Citi

Led projects that help Citi become a more dynamic and integrated organization. Work with partners across Corporate FP&A, Capital Planning, and Risk to improve financial forecasting and governance by modernizing processes and changing how individuals do their jobs.

Key Achievements:
- Automated the firm’s forecasting model back-test calculation and reporting process, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency. 
- Through process modernization, improved the quality and integration of the operational planning process—as well as its speed—by 15%. 

Specialties:
- Process modernization and implementation
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Communication

Senior Vice President (SVP), Finance Transformation

New York City Transit

McKinsey-like internal consulting group for a $12 billion public transportation network

Execution expert and thought partner to senior leaders, driving digital transformation, optimizing operations, and elevating user experiences through data-driven strategies. 

Achievements:
- Saved $2.3 million/year through a retention strategy which increased the rate by 23%.
- Increased a shop's productivity by 12% through a new production model. 
- Avoided excessive overtime utilization with the development of a real-time information tool.

Specialties:
- Business and process modeling
- Data analysis and visualization
- Hypothesis testing via simulation
- Project management

Tech-stack:
- Data query/data management (SQL, SSIS, Access, Excel Array Functions)
- Data visualizations and dashboards (Power BI, Tableau)
- Data analysis (Excel pivot tables, solver, multiple regression, trend curves)
- Communication (PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Word)

Project Leader, Strategic Initiatives

Fashion Institute of Technology

For over 12 years, I had the privilege of teaching in an entrepreneurial education program aimed at helping students unlock their career potential in university settings.

Spearheaded the development and implementation of a hands-on New Venture Development course, equipping students with practical knowledge of opportunity evaluation, business creation, and management strategies. 

Achievements:
- Designed and delivered curriculum focused on product/service development and customer acquisition strategies.
- Increased student engagement by 30% through interactive learning exercises.
- Guided students in launching 10 successful business ventures

Adjunct Professor / Lecturer, Venture Development & Entrepreneurship

McMichael Group, LLC

Directed strategic initiatives to support Founders, Presidents, and Business Development Heads of emerging businesses in enhancing operations by reducing uncertainty and complexity through prototyping, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative methods.

Achievements:
- Designed, stood up, and managed the back-office functions, including accounting and governance controls, for a consumer-facing internet concern.
- Produced a compelling story (financial and outcome) for a media-powered consumer engagement platform that secured partnerships with a top consulting firm and a package goods concern.

Specialties:
- Proficient in Advanced Microsoft Excel (power pivots, what-if analysis, v-lookups), PowerPoint, and Apple Keynote.
- Experienced in SQL, Power BI, and data visualization techniques.

Management Consultant | Finance and Operations

National Urban League

Directed the transformation of a for-profit business concept into a successful reality by designing and executing the right social enterprise model. 

Achievements:
- Effectively managed and empowered a dedicated team of five that successfully realized the vision of a business advisory service (social enterprise) within a year. 
- Developed strategic partnerships with two Global 100 firms generating $1.5 million of consulting fees.
- Advised entrepreneurs on scalable business practices and participated as a broker on $50 million of hard asset acquisitions.

Tech-stack:
- Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Apple Keynote

Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Business Development

Showtime Networks Inc.

Directed strategic finance initiatives, including framing complex problems, conducting investment analysis, due diligence for partnerships, acquisitions, and derivatives, and developing financial models for a $1B division of Viacom. Specialized in long-term investment planning, deal analysis, and modernization efforts.

Achievements:
- Extracted $54 million of value from an unprofitable, declining business by negotiating an asset sale/marketing partnership with a strategic buyer.
- Delivered $172 million of strategic projects, better positioning Showtime in the evolving market.

Specialties:
Long-term investment planning,  deal analysis, and modernization

Vice President, Strategic Financial Management

Promoted by the EVP of Finance and Operations, after serving as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis (6 months), to modernize the company’s finance and accounting operations. 

Achievements:
- Formulated the $30 million capitalization structure that ensured the creation of the Sundance Channel. 
- Developed the financial strategy that allowed Showtime to produce 50 original movies per year.
- Developed the financial model for TV Land; rejuvenated fully depreciated content assets.

Tech-stack:
Microsoft Excel (financial modeling), Word, and PowerPoint

Director Corporate Development

Honeywell

Honeywell International, Inc.  (formerly AlliedSignal)

Directed financial operations for a $50 million business unit including forecasting, annual budgeting, and financial cycles, achieving cost efficiencies and strategic financial planning milestones.

Achievements:
- Captured $400,000 annual cost avoidance by restructuring the division’s transportation practices.
- Implemented streamlined financial processes leading to increased profitability.

Tech-stack:
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook)
- Proprietary accounting system and controls

Financial Analyst, Financial Planning and Analysis

Imagine embarking on a journey where every decision you make not only enhances your bottom line but also propels your teams forward, ensuring that every move aligns with your core values and delights your customers. That's the future we're building together—a realm where profitability and purpose harmoniously coexist.

Over my 20-year career, I've honed a unique skill set that hinges on integrating business processes, technology, and, most importantly, the ability to forge meaningful, impactful relationships. It all began with a deep-rooted passion for engineering, where I mastered the art of crafting innovative solutions that push boundaries at UVa. Strengthened by an MBA from Duke, this passion has driven me to consistently deliver impactful results for organizations seeking growth and transformation, such as Honeywell, Paramount Global, and Citi.

In my collaborations with leaders, I have witnessed a transformative shift—where:
   • Clarity of purpose illuminates the path forward
   • The right initiatives are executed with precision
   • Results are not just met, but exceeded 

Through structured problem-solving, data-driven analysis, and strategic planning honed over countless projects, I've enabled businesses to unlock their full potential and navigate complex challenges with confidence.

My expertise encompasses:
   • Identifying value creation opportunities
   • Facilitating end-to-end project execution
   • Ensuring decisions are backed by actionable insights and measurable outcomes

I bring a unique blend of analytical rigor and strategic vision to every endeavor.

If you're ready to explore how we can collaborate to drive your business forward, or if you simply want to chat about the latest in technology or share cycling tips, I invite you to connect with me here on LinkedIn.

Let's inspire change together!

Donald McMichael

Profit Leap

• At Profit Leap, we are building the next evolution of AI-powered dashboards and chatbots designed to empower entrepreneurs with business and financial strategy. Our AI solutions are custom-designed and fine-tuned with your specific data, ensuring highly personalized and relevant insights for your unique business scenario.

Cofounder & CFO

How To MANAGE a Small Law Firm

• Fractional CFO to 30+ law firms concurrently (~70M annual revenues in aggregate growing an average of 22%)
• I help small business owners by making data-driven strategic decisions, improving operational efficiency, developing/managing budgets, and monitoring/forecasting the overall financial health of their firms

Fractional CFO

TopCofounder

• Provided software engineering solutions to several early-stage SaaS technology companies (seed funding)
• Consulted with companies on transitioning their software to the cloud

Fractional CTO

Ingham Retirement Group

• Oversaw accounting, portfolio management, and trading departments ($2 billion assets under management)
• Executed the month-end close, payroll, and treasury responsibilities (~$10M revenue)
• Prepared budgets, cash flow forecasts, financial projections, and variance analysis reports
• Directed initiatives to move software and data to the cloud, including accounting and portfolio management software
• Developed a custom billing solution to calculate and transfer over $4M in annual fees directly from 1,000+ managed accounts into the company's operating account

Controller

Compass East

• Automated accounting operations for several companies in various industries (primarily construction, restaurants, and retail)

Staff Accountant

Northern Capital Insurance

• Built SQL queries, Excel Macros, and Salesforce reports prioritizing marketing and business development initiatives

Data Analyst

Cofounder @ Profit Leap and the 1st AI advisor for Entrepreneurs | CFO, CPA, Software Engineer

I help businesses achieve their objectives.

TOP ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM MY LINKEDIN PROFILE:
    ⭐ Fractional CFO for over 35 small businesses with over $1M in annual revenues.
    ⭐ Graduated #1 in my University of Miami graduate accounting cohort with a 4.0 GPA.
    ⭐ Specializing in AI applications with proficiency in JavaScript and full-stack web development
    ⭐ Deep knowledge of Excel with 20+ years of experience as an advanced user and educator.
    ⭐ Coordinator of startup/networking special interest group within Mensa, the high IQ organization.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 20+ LINKEDIN RECOMMENDATIONS I'VE RECEIVED AS A CFO:
    ❝ I have worked with CFOs for the past 11 years and Russell was by far the best. - Gary Winter, Managing Attorney of Lawvex LLP
    ❝ Russell is a wizard at numbers, excel spreadsheets and leveraging technology. - Julius Blattner, Owner of Blattner Family Law Group
    ❝ Professional, efficient, practical, a great communicator, effective, hard working, and a terrific collaborator. - Shelley Kester, Owner of Wilson Kester
    ❝ One of the best professionals with which I have ever worked. - Matthew Gruber, Managing Partner of The Estate Plan

SKILLS ON LINKEDIN WHERE I'VE RECEIVED 99+ ENDORSEMENTS:
    🦾 Finance
    🦾 Accounting
    🦾 Data Analysis
    🦾 Statistics

taplio

The Battle

Donald McMichael

Russell Rosario

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?