Bridgett Olson
Livingston
Summary
Results-driven finance leader with a proven track record at Montana State University, extensive experience overseeing cash flow, capital strategy, and financial operations across complex organizations. Trusted by leadership for sound judgment, disciplined execution, and decisive financial guidance. Energetic, highly accountable, and motivated to drive performance, protect liquidity, and support sustainable growth in a project-driven environment.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Manager
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT
08.2021 - Current
- Manage daily and weekly cash positioning for Montana State University across four campuses, ensuring sufficient liquidity for operations and biweekly payroll for 6,000+ employees, while overseeing $150–$200M in cash and executing daily investment and divestment decisions totaling $10–$20M.
- Prepare and review financial statements for Montana State University’s multi-campus system, ensuring accuracy and compliance while serving as a key financial authority relied upon for final decisions
- Oversee issuance and management of university bonds totaling $150-$200M with annual debt service of $15–$20M, preparing analyses and participating directly in bond structuring, underwriting, and execution, serving as the definitive financial authority for leadership decisions
- Oversee accounting and reporting of $8M+ in MSU Foundation-managed endowments, ensuring accurate financial recognition and providing leadership with trusted analyses they rely on for financial and operational decisions
- Oversee Montana State University’s intercap loans, preparing analyses and reporting that leadership relies upon to make final decisions regarding loan utilization, repayment, and financing strategy
- Manage a team of 6 employees performing accounting operations such as incoming payments, plant fund transfers, and P-Card management, providing direction and oversight while personally overseeing strategic financial management for systemwide operations
- Implement cross-departmental process improvements that streamline workflows, increase operational efficiency, and enhance accuracy for financial transactions affecting 6,000+ employees and multiple campuses
- Work directly with external auditors to provide comprehensive financial data and oversight for Montana State University’s multi-campus system, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and leadership trust in audited financial statements
- Direct the year-end close process, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting for all campuses, with leadership relying on final results to guide key decisions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT08-2021
Skills
Cash Flow & Working Capital Management
Project-Oriented Financial Oversight
Capital & Financing Strategy
Debt & Bond Management
Cash Forecasting in Variable Environments
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Financial Reporting & Controls
Audit & Compliance Oversight
Executive Advisory & Decision Support
Cross-Functional Leadership
Process Optimization
Timeline
Financial Manager
Montana State University
08.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Montana State University