Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Lacrissa Johansen

Lexington,NC

Summary

Strategic and collaborative financial leader with over 20 years of progressive experience in higher education accounting, contracts, and grants management. Proven ability to lead complex accounting operations with precision and integrity, backed by a strong foundation in general accounting principles. Recognized for fostering cross-functional partnerships and driving decision-enabling strategies that align financial stewardship with institutional goals. Adept at guiding teams, engaging stakeholders, and delivering impactful solutions through clear communication and financial acumen.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Director of Capital and Special Projects

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
03.2025 - Current
  • Oversee multimillion-dollar budgets including K–12 Facilities, Grants, Local School Bonds, and state capital funds.
  • Developed and implemented financial policies and procedures aligned with district strategic goals, resulting in improved cost efficiency and compliance.
  • Supervised financial reporting and reconciliation of actual vs. projected expenditures for grants, capital, and other special projects.
  • Spearheaded process improvement initiatives, streamlining financial operations and increasing transparency across departments.
  • Implemented and led the successful rollout of a new financial software system to streamline grants and project accounting, enhancing reporting accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency across departments.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth adoption and integration with existing financial workflows.

Executive Director of Payroll and Workforce Management

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
09.2023 - 03.2025
  • Managed the equitable distribution of district resources and maintained precise position control for all the district positions, maximizing resource utilization.
  • Maintained a strong customer focus, continuously improving processes and streamlining workflows to enhance operational efficiencies.
  • Contributed to the annual budget process and participated in year-end closeout activities, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
  • Developed and executed comprehensive payroll strategies, aligning initiatives with overarching organizational goals to enhance efficiency and compliance.
  • Directed all aspects of payroll operations, ensuring the timely and accurate processing of wages, salaries, deductions, and taxes for all employees.
  • Oversaw the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of a new payroll system and technology solutions, driving automation and process enhancements.

Executive Director of Business and Financial Services

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
06.2021 - 09.2023
  • Maintain and reconcile a variety of ledgers, accounts, and investments.
  • Examine accounting transactions to ensure all sources and uses of funds are properly classified.
  • Supervise and review processes and procedures for accounts payable, purchasing, and payroll departments.
  • Ensure expenditures are in compliance with college policies and State guidelines.
  • Prepare and analyze a variety of management fiscal and organizational reports.
  • Responsible for the preparation of monthly and annual reports including reconciliations to the System Office.
  • Oversee the state mandated internal audit requirement, EAGLE.
  • Supervised financial reporting and reconciliation of expenditures for grants, capital, and other special projects.
  • Member of strategic planning committee for college unit.

Associate Director of Business

University of North Carolina at Charlotte
03.2010 - 06.2021
  • Responsible for leading and executing all departmental budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis efforts.
  • Analyze financial data and translate to clear and easily understood reporting.
  • Prepare monthly departmental financial statements for leaders.
  • Provide financial projections and consultation on financial impact and performance.
  • Ensure processes are compliant with regulations and annual training requirements.
  • Manage, train, and develop staff across multiple departments.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership in the development of strategic plans.
  • Develop efficient solutions and drive change across the department.
  • Reconcile monthly sales tax for the department.

Budget Manager

University of North Carolina at Charlotte
03.2010 - 05.2015
  • Responsible for leading and executing all departmental budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis efforts.
  • Perform variance analysis and create forecasting reports for leaders.
  • Create financial spreadsheets using advanced excel skills.
  • Collaborate with various departments on ad-hoc projects to provide financial insight.

Education

Master of Business Administration -

The University of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC
08.2022

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration – Concentration in Accounting

The California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
12.2002

Skills

  • Executive Leadership and Team Management
  • Post-award Grant Administration
  • Sub-award Monitoring & Oversight
  • Cost Allocation & Effort Reporting Audit Preparation & Response
  • Financial Reporting & Analysis
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Process Improvement & Automation
  • Advanced Excel & Financial Modeling
  • Budget Development & Oversight
  • ERP/Financial System Implementation

Timeline

Executive Director of Capital and Special Projects

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
03.2025 - Current

Executive Director of Payroll and Workforce Management

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
09.2023 - 03.2025

Executive Director of Business and Financial Services

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
06.2021 - 09.2023

Associate Director of Business

University of North Carolina at Charlotte
03.2010 - 06.2021

Budget Manager

University of North Carolina at Charlotte
03.2010 - 05.2015

Master of Business Administration -

The University of North Carolina At Pembroke

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration – Concentration in Accounting

The California State University, Sacramento

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