Janet Henry is a dynamic and results-driven accounting and finance executive with over 20 years of experience across a wide range of industries, including insurance, education, and manufacturing. She has consistently demonstrated a proactive approach to financial management, process improvement, and strategic leadership, making her a key asset to any organization. Janet’s expertise spans across financial analysis, budgeting, reporting, and risk mitigation, with a special focus on leveraging system automation to drive efficiency and reduce costs.
Currently, Janet serves as the Sr. Accounting Services Manager at CRST The Transportation Solution, LLC, where she oversees critical areas of revenue assurance such as billing, cash application, customer collections, and credit maintenance. In this role, she has spearheaded process improvement initiatives that have had a significant impact on the organization’s financial health, including reducing past-due balances from $17 million to $8 million in 2023 and implementing advanced software solutions to streamline collections and cash applications. Her ability to realign team workflows and consolidate multiple systems into one has demonstrated her capacity for innovative problem-solving and leadership.
Before joining CRST, Janet held the position of Accounting Manager at United Life Insurance Company, where she was responsible for managing both operational and financial reporting teams. She played a pivotal role in improving processes, creating new metrics (KPIs), and ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting. She also worked closely with the President and CFO to analyze and communicate financial results and to coordinate annual budget processes. Her work with auditors and on compliance initiatives further underscores her broad knowledge of regulatory environments and financial controls.
Janet’s earlier career includes her time as a Senior Financial Analyst at United Fire Group, where she honed her skills in financial statement preparation, regulatory reporting, and internal management reporting. She also assisted with SEC reporting and audits, always seeking areas for improvement and cost-saving opportunities. Additionally, she served as an Adjunct Accounting Professor at Kirkwood Community College for five years, where she taught both Financial and Managerial Accounting. This experience not only allowed Janet to develop her skills as a mentor and teacher but also provided her with the ability to adapt her communication style to diverse audiences—whether they be students, professionals, or corporate stakeholders.
One of Janet’s most notable roles was at Transamerica, where she served in various capacities, including as a Lead Accountant. During her tenure, she led numerous process improvement initiatives that resulted in significant cost savings for the company. Her work in financial analysis, budget preparation, and strategic presentations to senior management helped drive key decisions. Janet also played a crucial role in consolidating multiple entities within Transamerica, adapting workflows, and ensuring smooth financial transitions during mergers.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Janet is deeply committed to community service and youth education. She currently chairs the Audit Committee for the Cedar Rapids Community School District and is involved in the Grant Committee for Great Cedar Rapids. Her passion for empowering future generations is evident through her involvement in initiatives aimed at helping students become “future-ready.” Janet’s personal mission, “Making Tomorrow Better,” reflects her dedication to continuous improvement, whether in business, education, or community service.
Additionally, Janet’s past service on the Global Board of the Institute of Management Accountants as Audit Committee Chair demonstrates her global perspective and understanding of financial best practices on a broader scale. She is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Cedar Rapids, further extending her network and engagement with the local community.
As she transitions into the next phase of her career, Janet is actively seeking board opportunities where she can leverage her extensive experience in accounting, finance, and strategic leadership. Her ability to bridge the gap between financial processes and business objectives makes her a valuable asset to any organization looking to drive growth, efficiency, and sustainability. With her children grown and more time to dedicate to her passions, Janet is eager to contribute her financial acumen and leadership to help organizations achieve their long-term goals.
In summary, Janet Henry is a seasoned financial professional with a proven track record of success in improving financial processes, reducing costs, and driving business growth. Her leadership skills, coupled with her passion for education and community involvement, make her an ideal candidate for organizations seeking a strategic and experienced financial leader.
- Character: Janet Henry is a dedicated and proactive leader, driven by a personal mission to improve processes and help others through her financial expertise and community involvement.
- Knowledge: With over 20 years of experience, Janet brings deep expertise in financial analysis, accounting, process improvement, and system automation across various industries, including insurance and education.
- Strategic: Janet excels in aligning financial processes with business goals, reducing costs, mitigating risks, and leading initiatives that drive efficiency and long-term organizational growth.
- Communication: Janet is a skilled communicator, adapting her style to diverse audiences, whether teaching, mentoring, or presenting complex financial data to senior management and board members.