Lauren Makaryk
Summary
Organizational leader dedicated to streamlining operations by turning challenges into opportunities for long-term success. Determined and experienced in mentoring and challenging professionals to be strategic and courageous in pursuit of key results no matter the size of the target. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact business needs. Demonstrated history of achievement in areas of process and model development, implementation, and integration.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Utilization Manager (All Tax Services, Canada)
Grant Thornton Canada LLP
07.2023 - Current
- Led the integration of all tax services nationwide into resource management and the operational practice standards developed under my direction.
- Championed for tax and resource management needs in the development and implementation of Microsoft Dynamics D365.
- Optimized talent development through creation of skills assessment tools resulting in improved leverage models and net fee recovery.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying process bottlenecks in existing systems and proactively correcting.
- Drove operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making processes, leveraging analytics tools such as Power BI for informed strategy development.
- Defined clear objectives and communicated shifts in priorities or project needs with my team.
- Established growth goals for four coachees an facilitated their rapid professional development and knowledge of tax services.
Utilization Manager (Domestic Tax, Western Canada)
Grant Thornton Canada LLP
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Led BC Tax Collaboration initiative, implementing efficient scheduling and tracking tools for robust resource sharing in the region
- Continuously assessed the effectiveness of existing strategies, refining or creating processes as needed to improve performance of domestic tax teams.
- Designed and implemented the flagship resource management and standardized best practices model for domestic tax for the firm.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration by coordinating strategic sharing of resources between business units across Canada.
- Utilized analytics skills and knowledge of the business to monitor trends in utilization to predict future resourcing issues and resolving proactively.
- Reduced turnaround times of engagement delivery and enhanced client service through strategic resource allocation and leveraging.
- Served as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders on matters relating to tax resource management.
- Facilitated workshops and round-tables to collect project requirements and user feedback.
Utilization Coordinator (Domestic Tax, BC)
Grant Thornton Canada LLP
03.2019 - 01.2022
- Implemented resource management for domestic tax teams in BC so as to centralize responsibility and improve overall visibility into team.
- Reduced delays and conflicts by proactively identifying potential bottlenecks in resource availability and resolving promptly.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders across the region, fostering collaboration and cooperation.
- Successfully managed tight deadlines by skillfully balancing limited timeframes against available capacity and skills.
- Optimized resource allocation by assessing project requirements and assigning appropriate personnel.
Sr. Administrative Assistant (Domestic Tax, BC)
Grant Thornton Canada LLP
01.2019 - 03.2019
- Directly supported senior tax leadership and partners in the daily operations of their practices.
- Identified and developed needed changes to existing processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and client service.
- Managed deadlines efficiently to meet organizational and client requirements during tax season.
Administrative Assistant (Domestic Tax, South BC)
Grant Thornton Canada LLP
12.2016 - 01.2019
- Streamlined invoicing procedures to ensure timely payment by clients while minimizing errors in financial records.
- Created and maintained detailed administrative processes and procedures to drive efficiency and accuracy.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members
Sr. Administrative Assistant
The Bowra Group Inc.
11.2015 - 11.2016
- Acted as resource for other employees by providing support and adapting to needs of team.
- Conducted research to assist with routine tasks and special projects.
- Facilitated timely delivery of projects to meet organizational objectives.
- Completed a variety of paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
The University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC05.2015
Skills
- Root Cause Analysis and action area prioritization
- Process improvement and implementation
- Connects perspectives and motivations to guide shared goals
- Strategic "big picture" project management
- Resource optimization and talent development
- Performance metrics analysis and reporting
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Change management during transformations
- MS Office, D365, Power BI, Asana, Sharepoint
- Training and coaching
Accomplishments
Manager at Grant Thornton Canada LLP:
- Successfully enacted BC Tax Collaboration in response to resource and skill constraints in the region. First year net fee growth of ~$650K over prior year siloed system and rapid talent development across directly tied to model and strategies utilized.
- Designed and implemented the flagship resource management and standardized best practices model for domestic tax for the Grant Thornton resulting in consistent processes and strategic operational efficiencies firmware.
- Led the integration of all tax services nationwide into resource management while also facilitating the development and rollout of Microsoft Dynamics D365 resulting in enhanced cross-functional collaboration, talent development, and profitability.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Utilization Manager (All Tax Services, Canada)
Grant Thornton Canada LLP
07.2023 - Current
Utilization Manager (Domestic Tax, Western Canada)
Grant Thornton Canada LLP
01.2022 - 07.2023
Utilization Coordinator (Domestic Tax, BC)
Grant Thornton Canada LLP
03.2019 - 01.2022
Sr. Administrative Assistant (Domestic Tax, BC)
Grant Thornton Canada LLP
01.2019 - 03.2019
Administrative Assistant (Domestic Tax, South BC)
Grant Thornton Canada LLP
12.2016 - 01.2019
Sr. Administrative Assistant
The Bowra Group Inc.
11.2015 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
The University of British Columbia
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