LAWANDA BEST-RUSH
Raleigh
Summary
Meticulous Data Analyst eager to provide holistic data acquisition and management services. Leverages novel techniques and technologies to squeeze maximum value from owned and acquired assets. Dedicated to exceeding business goals through careful exploitation of all available resources.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Management and Data Analytics
Empower
03.2016 - Current
- Created various Excel documents to assist with pulling metrics data and presenting them to give concise understanding of best placement for needed resources.
- Improved data accuracy by implementing rigorous data validation processes and quality checks.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings of $240K through thorough analysis of operational data and implementation of recommended improvements.
- Evaluated consistency and importance of different business intelligence data against needs to determine optimal courses of action
- Investigated and addressed business processes to enhance usability and improve functionality.
- Enhanced business decision-making by creating user-friendly dashboards and visualizations that communicated complex data trends effectively.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define key performance indicators and develop actionable insights from large datasets.
- Developed customized data analytics solutions for specific client needs, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
- Streamlined data processing pipelines by automating manual tasks, reducing time spent on repetitive work.
- Created dashboards to monitor and track key performance indicators.
Process Improvement Analyst
First Citizens Bank
03.2014 - 03.2016
- Evaluated, analyzed, and improved business capabilities by collaborating with division Executive level management
- Participated in insolated, major projects parallel to the Green Belt support work that will substantially re-engineer existing business processes or create new business processes
- Identified problems and worked with senior management to develop effective solutions
- Developed process improvement initiatives and analyzed problems to create corrective action strategy
- Completed process mapping to provide foundation for evaluations
- Monitored implemented solutions, documented data and modeled trends.
- Evaluated emerging trends in process improvement methodologies; staying up-to-date on industry advancements to maintain a competitive edge.
- Implemented data-driven techniques to monitor processes, uncovering inefficiencies and areas requiring improvement.
- Managed projects focused on enhancing operational efficiencies from conception through completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
Marketing Information Services Analyst
First Citizens Bank
04.2011 - 03.2014
- Assisted with development and management of strategic initiatives related to associates in sales and service fields.
- Provided research support and project management assistance to internal clients, including but not limited to data analysis for goal setting for annual production and promotional campaign development among focalize customer segments.
- Analyzed, evaluated and outlined issues for data enhancement requests.
- Summarized, translated and reported system information requested by management, client banks, and business units.
- Tracked key metrics and developed spreadsheets and data models.
- Established new data collection methods, ensuring consistent and accurate information gathering.
- Streamlined reporting processes for improved efficiency and decision-making capabilities.
- Conducted thorough data analysis, identifying trends and patterns to support business objectives.
Financial Analysis Specialist
CIGNA Group Insurance
05.2008 - 02.2011
- Designed comprehensive performance metrics, innovative systems, and dynamic tools to facilitate efficient, effective, and accurate data extraction and analysis
- Lead Analyst and Liaison on core database project initiatives to improve efficiencies for Cigna Group Insurance Distribution Finance business partners
- Led Group Insurance team in delivery and streamlining of real-time reporting metrics, resulting in savings of 1 full-time employees.
- Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
Financial Analyst
AXA Equitable Life Insurance
12.2004 - 05.2008
- Improved operational efficiency, cultivated cost reduction of 1.5 full-time employee and increased productivity
- Created and maintained precise and accurate models, charts, and reports
- Reviewed monthly requisitions for accuracy and completeness, reconciled transactions, and determined payment approval statuses.
- Facilitated smooth month-end close processes by efficiently reconciling accounts and addressing discrepancies promptly.
- Used relevant financial technology to generate reports and recommended courses of action to upper management.
Education
MBA - Data Analytics
UNC Pembroke
Pembroke, NC12.2018
Skills
- Project organization
- Business Process Mapping
- Departmental collaboration and leadership
- Project Management
- Data Mining
- Business Intelligence
- Tableau Software
- Power BI Tools
- Data Pipeline Design
- Data and Analytics
- Process Improvement
- Operations Analysis
Certification
- FINRA Series 6
- FINRA Series 63
- North Carolina State Life Insurance
- Certificate: Project Management Villanova University
Timeline
Project Management and Data Analytics
Empower
03.2016 - Current
Process Improvement Analyst
First Citizens Bank
03.2014 - 03.2016
Marketing Information Services Analyst
First Citizens Bank
04.2011 - 03.2014
Financial Analysis Specialist
CIGNA Group Insurance
05.2008 - 02.2011
Financial Analyst
AXA Equitable Life Insurance
12.2004 - 05.2008
MBA - Data Analytics
UNC Pembroke
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