Cynthia Relander

Director of Financial Controls, Ariat International, San Francisco, California, United States

Professional Overview

Cynthia Relander is an accomplished finance executive with over 20 years of experience in the apparel and retail industry. As the Director of Financial Controls at Ariat International, she oversees the company's financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance initiatives, driving operational efficiency and mitigating financial risk.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Director of Financial Controls at Ariat International, Cynthia is responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of the company's financial control framework. She leads a team of accounting professionals in ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, as well as the maintenance of robust internal controls to support the company's growth and expansion. Under her leadership, Ariat International has achieved a 95% reduction in financial reporting errors and a 20% increase in process automation, significantly improving the company's overall financial health and compliance posture.

Career Progression

Cynthia began her career at Ariat International in 1998 as the Director of Accounting, where she played a key role in streamlining the company's financial operations and implementing best-in-class accounting practices. Over the course of 16 years, she steadily advanced through the organization, eventually assuming the role of Director of Financial Controls in 2014. In this capacity, Cynthia has leveraged her extensive industry knowledge and technical expertise to drive strategic initiatives that have contributed to Ariat International's continued success and market leadership.

Academic Background

Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with honors. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed several executive leadership programs, including the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education program, further enhancing her strategic decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial reporting and controls

• Compliance and risk management

• Process improvement and automation

• ERP system implementation and optimization

• Financial planning and analysis

• Team leadership and talent development

Professional Impact

Under Cynthia's leadership, Ariat International has achieved significant financial and operational improvements, including:

• Implemented a robust internal control framework that has reduced financial reporting errors by 95%

• Spearheaded the adoption of a cloud-based ERP system, resulting in a 20% increase in process automation and a 15% reduction in operational costs

• Developed and executed a comprehensive compliance strategy, ensuring the company's adherence to all relevant financial regulations and industry standards

• Provided strategic financial guidance that contributed to the company's successful expansion into new international markets, driving a 18% increase in revenue over the past three years

Conclusion

With her deep industry expertise, strong technical skills, and proven track record of driving operational excellence, Cynthia Relander is a valuable asset to Ariat International. As the Director of Financial Controls, she continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring the company's financial stability, compliance, and overall growth, positioning Ariat International for continued success in the years to come.