Gary Battles

Fractional CFO

Gary Battles is a hands-on finance expert known for stepping in and fixing complex financial challenges. Whether it's streamlining operations, boosting profits, or tightening internal controls, Gary has a proven track record of getting things done. His tactical, no-nonsense approach has saved organizations hundreds of hours in labor, reduced payroll errors by 80%, and driven significant increases in profitability.

Throughout his career, Gary has consistently optimized financial processes, cut down close times, and implemented systems that create lasting improvements. He’s worked with a variety of financial technologies and knows how to make them work for businesses, whether it's automating billing, improving reporting accuracy, or driving better cash flow management.

Gary holds an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University and a BBA in Economics from the University of Georgia. With a reputation for being the "fixer," he’s our go-to resource when organizations need practical, efficient solutions that deliver results.

Industry & Sector Expertise

  • Financial Services

  • Technology

  • Energy

  • Real Estate & Property Management

  • Education

  • Hospitality

  • Logistics

Education

MBA, Finance
Georgia State University

BBA, Economics
University of Georgia

Professional Experience

Fractional CFO & Advisor for Select Clients
2024 - Present | Remote

Gary provides fractional CFO and advisory services to a select group of clients, leveraging his extensive experience to drive operational improvements, strategic initiatives, and financial efficiencies. His flexible and tailored approach helps businesses navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

Interim CFO/Consultant – Consulting & Accounting Solutions | CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
2022 – 2024 | Atlanta, GA

Gary led various consulting engagements, including interim CFO/Controller roles, cash flow management, Concur implementation, and treasury functions. His work spans industries such as renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, and technology.

Controller | Cognia, Inc.
2020 – 2022 | Alpharetta, GA

At this $120M multinational education and accreditation organization, Gary oversaw all financial functions, including general ledger accounting, accounts payable/receivable, treasury, payroll, and audit. He managed a team of 15, reduced the month-end close process by two days, improved financial report delivery with Tableau, and implemented an automated billing process for over 20,000 global invoices.

CFO / Controller | JOYN Inc.
2007 – 2020 | Atlanta, GA

Gary directed the full accounting operations of this financial services firm, driving a 500% profit increase through enhanced budgeting and financial reporting systems. He also implemented internal controls that reduced the month-end close time by a week and a payroll system that decreased errors by 80%.

Manager, Financial Controls & Analysis, Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance | Mirant Corporation
2006 – 2007 | Atlanta, GA

In his role at this $3B energy company, Gary managed financial controls and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, saving over 500 hours and $75k per month by re-engineering SOX testing and improving Oracle Financial reports, which led to the recovery of almost $500k from duplicate payments.

Finance Manager – Rates & Regulatory Analysis | Atlanta Gas Light Company
2003 – 2006 | Atlanta, GA

Gary was responsible for the financial preparation and analysis of regulatory rate cases across multiple states. He ensured accurate cost of capital calculations and prepared pro-forma financial statements that were essential for future revenue projections and rate determinations by regulatory agencies.

Accounting Manager, Central Shared Services Accounting Department | InterContinental Hotels Group
2001 – 2003 | Atlanta, GA

At this global hospitality company, Gary managed corporate accounting for company overheads, streamlined balance sheet reconciliation by 30%, and led a five-member team through a successful re-engineering process.

Additional Relevant Experience

Chief Financial Officer | RE/MAX of Georgia, Inc.

Regional Finance Director | Cendant/Apollo/Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corp.

Senior Financial Analyst | GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Staff Accountant | IBM