Jennifer MacKenzie

Accomplished and strategy-driven professional with a proven track record of driving financial excellence and strategic growth across diverse industries. Experienced in executivefinancial management with a unique blend of financial acumen, leadership, and strategic vision to optimize organizational performance. Expertise in developing and implementing financial strategies that align with corporate goals.Adept at financialplanning, budgeting, and forecasting. Possesses a deep understanding of financial modeling, risk management, and capital allocation. Adept at streamlining financial operations, enhancing internal controls, and driving process improvements.

True North Psychological Services (NuVista Mental Health), Halifax, NS                                                                             2023 — Present

CFO Consultant - M&A Focus

Provide strategic direction to enhance the organization’s financial strength, with a core focus on mergers and acquisitions. Partner closely with the President and CFO to drive growth initiatives, proactively evaluating and negotiating M&A opportunities that align with long-term corporate objectives. Strengthening relationships with strategic industry partners to support potential investor engagement and future acquisition targets. 

• Demonstrated end-to-end M&A capability, including financial due diligence, valuation support, and integration planning. Cultivated and sustained robust partnerships, assisting the executive team in securing $5M in PE investment for growth capital.
• Led multiple M&A engagements that resulted in successful clinic acquisitions and direct EBITDA growth.
• Provided cash flow management support that alleviated liquidity constraints and stabilized short-term financial operations.
• Provided owner remuneration planning assistance, optimizing compensation structure, and supporting tax-efficient outcomes.
• Collaborated with external advisors to successfully transition audit and tax engagements, streamlining processes and strengthening compliance.

Blender NetworksInc, Halifax, NS                                                                                                                                                  2018 — 2025

Chief Financial Officer

Deliver leadership and direction to improve the financial well-being of the organization. Lead strategic growth initiatives in collaboration with the president and CEO, actively identifying and leading negotiations for M&A opportunities. Strengthened domestic and international relationships with strategic industry partners, emphasizing potential investor engagement. Mitigated potential risks by ensuring seamless cross-border compliance in coordination with external US practitioners. Spearheaded corporate tax planning and compliance strategies in collaboration with external advisors, optimizing financial outcomes.

• Pioneered the implementation of the company's inaugural retirement savings plan, enabling over 30 employees to actively contribute to their retirement funds.
• Cultivated and sustained robust partnerships with financial institutions, negotiating a $2M repayment plan synchronized with available cash flow, requiring continuous cash flow projection management.
• Secured $1M in growth capital in 2020 and demonstrated proficiency in M&A due diligence.
• Reduced annual operating expensesby $100K throughthe strategic consolidation of duties and staff optimization.
• Achieved annual funding growthof $50K by identifying and securing funding opportunities through proactive engagement with government agencies.
• Realized $20K annual cost savings of professional fees by establishing strong relationships with external advisors.
• Streamlined financial reporting by migrating the full suite of companies from SAGE to QBO, resultingin efficiencies in finance team structure and role duties.
• Complete overhaul of financial reporting framework, resulting in more timely and internal financial statements (improved internal reporting deadline by 15 business days).

Grant ThorntonLLP, Halifax, NS                                                                                                                                               2015 — 2018

Chartered Accountants, Manager

Improved team productivity by leading people management initiatives, conducting impactful annual performance reviews, and facilitating monthly confidence-building feedback coaching sessions. Produced a thoroughreview report highlighting key findings and insights, particularly in the context of tax-related implications. Collaborated with US practitioners withinour team, ensuring seamless service delivery for cross-border client matters.

• Recognized as a subject matter expert, delivering advisory and strategic planning services to businesses in the HRM, specializing in corporate reorganizations and succession planning.
• Guaranteed the organization's adherence to CRA regulations and minimized the risk of penalties by addressing and rectifying any compliance issues.
• Fostered strong working relationships with professionals and clients in both assurance and taxation engagements, making key contributions to overall project success.
• Played a pivotal role in the hiring and recruitment process, contributing to the growth andsuccess of the team through strategic talent acquisition.