: Developed test scenarios and prepared test scripts for systems integration, regression and UAT testing.
•Prepared test scripts in the following landscapes (DEV, QA)
•Utilized Jira for logging critical issues
PROCHANGE BEHAVIOR SOLUTIONS, Narragansett, RI March 2022 – Present
Project Manager/SCRUM Master – (remote)
Implemented best practices in project management, including Agile and Waterfall methodologies, to enhance project efficiency and outcomes.
Project Management activities:
PMO - Prepared project timeline, activities/tasks, issues and risk analysis
•Prepared monthly Forecast, Actuals and Variances to budget for project resources and other costs
•Led cross-functional teams comprising developers, architects, and business analysts to deliver projects within scope, time, and budget
•Developed and maintained detail project plans, schedules, and budgets. Monitored project progress to identify and mitigate risk
•Conducted regular status meetings with stakeholders to provide project updates and address any concerns or changes in scope
Scrum Master - Utilized Agile methodology for Sprint planning, Backlog Refinement and validation
•Daily Scrum Stand-up, Sprint Review, Retrospective
•Writing/Management of User Stories and Product Backlog (Gherkin)
•Utilized Jira for testing and backlog (Scrum and Kanban).
•Developed User Acceptance Criteria
•Liaised with enterprise-wide groups to drive change management initiatives
Change Management:
•Lead core change management processes ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements throughout the project lifecycle
•Training – Learning needs Analysis, Learning Deployment Strategy, Content development
•Developed advanced techniques in training concepts, business solutions
Test Management: Developed test scenarios and prepared test scripts for systems integration, regression and UAT testing
•Prepared test scripts in the following landscapes (DEV, QA).
•Utilized Jira for logging critical issues
DecisionLink, Atlanta, GA Feb 2021 – December 2022
Lead Program Manager– (remote)
Led team of Project Manager in development of processes, requirements gathering, risk mitigation, change management and on time- delivery.
·Expert at organizing, planning, and preparation of all components required to jump-start the project: (project schedule, team members & collaboration, governance model, meeting cadence, applications & tools, SOW deliverables & milestones)
·Managed a direct team of IT resources (Functional, Technical, End Users)
·Proficient at developing professional, customized “Kick-Off” PowerPoint decks
·Testing – UAT and Regression Testing of Interfaces, self-services, Custom Abap Code, business processes
·Training – Prepared Change Impact Analysis and Train the Trainer (Super User) documentation
·Stakeholder Management: manage the team budget, RAID log identifying risks, action items, issues, dependencies, with escalation to senior executives on impediments to progress and governance
TurnTo, Networks – New York, NY March 2020 – February 2021
Solutions/Project Manager (working remotely in Atlanta, GA)
Implementing SaaS platform service to online retail clients utilizing Agile-Scrum framework and Waterfall methodology.
•Organization and management of client budget (reporting forecast, actuals and to budget for project resources and cost)
•Management of client renewals, Service Orders, Invoices and Contracts
•Liaises with key stakeholders in requirements gathering, backlog prioritization, and roadmap development
•Coordination, scheduling and facilitation of weekly status, training sessions, discovery calls, and project kickoffs
•Facilitation of quarterly business reviews, performance reviews and development of supporting documentation/presentations
•Management of onboarding processes and requirements
•Tracking project requirements/deliverables, and providing status updates
•Experience working with Agile-Scrum frameworks
TIER 4 - MagMutual, Atlanta, GA June 2019 – August 2019
Project Manager/Scrum Master- Consultant
Designed, developed and delivered Project Management, Change Management and Business Analyst roles in the final phase of an SDLC project. Mag Mutual is a high-tech company that provides Medical Malpractice Insurance to the Medical industry.
Project Management:
•Project Manager, liaised with enterprise-wide groups in Finance, Underwriting, Policy, Salesforce, and Reporting to drive change management initiatives.
•Utilized Agile methodology for Sprint planning and validation. Performed other Agile activities such as:
-Performed Daily Scrum Stand-up
-Writing/Management of User Stories and Product Backlog (Gherkin)
-Utilized Jira for testing and backlog (Scrum and Kanban).
-Developed User Acceptance Criteria
Business Requirement and IT Requirements:
•Worked closely with key Stakeholder to identify the highest priority and most critical business processes effecting the enterprise.
•Development of project charter and project plan outlining the strategic plan and critical path for implementation.
•Insuring that the key Stakeholders vision and goals align with the development and implementation of the processes
Process Management:
•Lead in the development of over 200 business processes for implementation
•Liaised with enterprise-wide groups in identifying and configuring best practices of business processes
•Facilitated process improvement and intuitive visualization for increased process efficiency (VISIO diagrams)
•Simultaneously served in the role of Business Analyst for new system and business process implementations
Change Management:
•Lead core change management processes such as audience analysis, impact analysis, role design, organizational design, site readiness, training and communication to ensure end user adoption
•Training – Learning needs Analysis, Learning Deployment Strategy, Training Project Plan, Content development
•Developed technical documentation and training structure for push to enterprise
Test Management:
•Developed test scenarios and prepared test scripts for systems integration, regression and UAT testing.
•Prepared test scripts in the following landscapes (DEV, QA).
•Functional team lead in System Conversion from AS400 to Oasis.
•Prepared test scripts in the following landscapes (DEV, QA)
•Utilized Jira for logging critical issues
•Responsible for performing PI/PO (Process Integration/Process Orchestration) testing of interfaces for FI – AP, FI –AR, Reporting, Salesforce, and Underwriting.
SAP - CALLIDUS CLOUD, Dublin, CA October 2015 - June 2018
Business Analyst/ Project Manager
SAP – Callidus Cloud is a global ERP and SaaS company that delivers enterprise solutions for sales effectiveness, sales performance. Responsible for leading Enterprise Application and Full Stack Development teams in the procurement and implementation of cloud-based Sales Enablement, Commissions, LMS, CMS, and CRM systems.
Project Planning:
•Development of SoWs during scoping and requirements gathering identifying primary business needs and pain points.
Project Management:
•Developed project plans, tracking project tasks and responsibilities, identifying critical path, and risks to prevent scope creep
•Facilitated Change Request as client’s requirements are updated during implementation Serving as the first point of contact for all platform related technical issues
•Utilized Agile methodology for Sprint planning and testing in 2- week sprints. Performed other Agile activities such as::
-Performed Daily Scrum Stand-up
-Writing/Management of User Stories and calculating Product Backlog (Gherkin)
-Working with Product Owner for ownership and acceptance
-Utilized Jira for testing and backlog (Scrum and Kanban).
-Developed User Acceptance Criteria
Business Requirements and IT Requirements:
•Responsible for verifying the client’s technical issues prior to support/development engagement. Reviewing metrics and analytics for database updates
•Facilitated platform demonstrations focused on requirements and use cases provided by key stakeholders. Follow through and management of PoC to validate platform requirements
Process Management:
•Facilitated virtual and onsite training sessions focused on administrative back-end functionality and configuration, as well as training focused on standard user experience
•Provided knowledge training on best practices, integrations, and customized functionality
•Responsible for development and modification to training modules and documentation
Change Management:
•Implementation and overall management of CMS integration with LMS, funneling pertinent documentation and training modules to the appropriate organizational units. Managing overall SSO configurations - SAML 2.0
Test Management:
•Responsible for guiding UAT and updating clients on product releases. Managing multiple projects simultaneously
EXCHANGE CLUB FAMILY CENTER, Birmingham, AL September 2012 – December 2012
Contract – Project Manager
Lead production and development of media marketing initiative promoting the mission of Exchange Club Family Center. The Exchange Club Family Center is a non-profit United Way agency, which promotes child abuse awareness and prevention.
Project Management responsibilities:
•Preparation of Budget and Forecast, identifying variances and assigning resources and project hours
•Provided guidance in project market research studies, reporting data, and product release
Business Requirements:
•Facilitated promotional demonstrations focused on requirements and use cases provided by key stakeholders and Executive Director.
•Development of user story boards
•Prioritization of production activities
•Development of contract during scoping and requirements gathering. Identifying primary business needs and pain points. Overall Project Manager developing project plans, tracking project tasks and responsibilities
Change Management:
•Development of training modules outlining business needs production activities
Test Management:
•Edited and distribution of media materials to test markets
INFORMATION SYSTEM SOLUTIONS, Birmingham, AL 2010 - 2012
Project Manager - Contract Web Development and Application Design Development
Developed a consultancy to provide Small Businesses with IS Solutions via Project Management, Development and Design.
Services in development include:
•Management of web development and interactive projects (animation)
•Development of e-Commerce site, data management (Access)
•Management of all phases of web design and development, prototype development, graphic design, content layout, JavaSript/iQuery programming Mobile Web Application Development
EDUCATIONAL ACHEIVEMENTS
Certified Scrum Master – CSM
SCRUM ALLIANCE
SAP S/4 HANA Finance (1709-1809) - Training
Impel Professional Consulting
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Master of Science - Information Systems
Emphasis in Business Web Analysis and Development
Expected Completion: January 2020
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Management, May 2012