Linda Shue
Hacienda Heights
Summary
Results-oriented Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) with over 12 years of progressive experience at Forever 21, helping to drive financial strategies, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic business analysis for a global retail brand. Adept at partnering with cross-functional teams to align financial goals with company-wide objectives. Proven experience in navigating complex financial situations, including supporting the company through bankruptcy proceedings, and financial recovery efforts.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director / Director, Financial Planning & Analysis
Forever 21, Inc.
Los Angeles
03.2023 - Current
- Led the FP&A team in managing financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting for a $3B+ retail business, offering strategic insights to senior leadership to inform decision-making
- Provided actionable insights into revenue optimization, cost-saving opportunities, and overall financial restructuring
- Partnered with cross-functional teams (marketing, operations, supply chain) to align financial strategies with business objectives, optimizing costs and improving performance
- Played a critical role in the 2023 cyber-attack response, providing financial analysis for claims and minimizing financial disruption through effective data management
- Managed a team of financial analysts, improving forecast accuracy by 12% and increasing reporting efficiency by reducing monthly close time by 20% through automation
Senior Manager / Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
Forever 21, Inc.
Los Angeles
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Developed monthly forecasts, annual budgets, and long-range plans (3-5 years), providing comprehensive financial support to drive business decisions
- Partnered with cross-functional teams on cost-saving initiatives to improve profitability, maintain operational efficiency, and ensure accountability in achieving financial goals
- Built and maintained financial models to support business decision-making
- Prepared and delivered key reports such as financial statements, segment reporting, department variance reports, and P&L statements
- Collaborated with accounting to ensure accurate and timely month-end reporting
- Supported post-bankruptcy financial planning and restructuring, ensuring business continuity and aligning financial goals with strategic business objectives
Manager, International Accounting & Consolidations / Audit & International Compliance
Forever 21, Inc.
Los Angeles
09.2014 - 11.2016
- Managed global financial consolidation for 46 non-U.S
- Entities and joint ventures, ensuring accurate financial reporting in compliance with GAAP and IFRS
- Oversaw monthly financial consolidations, intercompany eliminations, flux analysis, and foreign currency translation to ensure compliance with GAAP
- Worked on the integration of SAP systems and collaborated cross-functionally to streamline global accounting and financial reporting processes
- Managed audit processes, reducing timelines by up to two months, and coordinated annual audits
- Supervised franchise and joint venture accounts receivable and provided tax support for planning and strategies
Associate Manager, Accounting
Forever 21, Inc.
Los Angeles
09.2008 - 05.2013
- Led a team of 10 to ensure timely payment processing and resolution of payment discrepancies
- Managed vendor relationships, ensuring timely payments and addressing payment errors efficiently
- Developed process improvements to streamline payment processing, enhancing operational efficiency
Education
B.S. - Finance, Economics
California State University of Los Angeles
Skills
- Financial Forecasting and Budgeting
- Advanced Excel and Financial Modeling (Power BI, Tableau)
- Cross-Functional Collaboration and Strategic Partnership
- P&L Management and Cost Optimization
- Crisis Management and Financial Resilience
- Strategic Business Decision Support
- SAP Financial Systems Implementation
- Variance Analysis and Financial Reporting
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
Accomplishments
- Financial Analysis During Cyber-Attack (2023): Supported claims process and worked with cross-functional teams to assess the financial impact of the attack and minimize business disruptions.
- Bankruptcy Support & Recovery: Provided financial analysis during bankruptcy proceedings, aligning goals with the restructuring process, and contributing to the successful emergence under new ownership.
- Cost Optimization & Restructuring: Supported financial restructuring efforts post-bankruptcy, driving cost optimization and increasing profitability through resource allocation.
- Cross-Functional Partnership: Optimized resource allocation and improved operational performance by 15% by aligning financial strategies with business goals.
Timeline
Senior Director / Director, Financial Planning & Analysis
Forever 21, Inc.
03.2023 - Current
Senior Manager / Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
Forever 21, Inc.
08.2019 - 08.2020
Manager, International Accounting & Consolidations / Audit & International Compliance
Forever 21, Inc.
09.2014 - 11.2016
Associate Manager, Accounting
Forever 21, Inc.
09.2008 - 05.2013
B.S. - Finance, Economics
California State University of Los Angeles
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