Areas of Expertise
Financial Planning & Analysis
Provides a bridge across Finance and the Business operators to understand operational needs and financial impacts; creating budgets, forecasts, KPI reports, and dashboards that drive accountability and results.
Strategy & Collaboration
Strategic thinker who can see the big picture, collaborate, and connect the dots to solve problems.
Scenario Analysis & Modeling
Able to dig into data and provide value with clear, concise, and actionable recommendations.
BEFORE GROWTH OPERATORS
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Independent Contractor
- VP Finance
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CSM Corporation
- VP FP&A
-
Christopher & Banks
- CFO
-
Business Intelligence Manager
- LEGO Group
-
Finance Manager
- PetSmart
ALMA MATER
-
Arizona State University
- Master of Business Administration
-
Marquette University
- BS Civil & Environmental Engineering
Something You Should Know
Before transitioning into Finance, I was a Civil Engineer. I love the collaboration and teamwork required to build something from nothing. As a Finance leader, I use the critical thinking and problem-solving skills I honed as an engineer every day, and I am grateful for my early years in engineering.
Kara Johnson is a strategic finance executive with more than 15 years of experience leading Financial Planning & Analysis across retail, e-commerce, real estate, and hospitality organizations. As a Director in Growth Operators’ Finance Practice, she partners with clients to translate complex financial data into clear insights, align financial strategy with business objectives, and drive operational excellence.
Kara is known for her ability to bridge finance and operations—working cross-functionally to build budgets, forecasts, and performance reporting that improve accountability and decision-making. She brings a balanced approach that blends strategic leadership with hands-on expertise in financial modeling, scenario analysis, and performance management, helping organizations navigate change and scale with confidence.
STRENGTHS
- Critical Thinking
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Problem Solver
- Strategic Business Partner
- Strong Analytical Skills
I’m driven by helping leaders navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Growth Operators gives me the opportunity to work across industries, collaborate with talented teams, and deliver practical insights that help businesses perform and grow.
