Christopher Owens
- August 28, 2026
- Posted by: 003006281
- Categories:
Seeking direct contract engagements with nonprofits and small to midsize organizations needing ongoing bookkeeping, accounting oversight, monthly close, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, grant accounting, internal controls, and Controller-level financial support. Experienced in managing complex accounting and finance functions and providing clear financial reporting to organizational leadership.
Nonprofits and small to midsize organizations seeking an experienced external accounting and finance professional to manage or strengthen their financial operations. Particularly interested in organizations needing ongoing bookkeeping, financial reporting, budgeting, grant accounting, internal controls, and Controller-level oversight.
To establish long-term contract relationships with organizations seeking professional bookkeeping, accounting, and financial management support through Owens Executive Financial Services LLC.
Professional Summary
Executive-level accounting and finance professional with extensive experience spanning bookkeeping, accounting operations, financial management, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting and analysis, grants management, internal controls, and executive decision support. Founder of Owens Executive Financial Services LLC, providing hands-on accounting, finance, Controller, and CFO advisory services to businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Core Capabilities
QuickBooks Online bookkeeping, reconciliations, and month-end close
Financial statement preparation and management reporting
Budget development, management, and forecasting
Cash-flow planning, forecasting, and analysis
Budget-to-actual and variance analysis
Controller and CFO-level financial oversight and advisory
Grant, restricted-fund, and nonprofit financial management
Accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll oversight
Internal controls, accounting cleanup, and process improvement
KPI development, financial analysis, and executive decision support
Audit support and financial compliance
Credentials
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) | QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certifications | Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Certification | Member, American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
Education
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08/01/2022-05/01/2024
Masters of Business Administration at Middle Tennessee State University
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08/01/2012-05/01/2015
Bachelors of Accounting at University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Experience
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May 2025 – Present
Founder at Owens Executive Financial Services LLC
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Provide outsourced accounting, bookkeeping, finance, and Controller/CFO-level financial management and advisory support to businesses and nonprofit organizations. Services include QuickBooks Online bookkeeping, month-end close, reconciliations, financial reporting, budget development and management, forecasting, cash-flow planning and analysis, variance analysis, KPI and management reporting, grant and restricted-fund financial management, internal controls, accounting cleanup, process improvement, and executive financial decision support.
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03/01/2024-04/23/2026
Director of Accounting, Finance, & Compliance at University of Central Florida
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Directed accounting and financial management for a large academic and healthcare-focused organization, overseeing a $35M operating and salary budget. Led budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and analysis, variance analysis, resource allocation, internal controls, and executive financial decision support. Provided financial oversight for clinical operations, grants and sponsored programs, and complex organizational initiatives while advising leadership on financial performance, risks, and strategic decisions.
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08/01/2022-03/01/2024
Assistant Director of Accounting, Finance, & Compliance at University of Tennessee Institue of Agriculture
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Led budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and accounting oversight across complex academic and research operations. Managed post-award financial administration for sponsored programs, including federal and other grant funding, and provided financial oversight for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Supported executive leadership through budget-to-actual analysis, financial reporting, resource planning, and strategic decision support. Led financial management of a $50M capital initiative spanning nine research and education centers, coordinating spending plans, capital equipment and improvement activity, compliance, and financial controls.
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08/01/2019-08/01/2022
Sponsored Projects Accountant at University of Tennessee Institue of Agriculture
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Managed post-award accounting and financial administration for a diverse portfolio of sponsored projects, including federal, state, and other externally funded programs. Monitored budgets, expenditures, allowability, and compliance; performed financial analysis and reconciliations; prepared financial reports; and supported invoicing, reporting, and closeout activities. Partnered with faculty, administrators, and program leadership to resolve financial issues, maintain accurate grant records, and ensure effective stewardship of sponsored funds.
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08/01/2015-08/01/2019
Tax Auditor at State of Tennessee Department of Revenue
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Conducted complex corporate tax audits to evaluate compliance with state tax laws and regulations. Analyzed financial statements, general ledgers, tax returns, supporting schedules, and accounting records to identify reporting errors, tax adjustments, and compliance issues. Reconciled financial and tax information, developed audit findings, calculated assessments, and communicated results to taxpayers and their representatives. Applied accounting, analytical, and investigative skills to resolve complex tax and financial reporting matters.
To contact this candidate email christopher.owens@owensefs.com