James Nelson

About James Nelson

MY STORY: I am a finance business professional with 14+ years of progressive experience spanning multiple industries and organizations of all sizes. The evolution of my career has taken me beyond finance to all areas of the business where I can assist in solving challenges, identify new opportunities and improve existing operations. I help businesses and organizations embrace change by starting with WHY.Most recently my focus has been positioning small and medium sized businesses for growth. I bring a discipline approach that begins in the finance office by creating and formalizing processes around the core accounting functions. With more timely and accurate financial information, I ensure the financial statements reflect the business and work with leaders on how to focus and maximize opportunities in their business units. In the end, you get a business making proactive strategic decisions. With a streamlined finance team, I can spend my time on new business, problem solving and employee development. WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT: I have a rare skill set that includes a robust financial background, high emotional intelligence, strong communication skills and authentic employee first leadership style. I help the business move forward by supporting my colleagues and encouraging growth through failure and curiosity. As a leader, I try to simplify and focus on people, process, and data to grow the business. WHO AM I: High powered professional with a passion to drive change and challenge the status quo. I believe in instilling the desire to risk failure for progress that empowers the workforce to grow and innovate. As a team leader, I know complex issues are solved through critical thinking and team collaboration. I am respected among my peers for long-term planning and building partnerships that build trust through inclusion and transparency. My experience has allowed me to develop the unique skill set of overseeing the day to day financial operations while still focusing on the long-term strategic growth of the organization. AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Financial Planning & Analysis, Budget, Forecast, Annual Operating Plan, Finance, Cash Management, Treasury, Capital Planning, Long-term Business Planning, Valuation, Project Management, Internal Controls, Risk Management, System Implementation, Talent Development, Human Resources, Communicator, Hyperion, Dynamics GP, PeopleSoft, Not for Profit, For Profit, Public AccountingStrengthsFinder Top 5: Achiever, Competition, Adaptability, Communication, Restorative

Experience

1. Finance Director

   Herb Brooks Foundation

   Sep 2020 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

   Finance • Strategy • Mission Alignment • Community ImpactIn my work with the Herb Brooks Foundation, I serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, helping strengthen the organization’s long-term financial health while ensuring every decision reinforces our mission to inspire and support youth through hockey and community programs.I lead the Foundation’s financial strategy from end to end developing multi-year plans, operational budgets, and rolling forecasts that give leadership clarity, confidence, and the ability to make bold yet responsible decisions. I oversee all aspects of financial reporting, providing the Board with transparent, decision-ready insights each month.My role also includes collaborating with external partners and community stakeholders to expand program reach, evaluate new revenue initiatives, and ensure each opportunity aligns with our mission and long-term sustainability. This includes prioritizing growth initiatives, identifying emerging funding channels, and strengthening the organization’s stewardship of donor and partner investments.Operationally, I manage cash flow, optimize financial processes, and maintain strong fiscal controls that support day-to-day execution while enabling the Foundation to think bigger about the future.Ultimately, my focus is simple: build a financially resilient organization capable of delivering greater community impact, year after year, in a way that would make Herb proud.

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

  Bachelors (2), Double Major - Accounting & Finance

Skills

• Financial Statements
• Accounts Payable
• Financial Analysis
• Accounts Receivable
• Fixed Assets
• Accounting
• Nonprofits
• Budgeting
• Analytical Skills
• Internal Audit
• Auditing
• Variance Analysis
• Tax
• Hyperion Enterprise
• Financial Reporting
• Audit
• Payroll
• Analysis
• Quickbooks
• Budgets
• Finance
• Account Reconciliation