Elizabeth Werner
Director of Financial Planning and Analysis
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Professional Overview
Elizabeth Werner is an accomplished financial professional with over 12 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Independence Health System, she is responsible for leading the organization's strategic financial planning, budgeting, and performance analysis initiatives. With a strong background in financial analysis, cost management, and business partnering, Elizabeth is adept at driving data-driven decision-making to support the organization's growth and operational efficiency.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Independence Health System, Elizabeth oversees a team of financial analysts and is responsible for developing long-term financial plans, managing the annual budgeting process, and providing actionable insights to key stakeholders. In this role, she has implemented innovative financial modeling techniques to enhance forecasting accuracy and streamline reporting processes, resulting in improved operational decision-making and increased financial transparency across the organization.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Elizabeth served as the Sr. Financial Analyst and Cost/Budget Analyst at Independence Health System, where she played a pivotal role in improving financial reporting, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and supporting the organization's strategic initiatives. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Senior Auditor at Maher Duessel, where she honed her analytical skills and developed a deep understanding of financial controls and compliance.
Academic Background
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh, where she graduated cum laude. She is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).
Areas of Expertise
- Financial planning and analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Cost management and optimization
- Financial reporting and data visualization
- Strategic business partnering
- Financial modeling and analytics
- Healthcare industry knowledge
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has demonstrated a proven track record of driving financial excellence and contributing to the overall success of the organizations she has served. Some of her notable achievements include:
- Developed a comprehensive five-year financial plan that enabled Independence Health System to secure a favorable bond rating and secure funding for critical infrastructure projects.
- Implemented a new financial reporting suite that enhanced visibility into key performance metrics, leading to a 20% improvement in operational decision-making effectiveness.
- Spearheaded a cost-reduction initiative that identified $2.5 million in annual savings, allowing the organization to reinvest in strategic priorities and improve patient care.
- Served as a subject matter expert and financial advisor to cross-functional teams, contributing to the successful integration of a major acquisition.
Conclusion
With her exceptional financial acumen, strategic mindset, and unwavering commitment to driving organizational success, Elizabeth Werner is well-positioned to continue making a significant impact in her role as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Independence Health System. Her deep industry knowledge, analytical prowess, and collaborative leadership style make her a valuable asset to the organization and a trusted partner to its leadership team.
