Nate Smieja

Head of Finance and Operations · Infinity Surfboards

Laguna Niguel, CA

In My Own Words

Dynamic CFO with a proven track record of driving strategic financial planning, operational excellence, and profit growth. Organized and adept at leading cross-functional teams and aligning operations with overarching strategies to achieve remarkable results. As a seasoned Head of Finance and Operations, I bring extensive experience in constructing financial models, optimizing workflows, and implementing innovative enhancements to fuel growth. Available for fractional CFO & business strategy support.

Work Experience

Head of Finance and Operations

Infinity Surfboards

2019 – Present

Oversee finance and operations for a lifestyle surf, stand up paddle and apparel brand. Manage company cash flow and capital accounts to maintain target liquidity levels and evaluate product investment opportunities. Lead annual FP&A efforts providing forward-looking business performance guidance, implementing effective cost management strategies, and supporting long-term profitability. Direct and oversee AP/AR, payroll, tax, account reconciliation and insurance functions. Define, analyze, and report on key financial and operational KPIs to CEO and investor group. * Reduced SG&A expenses by 10% through in-depth financial analysis, policy development, and controls implementation. * Realized a 5% increase in gross margin through annual budget and overseas production planning across retail and wholesale channels. * Reorganized annual product development cycle, sales, and production strategies, resulting in 3x working capital budget. * Develop and deployed a tailored custom product ordering solution, leading to a 50% decrease in production errors and real-time pricing updates for enhanced gross margin. * Manage 3PL warehouse deliveries and inventories for accuracy and monitor retail and wholesale channel shipping logistics for timeliness and accuracy. * Accelerated DTC eCommerce pivot, resulting in 4X sales increase over 2 years. * Generate new product investment analysis, market research and competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities and inform business decisions evaluating payback, profitability, and brand fit.

Business Owner

Nosara Paddlesurf, Nosara

2012 – 2019

Founded DTC lifestyle and experience-based stand-up paddle retreat business and resort in Costa Rica with private investor support. Designed a breakthrough product and supported my vision with a well-crafted online web marketing presence to foster community growth among sport enthusiasts worldwide. Developed and directed cross-cultural team to facilitate delivery of in-person surf education curriculum. Delivered 30% y-o-y compounded ROI through comprehensive financial planning and analysis aided by effective budgeting, forecasting, and operational efficiencies. * Grew global customer base, sustaining an overall 50% repeat customer rate through building customer relationships with honesty and integrity. * Created and maintained financial models to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor progress towards strategic goals. * Built strategic relationships with internal and external partners to drive marketing and branding efforts that resulted in global recognition and credibility. * Effectively secured media placements in National Geographic Adventurer, SUPtheMag, and SUPConnect.

Financial Manager / Sr. Financial Analyst

UnitedHealth Group

2009 – 2012

* Led FP&A, financial support, and strategic business planning for $180M healthcare technology business segment through coordination and communication with cross-functional business teams. * Developed multi-year strategic financial model to evaluate bottom-line impact and monitor capital investments. * Led monthly close reporting and account reconciliations. * Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and execute financial strategies that drove revenue growth and profitability. * Drove expense transparency and leadership accountability through timely month-end financial reporting. * Demonstrated high attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced and driven environment.

Community National Bank, Minneapolis, MN Credit Risk Management Analyst * Perform balance sheet and real estate loan portfolio analysis to assess lending, credit and financial risks and exposure. * Create financial projections, analyze corporate financial statements for leverage, liquidity and solvency and perform in-depth loan reviews. * Provide ad-hoc analytic support to COO and CFO to set strategies that reduce overall credit exposure, improve reporting processes, and ensure adherence to Bank and regulatory policies.