ROBERT VELARDE
Financial and Program Management Professional
Marietta, US.About
Results-driven financial and program management professional with over a decade of success, adept at strategic planning, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Proven track record in leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance efficiency, mitigate risk, and drive significant cost savings across diverse sectors including defense, consulting, and data services. Possessing PMP certification and pursuing a Master's in Digital Financial Technologies, I excel at aligning cross-functional teams and implementing innovative solutions to achieve shared objectives and maximize business value.
Work
Kennesaw State University
|Director of Industry & Strategic Partnerships, Digital Financial Technologies
Kennesaw, Georgia
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Summary
Identify and pursue strategic partnership opportunities aligned with the Digital Financial Technologies program mission, research goals, academic programs, and community engagement initiatives.
Highlights
Design and implement partnership strategies that support institutional goals such as student success, innovation, research funding, and workforce development
Serve as the lead relationship manager for high-value partners.
Marietta, GA, US
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Summary
Led the full-cycle development and enhancement of automated valuation tools and ERP systems, driving efficiency and optimizing financial processes for Integrated Data Services.
Highlights
Spearheaded the development and design of an automated valuation tool and critical ERP system enhancements, streamlining financial operations and improving data accuracy.
Managed full-cycle ERP enhancement projects from requirements gathering and sprint planning through QA testing and deployment, ensuring successful system integrations.
Directed cross-functional project teams using Agile methodologies, aligning stakeholder needs with development roadmaps and achieving project milestones.
Authored and maintained comprehensive JIRA and Confluence documentation, while resolving critical system issues by coding SQL-based bug fixes.
Atlanta, GA, US
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Summary
Directed internal audit engagements and developed robust internal control frameworks, leveraging data analytics to enhance compliance and reduce deficiencies for diverse clients.
Highlights
Led internal audit engagements, significantly enhancing compliance and achieving a measurable reduction in audit deficiencies across client portfolios.
Developed and implemented comprehensive internal control frameworks and standard operating procedures, strengthening organizational governance and risk mitigation.
Utilized advanced data analytics and Business Intelligence dashboards to track financial KPIs, resolve discrepancies, and improve reporting accuracy for senior management.
Managed the implementation of corrective actions for identified deficiencies, conducting rigorous verification and validation (V&V) testing to ensure robust internal controls and GAAP compliance.
Collaborated cross-functionally to address internal audit findings, ensuring timely implementation of recommendations and enhancing overall financial reporting accuracy.
Marietta, GA, US
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Summary
Managed cost estimates for over 10 space-based radar and weather programs, totaling $16 billion, and optimized program evaluations through advanced cost-estimating techniques.
Highlights
Managed cost estimates for over 10 complex space-based radar and weather programs, valued at over $16 billion, ensuring fiscal integrity for critical defense initiatives.
Developed and validated Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs) and asset valuation packages, enhancing the accuracy of complex cost reports and Life Cycle Cost Databases.
Collaborated across diverse functions to support contract negotiations and program evaluations, achieving optimal financial outcomes and strategic alignment.
Applied a wide variety of cost-estimating techniques, including extrapolation from actuals, engineering build-ups, analogies, and parametric methods, to deliver precise financial projections.
Marietta, GA, US
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Summary
Managed a $300 million annual budget and contributed to a $20 billion Fiscal Year Defense Program budget, driving financial goal alignment across departments.
Highlights
Managed a $300 million annual operating budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for critical defense operations.
Contributed to the production of a $20 billion Fiscal Year Defense Program budget, supporting major defense programs and strategic planning.
Trained program stakeholders on advanced cost strategies, fostering financial literacy and aligning departmental goals with overarching fiscal objectives.
Education
Awards
Exemplary Civilian Service Medal
Awarded By
US Air Force Space Command
Recognized for saving over $1 billion through process innovations implemented in Air Force programs, demonstrating exceptional fiscal responsibility and strategic impact.
Skills
Financial Management
Financial Analysis & Reporting, Cost Estimation & Budgeting, GAAP, SFFAS, PCI-DSS, Financial KPIs, Financial Transactions, Asset Valuation, Cost Reports, Life Cycle Cost Databases.
Program & Project Management
Project Management (PMP Certified), Agile Methodologies, Scrum, Sprint Planning, Roadmaps, JIRA, Confluence, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Stakeholder Management, Program Evaluations.
Risk & Compliance
Risk Management & Internal Controls, Regulatory Compliance, Audit Engagements, Audit Deficiencies, Internal Control Frameworks, Standard Operating Procedures, Technical Accounting Documentation, Verification & Validation (V&V) Testing.
Data & Analytics
Data Analytics, Business Intelligence (BI), Dashboards, KPI Tracking, Predictive Modeling, Forecasting, Data-Driven Decision Making, SQL, Python (for AI/ML), Data Visualization.
Systems & Technology
ERP Systems Development & Maintenance, ERP Refactoring, System Enhancements, Automated Valuation Tools, Systems Integration, Technical Team Management.
Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning, Design Thinking & Ideation, Process Innovations, Efficiency Enhancement, Cost Savings, Problem Solving.