Paula Dempsey

About Paula Dempsey

Strategic, results-driven CFO with proven success in public company leadership, capital markets, and large-scale transformation initiatives across retail, consumer goods, and financial services. Skilled at balancing growth investments with disciplined cost management, I specialize in capital allocation (share repurchase, debt optimization, reinvestment), real estate and store-fleet transformation, supply-chain mitigation, and digital migration strategies that expand EBITDA margins and long-term shareholder value.Recognized for building investor and board confidence, managing earnings communications in high-volatility environments, and delivering financial strategies that unlock resilience and sustainable growth. I thrive in complex environments — from IPO readiness and debt restructuring to international expansion — and am passionate about aligning financial strategy with business reinvention.

Experience

1. Chief Financial Officer

   Torrid

   May 2023 — Present · US

   Executed equity offerings and ABL renegotiation, strengthening liquidity and balance sheet flexibility.Improved working capital and free cash flow, cutting operating costs by 20% while maintaining service levels.Key contributor to ongoing EBITDA margin improvement efforts, leveraging real estate optimization and capital redeployment.Enhanced investor relations and board credibility, elevating transparency and long-term strategy alignment.Implemented data-driven FP & A and risk frameworks to sharpen forecasting, scenario planning, and resilience.

Education

• Colorado State University

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

  2009 — 2011

• Colorado State University

  Bachelor's Degree

  1999 — 2002

Skills

• Sales Management
• Budgets
• Finance
• Performance Measurement
• Strategic Planning
• Financial Analysis
• Forecasting
• Continuous Improvement
• Management
• Credit Evaluation Analysis
• Auditing
• Microsoft Excel
• Financial Variance Analysis
• Manufacturing Accounting & Analysis
• Streamlining Process
• Business Modeling and Analysis
• Leadership
• Variance Analysis
• Preparation of Short Term and Long Term Plans
• Jde, Hyperion, Excel Expert
• Business Performance Measurement
• Manufacturing Labor Rate Development
• Manufacturing
• Perform Month-End Close Activitives
• Business Development
• Sales Operations
• Credit
• Financial Accounting
• Budget Development
• Financial Forecasting/Projections
• Process Improvement
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Direct Sales
• Budget Monitoring
• Analysis
• Quality Auditing
• Knowledge of Economic and Accounting Principles and Practices