Hello. My name is Alex Smith.
I build the financial systems, teams, and accountability that organizations need to scale — from the ground up.
Get in touchMy Approach
I've operated at every level of finance, from analyst to CFO. What stays constant is this: I make numbers actionable. Clear reporting, realistic forecasts, and decisions grounded in data so that leadership and operations can move forward with confidence.
I focus on building systems and teams from the ground up — whether that's implementing an ERP for 120 employees, creating a $60M+ financial model where none existed, or turning around a contract from a $1M loss to $4M+ profit. Clean processes, the right tools, and people who understand both the details and the big picture.
I practice servant leadership and partner with non-finance stakeholders to deliver reliable, usable data. I've led finance, HR, IT, payroll, and operations — and I'm at my best when the organization needs someone who can build accountability and high-performing teams.
By the Numbers
What I Do
- Finance leadership, team building, and department turnarounds
- Budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling ($60M–$150M+ budgets)
- ERP implementation and systems/process design
- Month-end close, variance analysis, and management reporting
- M&A support, due diligence, and integration
- Cross-functional leadership across Finance, Accounting, HR, IT, Payroll, Procurement, Grants, and Operations
- Mentoring and developing finance teams
Selected Experience
Ben Franklin Transit
I led a 14-person Administration organization spanning Finance, Accounting, Procurement, Payroll, and Grants for a public transit agency. I overhauled the treasury approach to unlock $1.5M/year in additional investment earnings, improved compliance processes that accelerated $70M+ in federal and state reimbursements, and built and secured Board approval for a $205M Capital Improvement Plan with TIFIA financing structures. I also rebuilt the agency's P&L, cash-flow, and forecasting frameworks, shifting leadership from reactive decision-making to transparent, data-driven planning.
The Harkey Group
I joined an advertising company with no real financial infrastructure and built it from scratch. I led a small team to implement the company's first ERP system, created a financial model for a $60M+ annual budget that uncovered significant revenue recognition issues, and established the forecasting and cash management processes the leadership team relied on daily. I also built comprehensive SOPs for AR, AP, and month-end close, and was nominated to a leadership team focused on culture and operations.
Bobbie Jo Designs
My wife and I started a family business from our garage selling custom metal signs and jewelry. We scaled it to over $650K in annual revenue, moved into a 2,500 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, hired and trained five employees, and completed more than 30,000 sales with over 3,000 five-star reviews. I handled the financials and strategy; we sold the business in 2021. That experience taught me how to run a P&L, manage cash, and build a team from zero.
First Transit
I was part of a five-person senior leadership team that turned a contract from a $1M+ annual loss into $4M+ profit in under 18 months. I project-managed the migration from legacy payroll to ADP for 800+ employees while staying in compliance with two collective bargaining agreements. I was responsible for HR, IT, Payroll, and Finance and managed five direct reports. Our location received First Group's "Setting the Highest Standards" award for that turnaround. I also built the financial models that supported CBA negotiations and day-to-day operational decisions.
Education
BA, Business Administration, Finance
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
MBA, Finance
W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University
Executive Education
Eller College of Management, University of Arizona
Beyond Finance
When I'm not building finance teams, you'll find me volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona — I was honored to be named Big Brother of the Year in 2026. I'm a vinyl collector always hunting for the next great record, a die-hard Phoenix Suns fan, and a plant dad who finds peace in the garden. Most importantly, I'm a husband, father, and proud pet parent to our dogs and cat.
Let's Work Together
I'm always open to discussing new opportunities. Use the form below to get in touch.