Financial
Strategist
specializing in nonprofit financial operations and management
Christian McAdams
I began my career in 2009 as a Finance Technician in the Marine Corps, and quickly became fascinated by the complex simplicity of financial management. From the start, I was an ambitious student of the industry. The math of “input equals output” was much less important to me than understanding “why?” My longing to always answer that one-word question became an ambition to understand the relationship between man and money—capital and community. It would be eight years before I pursued my undergrad in Finance and Economics, but that eight years of experience was a degree of its own.
Combining formal training with my technician experience and affection for the field deepened my curiosity and enthusiasm. The practicality of personal finance, entrepreneurship, and their effects on community economics sparked a new vision. I turned my sights to providing financial education.
In 2019, while working at a nonprofit banking institution, I began teaching personal finance classes. By the summer of 2020, my entrepreneurship and nonprofit finance journeys were fully underway. That fall, CDM Financial LLC was born. I was so passionate about the material that I spent two years teaching free classes and consulting for small businesses and nonprofit leaders who couldn't afford to pay me.
In 2022, through my nonprofit work, I began a new but long-awaited chapter of community economic development and Directorship. The lessons I’ve learned, and the relationships I’ve built have paved the way to specializing in nonprofit financial operations and management.
During this 14-year finance expedition, I’ve gained invaluable experiences across multiple financial fields and disciplines. I have practiced, managed, and consulted on bookkeeping, small business/nonprofit finance and operations, grant administration, contract management, and nonprofit governance.
I continue to serve as a nonprofit director, educator, and financial strategist. The struggles of finding, cultivating, and keeping nonprofit talent can create voids in organizations. I offer to fill those voids by making myself available for bookkeeping, training and consulting, keynote speaking, and nonprofit board positions.
I aim to use the experience I’ve gained to provide clarity, direction, and insight for your organization.
To schedule a free consultation, use the Get in Touch link in the menu.
Experience
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14 Years
Responsible for recording, tracking, and organizing financial transactions. Maintained accurate records to make informed financial decisions and comply with legal requirements.
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2 Years
Tasked with guiding and managing the organization to achieve its mission. Exercised and honed skills in human resources, administration, fundraising, program development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Adhered to legal and ethical standards and a deep commitment to the organization's mission and values.
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2 Years
Guided the work of a nonprofit board of directors and committees. As Finance Committee Chair, oversaw the strategic direction and financial management of the organization. Ensured legal compliance, set policy, and provided direct support to the Executive Director.
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12 Years
Charged with aligning resources and systems to achieve goals. Restructured org charts, defined roles, established working relationships, and designed workflows. Assisted leaders in visualizing structures and defining reporting relationships.
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4 Years
Started, expanded, and managed businesses. Exercised and taught skills in entrepreneurship, financial management, marketing, and strategic planning. Identified opportunities, secured financing, hired employees, and scaled operations.
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3 Years
Responsible for overseeing grant funds and programs. Developed proposals, identified funding sources, managed applications, tracked progress, ensured compliance, submitted reports.
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4 Years
Created, executed, and monitored contracts between two or more parties. Conducted the “cradle-to-grave” contract process, including negotiation, drafting, review, and ongoing monitoring.
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6 Years
Responsible for managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the organization’s software, computer systems , and network infrastructure. Admin and expert in a wide range of hosting, CRM, ERP, project management, and financial management platforms, including Google Workspace, Microsoft products, iSoved (ProService), Quickbooks, Xero, Square, SquareSpace, Give Butter, Trello, Monday, Asana, Salesforce, and CharityEngine.
Education
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Federal Acquisition Regulation Bootcamp- 2015
Certificate: Essentials of Government Contract Management (Villanova University) - 2015
Certificate: Fundamentals of Cost/Price Analysis (George Mason University) - 2016
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• Certified Financial Education Instructor (National Financial Educators Council) – 2021
• Certified Financial Education Trainer: Building Native Communities (Oweesta Corporation) - 2023
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Bachelors of Science in Business Administration: Finance and Economics (Hawaii Pacific University) - 2021
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Bachelors of Science in Business Administration: Finance and Economics (Hawaii Pacific University) - 2021
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Certificate: Financial Success For Nonprofits (Cornell University) - 2023
Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (BDO Alliance USA) - In progress [2024]
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Quickbooks ProAdvisor - Silver Tier
Upcoming events
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Rural Small Business Development Program
Courses Begin January 8, 2024
One-on-One Coaching - sessions are conducted to support participants. Topics include servant/leadership characteristics and impactful followership.
Build Business Soft Skills – learn more about effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and other skills that are essential in a business or professional setting.
Develop Business Foundation Documents – each participant will develop a business plan, set up fiscal processes and create human resource and payroll processes (if applicable).