Open to opportunities

James McCarthy

@jamesmccarthy

Operations leader with over 20 years of management experience in the energy and financial services fields focusing on operations and customer service.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead enterprise operations and commission/system transformation—driving measurable efficiency and cost reductions, improving data accuracy with SQL/analytics, and partnering across business and IT to deliver reliable go-lives.

I’m a results-driven operations leader with experience leading operations, commissions, and cross-functional initiatives within the energy and financial services industries. I have experience with large-scale system migrations, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing reporting accuracy.

At Vistra Corp, I’ve owned and managed the enterprise commission system (“NewCom”), led the migration from BARCR to NewCom, and directed commission-related integration of ~1M Energy Harbor accounts into legacy Vistra systems. I also spearheaded the conversion of ~1M municipal aggregation accounts into NewCom, while managing workstreams for CIS migration (ECI→Landpower) to ensure continuity and accuracy.

Earlier in my career, I built SQL-based solutions that reduced research and true-up turnaround time by 70%+, and established a month-end validation processes that reduced incorrect commission transactions on the monthly report by 80%. I’ve also delivered KPI reporting that increased vendor “achieves/exceeds” rates by 18%+ and launched a post-sale assessment process with a new third party vendor that helped the sales team determine the quality performance for the vendors being used.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

System Owner/Project Management

Vistra Corp

Jan 2021 - Jan 2025 (4 years)

Owned and managed Vistra’s enterprise commissions system (“NewCom”), driving enhancements and resolving system gaps. Led migrations and integrations across commissions accounts and processes, including achieving a 25% efficiency gain through process optimization.

System Ownership Project Management System Enhancements System Gap Resolution System migration Reporting Data Analysis SQL Cross functional Leadership Process Optimization

Commissions Manager

Vistra Corp

Jan 2019 - Jan 2021 (2 years)

Managed end-to-end commission calculation, validation, and reporting to deliver 100% on-time and accurate commission payments. Led process transitions, built and tested a new commissions system, and bridged business and IT on commission system projects.

Validation Reporting Accounts Payable Coordination System Build Test Go Live Operational Leadership Cross functional Leadership

Commissions Manager

Crius Energy

Jan 2016 - Jan 2019 (3 years)

Managed the full lifecycle of commission calculations and reporting, responding to stakeholder inquiries. Developed SQL-based solutions and validation processes that reduced research/true-up turnaround time by 70%+ and cut incorrect commission transactions by 80%.

Reporting Stakeholder Management SQL Data Analysis Month End Validation Payment Accuracy Upfront vs Residual Tracking

Third Party Verification Deployment

Direct Energy

Jan 2014 - Jan 2015 (1 year)

Led a team overseeing enrollment for third-party verified sales and managed TPV and post-sale assessment vendors. Built KPI reporting, implemented scripting enhancements, and launched an analytics-driven post-sale assessment program that improved performance outcomes.

Enrollment management Vendor Management KPI Reporting Scripting Email Capture Optimization Reporting and Analytics

Agent Compensation Manager

Direct Energy

Jan 2012 - Jan 2014 (2 years)

Managed agent commission processing across multiple sales channels and led a team of analysts. Drove major process improvements using SQL automation and system redesign, including reducing payroll processing time by 80% and reconciliation turnaround time by 75%.

Commission Processing Process Redesign Payroll Processing Operational Efficiency

Assistant Vice President/Relationship

Bank of New York Mellon

Jan 2007 - Jan 2012 (5 years)

Managed CDO client relationships with portfolios exceeding $1.5B and led a team of trust administrators for accurate account administration and reporting. Delivered 100% on-time distributions and reconciliations and oversaw cash management and financial reporting for structured finance products.