Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rebecca Forrest

Henrico, VA

Summary

I bring progressive financial experience and a track record of managing complex responsibilities that translate data into insights, streamline operations, and support team success. Beyond my core role, I actively lead initiatives that foster collaboration, inclusion, and community -reflecting my commitment to an engaged workplace culture. I'm charting a path toward becoming a Controller, where I can amplify impact through strategic visibility, alignment, and cross-functional leadership.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Analyst

Alfa Laval
01.2023 - Current
  • Lead quarterly forecasting cycles submitted to global leadership
  • Orchestrate enterprise-wide $50M budget development across 60+ departments, collaborating with 20-30 managers
  • Deliver executive-ready budget presentations and monthly variance reports that enhance visibility and guide action
  • Spearhead financial onboarding and coaching for new managers, embedding fiscal accountability from day one
  • Maintain dashboards and provide ad hoc analyses to support initiatives, planning, and decision-making
  • Key contributor to the implementation of a forecasting analytics tool, replacing fragmented Excel-based procedures with a centralized, scalable platform
  • Launched and continue to lead an ongoing Lunch & Learn series designed to deepen financial fluency and connection to core business drivers
  • Optimized core responsibilities to unlock capacity, expanding financial operations engagement to divisions previously outside the scope of this role

Management Reporting Analyst

Alfa Laval
12.2021 - 12.2022
  • Produced financial reports for AL Inc US and affiliated entities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery to stakeholders
  • Managed IFRS16 lease accounting, supported external audits, and executed close-cycle journal entries
  • Analyzed accounts monthly and resolved discrepancies to maintain data integrity
  • Partnered on RPA initiatives to identify, design, and implement automation improvements

Senior Accountant

Hanover County Department of Public Utilities
11.2016 - 12.2021
  • Oversaw a $40M capital budget with strategic funding oversight
  • Led system configuration and end-user training for a new Customer Information System, including SOP development and post-launch support
  • Maintained dashboards and performed recurring financial analysis, reconciliations, journal entries, and asset management activities
  • Played a key role in CARES Act disbursement for 20,000 customers
  • Served as a mentor for new finance hires
  • Supported cross-functional efficiency through daily operational partnership with Customer Service.

Senior Associate

Compass CPAs of Virginia
07.2014 - 10.2016
  • Directed full-cycle accounting for select clients including reconciliations, journal entries, and financial statement preparation
  • Managed complex estate inventories, tax filings, and cash flow reporting with a client-focused lens
  • Stepped into practice oversight during leadership absences, maintaining continuity and professionalism
  • Launched workplace well-being program to elevate engagement and firm culture.

Tax Associate

RSM US LLP
10.2012 - 07.2014
  • Filed tax returns across business, individual, fiduciary, and payroll segments - ensuring compliance proactive planning for client obligations
  • Balanced full-time coursework with a demanding internship schedule

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
05-2012

University of Vermont
Burlington, VT
12-2010

Skills

  • Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis
  • Systems Implementation and Optimization
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Cross Functional Collaboration
  • Financial Reporting and Compliance
  • Culture Building and Change Leadership

Timeline

Business Analyst

Alfa Laval
01.2023 - Current

Management Reporting Analyst

Alfa Laval
12.2021 - 12.2022

Senior Accountant

Hanover County Department of Public Utilities
11.2016 - 12.2021

Senior Associate

Compass CPAs of Virginia
07.2014 - 10.2016

Tax Associate

RSM US LLP
10.2012 - 07.2014

Virginia Commonwealth University

University of Vermont
Rebecca Forrest