Jeff Leonard, CFO
Professional Overview
Jeff Leonard is a seasoned financial executive with over 15 years of experience leading high-performing finance teams. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Baker & Taylor, he is responsible for overseeing the company's financial strategy, reporting, and operations, helping to drive its growth and profitability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CFO of Baker & Taylor, Jeff is responsible for managing the company's financial operations, including financial planning, analysis, and reporting. He works closely with the executive team to develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization's overall business objectives. Under Jeff's leadership, the finance department has streamlined processes, improved financial controls, and enhanced the company's ability to make data-driven decisions.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Baker & Taylor, Jeff held progressive finance roles at various organizations, including serving as the Vice President of Finance at a leading healthcare technology company. In this position, he played a pivotal role in the company's successful acquisition and integration, overseeing the financial due diligence and integration processes. Earlier in his career, Jeff held analyst and manager positions at a global accounting firm, where he gained valuable experience in financial reporting, auditing, and strategic advisory services.
Academic Background
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he graduated with honors. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed several executive leadership programs, further enhancing his financial and strategic decision-making capabilities.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial planning and analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Financial reporting and controls
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Strategic financial decision-making
- Technology implementation and optimization
- Cross-functional team leadership
Professional Impact
During his tenure at Baker & Taylor, Jeff has played a crucial role in driving the company's financial performance, leading initiatives that have resulted in increased profitability and improved operational efficiency. He has been instrumental in implementing new financial systems and processes, which have enhanced the organization's ability to generate accurate and timely financial information. Additionally, Jeff's expertise in mergers and acquisitions has proven invaluable, as he has successfully navigated the integration of several strategic acquisitions.
Conclusion
With his strong financial acumen, strategic mindset, and proven track record of success, Jeff Leonard is poised to continue making a significant impact as the CFO of Baker & Taylor. His commitment to financial excellence and his ability to align financial strategies with broader business objectives make him a valuable asset to the organization.