Sagan Stephens

Senior Manager, Financial Operations

Professional Overview

Sagan Stephens is a seasoned financial operations professional with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. As the Senior Manager of Financial Operations at Children's Mercy Kansas City, she leverages her expertise in grant accounting, financial reporting, and process optimization to drive operational efficiency and support the organization's mission-critical work.

Experience Summary

Current Role

In her current role as Senior Manager of Financial Operations at Children's Mercy Kansas City, Sagan is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the organization. She manages a team of accountants and administrators, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with grant requirements, and the implementation of robust internal controls. Sagan has been instrumental in streamlining processes, automating workflows, and enhancing data visibility, enabling the finance team to better support the organization's expanding programs and services.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Sagan held several positions within the Children's Mercy Kansas City finance department, including Senior Accountant and Grant Accountant II. In these roles, she demonstrated a strong aptitude for grant management, financial analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, contributing to the successful administration of the organization's diverse funding sources. Sagan's earlier experience includes roles as an Accounting Administrator at reStart Inc. and a Senior Accountant at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, where she honed her skills in nonprofit accounting and financial reporting.

Academic Background

Sagan holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Missouri Southern State University, where she graduated with honors. Her academic achievements and specialized coursework in nonprofit accounting and financial management have equipped her with a solid foundation to excel in the field.

Areas of Expertise

• Nonprofit financial operations and reporting

• Grant accounting and compliance

• Financial process improvement and automation

• Team management and leadership

• Budgeting, forecasting, and data-driven decision making

• Collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Sagan has demonstrated a commitment to driving positive change and supporting the growth and sustainability of the organizations she has served. At Children's Mercy Kansas City, she has successfully implemented new accounting software, optimized financial reporting processes, and developed robust internal controls, leading to increased transparency and improved decision-making capabilities for the leadership team.

Conclusion

Sagan Stephens is a highly skilled and dedicated financial operations professional with a proven track record of success in the nonprofit sector. Her extensive experience, technical expertise, and strong leadership skills make her a valuable asset to Children's Mercy Kansas City as they continue to advance their mission and serve the community.