JI BAE HODGES
West Hills
Summary
Strategic Sr. Budget Specialist with 15+ years of experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets across five major portfolios. Certified in Accounting (SNHU) with advanced expertise in SAP, Ariba, and Excel. Proven success in forecasting, variance analysis, AOP planning, and month-end close. Recognized as a trusted partner to Finance, Procurement, AP, and Brand teams, with a strong track record in process improvement, compliance, and cross-functional leadership.
Highly skilled budget management professional with strong focus on financial analysis, forecasting, and cost control. Known for collaborative approach to achieving organizational goals, adapting to changing requirements, and ensuring financial accuracy. Reliable team player with expertise in budget planning, variance analysis, and resource allocation. Valued for strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to driving fiscal efficiency.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Budget Specialist
Wella Operations LLC
02.2023 - 12.2025
- Managed multimillion-dollar budgets across five major portfolios, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on-target spending.
- Delivered quarterly Finance Forecasts, including spending risks, opportunities, and OI plan submissions.
- Led AOP and Profit Forecast processes; prepared templates, schedules, and consolidated submissions.
- Analyzed monthly actuals vs. estimates; summarized variances and provided recommendations to Finance and Brand teams.
- Managed month-end close (accruals, cross-charges, prepayments) and resolved open items to ensure timely journal entries.
- Created and deployed a budget maintenance training tool used across Finance and Marketing teams.
- Trained and mentored new hires on BIC standards, SAP/Ariba processes, and compliance requirements.
- Maintained strong document control over POs, invoices, and financial records.
Budget Specialist
03.2010 - 02.2023
- Managed budgets across four major portfolios with consistent BIC performance.
- Supported quarterly forecasts, OI submissions, and proactive management of over/underspend.
- Conducted monthly variance analysis and provided insights to Finance and Brand teams.
- Developed process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency across budget operations.
Marketing Specialist
03.2010 - 02.2023
- Trained and onboarded Marketing Sourcing Specialists on budget processes and vendor code maintenance.
- Served as Artwork SPOC, managing design planning meetings, claims copy submissions, and artwork approvals.
- Led promotional sell sheet creation, pricing, and approvals in partnership with Trade Marketing and Finance.
- Delivered biannual Trade Release assets, managing 1,500+ digital files for field distribution.
Education
Certification - Accounting
Southern New Hampshire University
Liberal Arts & Sciences
University of Illinois at Chicago
Skills
- Budget Management & Forecasting (SAP, Ariba, Advanced Excel)
- Financial Analysis & Variance Reporting
- Annual Operating Plan (AOP) & Profit Forecasting
- Month-End Close: Accruals, Cross-Charges, Prepayments
- Compliance, Audit Readiness & Document Control
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Process Improvement & Tool Development
- Leadership, Training & Mentorship
- Budget planning
- Cost management
- Cost control
- Variance analysis
- Budget development
- Financial forecasting
- Budget monitoring
- Willingness to learn
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
Certification
Certification in Accounting
Timeline
Sr. Budget Specialist
Wella Operations LLC
02.2023 - 12.2025
Budget Specialist
03.2010 - 02.2023
Marketing Specialist
03.2010 - 02.2023
Liberal Arts & Sciences
University of Illinois at Chicago
Certification - Accounting
Southern New Hampshire University