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Colt Starks

@coltstarks

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Finance executive at Gipper who cut annual cash burn by ~$3M and built finance operations from the ground up.

United States

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At Gipper, I built FP&A, reporting, the close process, and operational analytics as the company's first finance executive. I partnered with the CEO and leadership team on board reporting, planning, and capital efficiency, reducing annual cash burn by ~$3M.

At Brandfolder, I joined as the first finance hire and built the finance function, then led finance and G&A diligence for its $155M acquisition by Smartsheet. Across venture-backed SaaS companies, I've partnered with executives on fundraising, capital allocation, and operating strategy, and built finance teams and systems to support growth.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Head of Finance

Gipper Media

Jan 2023 - Dec 2026 (3 years 11 months)

Appointed as the company's first finance executive to build FP&A, reporting, close process, and operational analytics infrastructure from the ground up. Served as strategic finance partner to the CEO, supporting board communications, hiring plans, pricing decisions, and long-range operating strategy.

FP&A Financial Modeling Board Reporting Strategic Planning Capital Efficiency KPI Reporting Close Processes Revenue Recognition Treasury Management Claude Scenario Modeling Financial Analysis

Vice President of Finance

Cyral

Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 (1 year 11 months)

Hired as the organization's inaugural finance executive to oversee finance, accounting, HR, and IT. Developed financial strategies and plans to promote organizational growth and governed relationships with third-party partners.

Financial Strategy Operating Model Board Reporting Fundraising Forecasting Capital Allocation Close Processes Variance Analysis Process Implementation

Vice President of Finance & Accounting

Hotel Engine

Jan 2021 - Dec 2022 (1 year 11 months)

Recruited from Brandfolder as a trusted resource to serve as executive leader driving day-to-day accounting operations and finance strategy across a 300+ employee organization. Led a finance and G&A team of 15+ spanning accounting, AR, FP&A, and business operations.

Accounting Operations Finance And Strategy Team Leadership Series B Fundraising KPI Frameworks OKR Framework Monthly Close Venture Debt Budgeting Forecasting Operational Planning

Vice President of Finance

Brandfolder

Jan 2018 - Dec 2021 (3 years 11 months)

Joined as the first finance hire and built the finance function from the ground up, establishing forecasting, board reporting, SaaS KPI tracking, and operational planning processes that supported rapid scaling and eventual acquisition by Smartsheet.

Financial Planning Board Reporting SaaS Metrics Due Diligence M&A Pricing Strategy Contract Negotiation Cohort Analysis Retention Analysis Growth Efficiency

Director of Financial Planning & Analysis

FullContact

Jan 2017 - Dec 2018 (1 year 11 months)

Provided strategic financial insights and recommendations to senior executives. Prepared and presented comprehensive monthly financial reports and developed short- and long-term financial roadmaps.

Financial Analysis Unit Economics CAC LTV Payback Magic Number Budgeting Capital Allocation Debt Financing

Senior Principal (Director), Financial Planning & Analysis

Rally Software

Jan 2015 - Dec 2017 (2 years 11 months)

Supported investor relations, financial planning, and executive reporting at a publicly traded SaaS company. Post-acquisition by CA Technologies, owned the $120M P&L for the Rally business unit and drove SaaS finance knowledge transfer across the newly formed organization.

Investor Relations Financial Planning Executive Reporting P&L management Due Diligence Financial Statement Preparation Financial Insights

Senior Financial Analyst

Rally Software

Jan 2013 - Dec 2015 (2 years 11 months)

Supported financial planning and analysis functions at a publicly traded SaaS company, contributing to investor relations and executive reporting.

Financial Analysis Financial Planning Reporting

Senior Pricing Manager

Startek

Jan 2011 - Dec 2013 (2 years 11 months)

Led team of analysts in updating annual budgets and rolling forecasts, advising C-suite on material variances to plan and updated outlooks on business performance. Led analysis of all customer contracts to ensure alignment of pricing with profit margin targets.

Pricing Strategy Contract Analysis Budgeting Forecasting Variance Analysis Scorecards Capacity Analysis

Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis

Startek

Jan 2008 - Dec 2011 (3 years 11 months)

Managed financial planning and analysis activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis, while advising senior leadership on business performance.

Financial Planning Budgeting Forecasting Variance Analysis Team Leadership