Diana Doty
I bring my varied background in the financial disciplines, along with a strong sense of curiosity, to the table. I also bring the “pixie dusting” I received at my first job in the Contemporary Hotel in Walt Disney World. Practically speaking, success will require more than just pixie dust, and having a strong financial partner is one of the keys to success. I strive to create a trusted space that values all input, and I act to maintain that trust with every client.
My expertise includes:
- Capital Markets Consulting
- M&A Financial Advisory
- Management Consulting
- Finance
- Commercial Real Estate Transactions
- Commercial Real Estate Development
- Asset Management
- Strategy
- Underwriting
- Treasury
- SEC Reporting
- Integrating New Teams, Software, and Processes
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Financial Reporting
- Investment Performance Analysis
- Negotiating Contracts
- Change Management
- Consolidations
- Cost Center Reporting & Budgeting
- Risk Management
- Revenue Recognition
- Internal Controls
- Strategic Partnerships
- Financial Systems
To me, the initials CFO mean “Can Figure it Out.” The world of business has evolved. Successful businesses require more interaction between disciplines and a greater sense of urgency. Knowing the fundamentals of the business, working through workflow issues and how (or if!) to automate them, and focusing effort where the effort needs to be is central to getting human business intelligence out of the weeds of dated processes and working together to solve problems and answer needs.
The value placed on trust has grown in importance in the past few years. The ability to trust your teams, vendors, consultants, and partners to align their efforts to deliver your company’s product is critical to achieving success.
In my roles at highly entrepreneurial companies, I’ve learned to step back, become familiar with the business, and think through what that particular business needs to succeed. One often overlooked aspect of business success is to be brilliant with the basics! It does not matter how much artificial intelligence you integrate into your business if you lose touchpoints with customers or partners in the process! I serve as a thoughtful leader, a calm change agent, and an adaptor of people and processes to the company’s vision. These roles will lead to a successful business and a shared purpose.
With an enthusiastic commitment to driving financial strategy, my past positions were characterized by thoughtful development and oversight of financial operations, married to a knowledge of operational needs. I utilized a strategic approach to the development and asset management of commercial real estate projects, worked with Wall Street to create the first-ever securitization of its kind, created the strong systems and financial atmosphere to propel a change of business direction, and created databases and reports that are still being used. My expertise in financial operations, workflow management, and analytical skills have been instrumental in steering the growth trajectory of the companies I have been privileged to work for.
Some examples of significant initiatives that I have led and their benefits to my clients and employers include:
My experience in the financial sector spans Orlando, Nashville, and Atlanta, where I have honed my skills in capital markets, finance, accounting, and reporting. My hands-on approach has allowed me to lead diverse teams, ranging from small private firms to large public and private equity-backed organizations. This breadth of experience has given me a deep understanding of the financial landscape, enabling me to navigate complex financial environments effectively and drive strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals.
In addition to my practical experience, I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The CPA credential has given me a strong understanding of business and finance, complementing my hands-on expertise.
I have spent many years in Treasury and risk management. This exposure enables me to assess working capital needs, efficient cash management, identifying risks, and how to address the risk.
I am honored to be a partner in the Florida CFO Group, itself a premiere group of professionals who have all carried the weight and responsibility of a CFO role. There is no substitute for sitting in the CFO seat. As a Partner with the Florida CFO Group, I will continue to leverage my CFO/CPA credentials to provide best-in-class fractional CFO services, ensuring robust financial health for our clients. My mission is to help people build organizations that are best in class and made to last.
Previously, I held executive financial positions at mid- to large-sized companies including:
- CFO, Holbrook Life Management
- Director, Asset Management, HCP
- Director, Asset Management, Treasury, CNL
- Supervisor of Corporate Accounting, Darden Restaurants
Education and Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant
- BSBA, Accounting, Finance – University of Central Florida