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Caitlin J

@caitlinj

Finance manager at Target who built Excel models for budgets and outcomes, supporting clearer financial results and increased margin potential.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm seeking to pivot into roles where collaboration and problem-solving are as important as flexibility and creativity.

At Target, I launched initiatives for the rewards program and faster fashion production time. I analyzed financial metrics across multiple systems and built Excel models for budgets and ranges of outcomes, supporting clearer results and increased margin potential.

At South by Southwest (SXSW), I streamlined venue logistics communications, improving accuracy and reducing overlap across programming, staff, and sales spaces. Earlier, at Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), I developed processes for Apple, Inc.’s Mergers & Acquisitions Department relocation events that improved turnaround time by 50%.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Sr. Finance Manager

Target

Jul 2021 - Apr 2026 (4 years 9 months)

Launched initiatives for rewards program and faster fashion production time. Analyzed financial metrics, built Excel models for budgets, and worked cross-functionally to assess scale and scope efficiencies.

Financial Analysis Excel Budgeting Cross Functional Collaboration Valuation

Planner

South by Southwest (SXSW)

Dec 2016 - Jun 2019 (2 years 6 months)

Provided administrative support to the Chief Logistics Officer, planned travel and events, proofread and negotiated vendor contracts, and streamlined internal communication for venue logistics.

Event Planning Contract Negotiation Vendor Management Logistics Communication Skills

Senior Meeting Planner

Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT)

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016 (1 year 11 months)

Improved turnaround time by 50% by developing processes for Apple's M&A relocation events. Led teams on projects with $100K+ budgets, achieving 5-10% savings per meeting.

Event Planning Process Improvement Team Leadership Budget Management Client Management

Meeting Planner

Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT)

Jun 2014 - Jan 2015 (7 months)

Built an Excel tracking model for event orders and budgets that was implemented throughout the Americas region, creating consistency and confirming accuracy.

Excel Event Planning Budget Tracking Data Management

Special Projects Manager

Swift Solutions

Aug 2011 - Jun 2014 (2 years 10 months)

Established and produced a 100+ costume fashion show from the ground up, including sourcing, budgeting, designing, scripting, and managing a team of 5 people.

Event Production Budgeting Team Management Sourcing Design

Event Planner

Swift Solutions

Jun 2009 - Aug 2011 (2 years 2 months)

Reduced repeat application fees and 10-15 hours per application by introducing a FileMaker database process for continuing education submissions. Assisted in office management including organizing supplies and team events.

FileMaker Database Management Event Planning Office Management