Robert Z.

Baker

Mobile: 949.500.4698
rzbaker777@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/robertzbaker

Mission Viejo, CA 92692

SENIOR FINANCE EXECUTIVE: INSURANCE / FINANCIAL SERVICES

Distribution Expertise | Analytics | Forecasting | Strategic Planning | Internal Controls

More than 15 years of corporate finance experience as Sr. VP, AVP, and Controller with a
background in Sales, Marketing, Pricing, Reserving, Underwriting, Operations, Corporate Relations
and Human Resources. Known for providing dynamic strategic, financial and operating leadership.
Bottom-line, results-driven orientation with consistent success in analytics, problem solving,
maximizing operations, expanding market penetration, and improving bottom line profitability.
Financial Analysis & Forecasting
Client Relationship Management
Budgeting & Cost / Benefit Analysis
Sales & Distribution Partnership
Team Building & Team Leadership
Productivity & Efficiency Improvement
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
FARMERS INSURANCE, Woodland Hills, CA

2015 2016

Director Finance, Field Operations

Key contributor in creating the Market Operating Team concept, leading the transition away from a
silo-based Distribution and Product organization for the $14 billion Personal Lines division of
Farmers.
Built and automated key premium variance analysis reports and financial dashboards that
enabled Distribution and Product teams to quickly identify and understand key drivers of
results.
Improved the monthly forecast accuracy and annual plan process for the Exclusive Agent
channel in Personal Lines.
Led the Distribution Business Intelligence team that produced predictive analysis and what-if
scenarios for key growth and profit business strategies.
Redesigned and implemented new IT expense allocation process for the business units.
QBE INSURANCE, Irvine, CA
Formerly Balboa Insurance, owned by Countrywide then Bank of America

2007 2015

AVP, Financial Planning & Analysis

2011 2015
Tapped to lead the team that created, distributed and communicated monthly reports and analytics
for the executive management team.
Significantly improved the financial reporting process by designing and providing KPI
dashboards that identified the key drivers of operations and enabling more effective
management, decision-making and timely execution.
Improved efficiency, accuracy and consistency of the North American financial reporting
structure by creating an executive financial summary template utilized by each of the separate
business units.
Achieved 100% success rate leading a transition team responsible for training finance and
accounting functions to the offshore team in Manila (5 week assignment in Manila).
Consolidated the planning and forecasting efforts from five individual business units and
provided financial insights to the CFO and CEO to achieve strategic goals.
SVP, Finance

2007 2011

Robert Z. Baker

Mobile: 949.500.4698

rzbaker777@gmail.com

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Charged with directing the forecasting and planning, management reporting, and strategic support to
the $2 billion insurance business units for Countrywide and Bank of America.
Designed key driver variance tools and weekly / monthly reports to support appropriate ongoing strategies and tactics.
Recognized for initiative and promoted into a position of expanded responsibility leading the
finance teams for the Lender-Placed Insurance segment, the Financial Protection Services
segment (Charlotte), in addition to Personal Lines segment.
Established and nurtured relationships with executives to develop employee and sales
compensation programs and enhance decision-making processes achieving targeted
business results.
Led, directed and developed team of 35 finance employees located in California, Washington,
Arizona, Texas and North Carolina.
ALLSTATE INSURANCE, Rancho Cordova, CA

1996 - 2007

Regional Controller, CA Region

Financial accountability, strategy, governance and oversight for the nations largest regional office,
the CA Region with $3.5 billion in annual P&C premium.
The last 6 consecutive years was ranked in top 3 of the 14 regional Controllers in Allstates
Relative Performance Ranking.
Financial lead and consultant to the senior leadership team, including the Field VP, Regional
Distribution Leader, Marketing Director, Claim Field Director, Product Manager and Financial
Services Manager.
Assembled and distributed reports, scorecards and analysis for 1,500 exclusive agencies
(Allstate captive channel), direct channel (internet, call center) and 100 exclusive financial
specialists (life, annuity, investments).
Partnered effectively with Claims, Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Product
Management divisions in the regional office, also the Pricing, Reserving and State Manger in
the Home Office.
Led the planning and forecast process, including quarterly forecasts, annual budgets and the
3-5 year strategic plans.
Regularly presented financial results and projections to employees, agents, sales managers
and senior leadership, including the president of Allstate.
Managed department of 40 finance and accounting employees and consistently had among
the highest employee satisfaction results in the country.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
ALLSTATE INSURANCE
Senior Finance Manager
Developed and implemented countrywide Financial Division assessment scorecard.
Finance Division Manager
Identified as top talent and placed in Management Development Program.
Claim Representative
Recognized with first Chairmans Award in CA for superior cost control and customer service results.

Robert Z. Baker

Mobile: 949.500.4698

rzbaker777@gmail.com

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Finance, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

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