Paula Thompson

About Paula Thompson

Experienced Operations and Finance leader with a background in supporting transformational change, developing operational team structures, and creating data driven insights to enable key decision making. Analytical and structured in problem solving, with a relentless focus on enhancing the customer experience. Passionate about creating collaborative and inclusive environments and building connections with others. Open to learning, curious, and brave in the face of new experiences. Committed to supporting and coaching early in career talent.#leavetheladderdown

Experience

1. Senior Business Manager - Cybersecurity

   Microsoft

   Jul 2024 — Present · Redmond, WA, US

   Created and operationalized a Rhythm of the Business framework, incorporating key organizational moments, HR milestones, and compliance obligations, ensuring clarity and alignment across the team- Developed and implemented a budget management model addressing gaps post-reorganization, including financial hierarchy setup, forecasting, tracking actuals, and proactively identifying business needs to support additional funding requests- Developed and own strong relationships with key stakeholders including finance, procurement, HR, and recruitment - Managed software and data license renewals end-to-end, ensuring compliance with SSPA and software purchasing guidelines while preventing business disruptions

Education

• University of Nevada, Reno

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

  2017 — 2019

• UC Berkeley Extension

  Certificate

  2021 — 2022

• University of Nevada, Reno

  Bachelor's degree

  2011 — 2016

Skills

• Microsoft Office
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Autocad
• Microsoft Word
• Bookkeeping
• Solidworks
• Quickbooks