Chief Finance & Transformation Executive

SOPHIA A. DARLING, MBA

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

An experienced executive leader with experience recognized for driving financial, operational, and organizational success through strategic insight, innovation, and collaboration. Proven expertise in comprehensive fiscal management, including cash flow optimization, financial analysis, and financial modeling. Experience integrating ERP and HRIS systems. Adept at leading large-scale change management initiatives, transforming operations, and enhancing organizational culture through process redesign and technology integration. Entrepreneurial and start-up experience with a history of building and scaling businesses from the ground up. An empathetic leader who fosters collaboration, efficiency, and accountability in high-performing teams. Recognized for aligning financial strategy with operational excellence and human resource development, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term sustainability.

SKILLS & EXPERTISE

• Change Management &

Organizational Transformation

• Executive Leadership & Strategic

Vision

• Revenue Growth Strategies

• Internal Controls, Risk Management,

& Mitigation

• FP&A Analysis, KPI Monitoring

• Stakeholder Communication

• Cash Flow Optimization &

Financial Forecasting

• Entrepreneurial & Start-up

Leadership

• Mergers and Acquisitions

• Process Optimization & Operational

Efficiency

• Human Resource Development &

Talent Management

• ERP, HRIS Integration and

Systemization

EXPERIENCE

Financial Controller 2024-present

Centralus Health

• Responsible for the integrity of the financial reports, managing the finance department, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures. Responsible for month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, accounts payable, payroll accounting, and property, plant, and equipment accounting.

• Assisted with the organization-wide implementation of Workday and EPIC.

• Produce comprehensive executive summaries and reports and present data to respective Board and Committee members.

Associate Faculty, Finance 2024-present

University of Arizona Global Campus Online (part-time)

• Deliver engaging and interactive online finance courses tailored to adult learners, leveraging over 20 years of professional expertise.

• Provide personalized support and guidance to a diverse student population, fostering academic success and professional growth.

Vice President of Finance and Administration/CFO 2023-2024 Tompkins Cortland Community College Dryden, NY

• Provided leadership and strategic vision for the College's finance, administration, and operations functions, as well as the Faculty Student Association (including Athletics and Child Care Center), the Foundation, and all auxiliary areas (Farm, Bistro, Residence Halls, and satellite locations). Implemented, enhanced, and monitored all internal control activities across all organizations.

• Coordinated and developed the $33M annual budget process and multi-year projections for the College.

• Served as the primary contact for SUNY, county legislators, and state and federal agencies for all operations.

• Responsible for matters related to federal, state, and local Equal Employment Opportunity laws and collective bargaining units.

Groton, NY **********@*****.*** 607-***-**** LinkedIn eCornell Course Facilitator

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

2020 - 2023

• Facilitated an interactive online learning platform providing professional and executive development to students globally. Facilitated courses in the Women in Leadership and Human Resources Programs.

• Applied business and professional experience to guide and teach individuals and organizations, using real-life examples to demonstrate fundamental principles that support student professional growth and development. Vice President, Chief Operations and Finance Officer, Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research Ithaca, NY 2010 - 2023

• Responsible for executing strategic initiatives and providing internal leadership, mentorship, and direction. Accountable for the Institute's overall P&L and cash flow management of $20M+. Prepared, presented, and provided insightful analysis for board-level reports, fostering informed decision-making and alignment with organizational goals.

• Led the planning and build-out of a $2M Phenotyping Facility.

• Provided strategic leadership in developing and forming a start-up, guiding its vision and growth strategy.

• Guided and implemented cost-cutting strategies for infrastructure development, including board development, operational policies and systems, annual budgeting, personnel management, and programmatic planning. Improved the operating budget by introducing, streamlining, and automating processes.

• Spearheaded the transition of the Institute's $100M endowment to a new portfolio manager for more favorable annual returns, resulting in decreased annual spending and enhanced operational efficiencies,

• Strategic leadership and oversight of research administration, information technology, technology transfer, education outreach, communications offices, and all facility operations, including Environmental Health and Safety.

• Founded the Workforce Advantage Program, an immersive internship program providing high school students with work experience and career exploration opportunities. Finance Manager

Cornell University Ithaca, NY

2007 - 2010

• Designed and guided the development of a centralized office for Cornell's central IT (CIT) organization, serving faculty, alumni, staff, students, and external entities. Chief Financial Officer/Interim CEO

Wilcox Press, Inc. Ithaca, NY

2003 - 2007

• Led all aspects of the organization, including finance, sales, human resources, operations, and risk management. Led the company through a restructuring, refinance, and sale.

• Developed comprehensive business plans that positioned the company for profitability and developed forecasting models that improved the accuracy, efficiency, and credibility of reporting future cash flows. Senior Accountant, Sciarabba Walker & Co., LLP (Ithaca, NY) Senior Auditor and Tax Accountant, Deloitte & Touche, LLP (Buffalo, NY) EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Accounting, Niagara University, Buffalo, NY ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

AFFILIATIONS & HONORS

• Owner, Darling Advisory Services, LLC.

• President, Groton School Board of Education

• Director, TST BOCES School Board Association

• Treasurer, Groton Agriculture Advisory Board

• Treasurer, Groton Business Association

• Member, Ithaca Rotary

• Member, Ithaca Garden Club

• New York State Notary Public

• Member, Chief

• Recipient, 2021 James J. Byrnes Award for

Excellence

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