Valerie Ells, Chief Financial Officer
Professional Overview
Valerie Ells is an accomplished finance executive with over 15 years of experience driving strategic financial management, reporting, and controls across diverse industries. As the Chief Financial Officer at Kevin's Natural Foods, she leverages her deep expertise in financial planning and analysis, auditing, and SEC reporting to spearhead the company's financial operations and guide its continued growth.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Financial Officer at Kevin's Natural Foods since June 2022, Valerie is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the organization, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting. She works closely with the executive team to develop and implement financial strategies that align with the company's long-term business objectives.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Valerie held several senior-level finance positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Controller at Laird Superfood, where she played a pivotal role in the company's successful IPO in 2020. She has also held accounting and auditing roles at KPMG LLP, First Interstate Bank, Bank of the Cascades, and Omeros Corporation, gaining extensive experience in financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
Academic Background
Valerie holds a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree from Gonzaga University's School of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting from the same institution. Her strong academic background and professional certifications have equipped her with the technical expertise and analytical skills necessary to excel in her finance leadership roles.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial planning and analysis
- SEC reporting and compliance
- Auditing and internal controls
- Budgeting and cash flow management
- M&A integration and synergy capture
- Strategic business partnering
- Leadership and team development
Professional Impact
During her tenure as Chief Financial Officer at Laird Superfood, Valerie played a pivotal role in the company's successful IPO, which raised over $100 million in capital. She also implemented robust financial reporting and internal control systems, enabling the company to maintain high standards of transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
With her impressive track record of financial leadership, strategic acumen, and industry expertise, Valerie Ells is well-positioned to drive the continued financial success and growth of Kevin's Natural Foods. Her ability to align financial strategies with business objectives, coupled with her strong interpersonal skills, make her a valuable asset to the organization.
