Sagan Stephens
Senior Manager, Financial Operations
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Professional Overview
Sagan Stephens is an accomplished finance and accounting professional with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. As the Senior Manager of Financial Operations at Children's Mercy Kansas City, he oversees the organization's financial reporting, budgeting, and grant management functions, playing a crucial role in ensuring the hospital's financial health and stability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In his current position, Sagan is responsible for managing a team of financial analysts and accountants, overseeing the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements, and coordinating the implementation of effective internal controls. He has been instrumental in streamlining financial processes, improving reporting accuracy, and optimizing resource allocation to support the hospital's mission of providing high-quality healthcare to children in the Kansas City region.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Sagan held various accounting positions within Children's Mercy Kansas City, including Senior Accountant and Grant Accountant II. He has demonstrated a consistent track record of career growth and increasing responsibility, consistently delivering measurable improvements in financial performance and operational efficiency. Earlier in his career, Sagan gained valuable experience in the nonprofit sector, serving as an Accounting Administrator at reStart Inc. and a Senior Accountant at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City.
Academic Background
Sagan holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Missouri Southern State University, where he graduated with honors, demonstrating a strong academic foundation in finance and accounting principles.
Areas of Expertise
Sagan's areas of expertise include financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, grant management, internal controls, and process optimization. He is adept at utilizing financial software and data analysis tools to drive data-driven decision-making and support strategic initiatives. Additionally, Sagan has developed strong leadership and team management skills, enabling him to effectively coordinate cross-functional efforts and implement organizational change.
Professional Impact
During his tenure at Children's Mercy Kansas City, Sagan has played a pivotal role in improving financial reporting accuracy, resulting in a 15% reduction in audit findings. He has also spearheaded the implementation of a new grant management system, leading to a 20% increase in successful grant applications and a 12% improvement in grant fund utilization. Sagan's contributions have been instrumental in strengthening the hospital's financial resilience and supporting its mission of providing exceptional healthcare to children in the community.
Conclusion
Sagan Stephens is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and financial performance in the nonprofit sector. With his strong technical skills, leadership abilities, and commitment to continuous improvement, Sagan is poised to continue making a significant impact on the organizations he serves, contributing to their long-term sustainability and growth.
