Cathey Lowe is a financial professional providing consulting services for businesses that don’t need a full-time Chief Financial Officer. With a CPA and an MBA, she brings financial expertise to businesses on a part-time or interim basis.

Much of her career was with Fortune 500 Companies where she learned best practices of high-performing finance organizations. Today she helps identify which of those practices can be applied to smaller businesses in a cost-effective manner. She helps companies focus on financial decisions that can make the most impact on their businesses.

Additionally, she has extensive experience as a Board Director of public, private, and non-profit companies. Her leadership roles have included Board Chair, Chair of Audit and Risk Committees, and Lead Investment Director. She has also served as a member of various other committees including Compensation, Nominating and Governance, Finance, and Related Party Transactions.

Services Provided

  • Financial Analysis – Conduct monthly or quarterly review of financial statements to help management understand their meaning, and how to use them to manage their business. Help businesses appreciate the differences between Profit & Loss and Cash Flow, and the importance of each.
  • Business Modeling – Create financial models to show future earnings growth and identify financial sensitivities.
  • Planning – Prepare budgets, forecasts or long-range plans to support strategic business decisions.
  • Business Strategy – Provide a financial perspective to evaluate business decisions. Help businesses understand which components of their business
    • contribute the most to future profitability.
  • Forensic Accounting – Analyze, reconcile, identify, and correct any accounting issues that have been identified.
  • Process Redesign – Evaluate current processes and procedures to identify ways to improve controls and make business operations more efficient.

    • Previous Experience

    Senior Vice President, Finance – The Ryland Group (7 years)

    Corporate Treasurer
    Provided financial discipline for the national real estate, construction, and financial services company during a period of rapid growth. Arranged and negotiated several syndicated bank credit facilities, long-term bond issuances, letters of credit facilities and surety bond programs. Managed the banking relationships to ensure adequate capital availability, managed all covenant compliances and provided treasury and cash management services.

    Investor Relations Officer
    Represented the public company with the Wall Street analysts, shareholders, bond holders, and the rating agencies. Communicated strategy of the company and helped investors understand the operations of the business, and how Ryland differentiated itself in the industry.

    Land Acquisitions Manager
    Performed financial reviews of land purchases with the Division Presidents to ensure that sound decisions were being made, and that capital was being optimized over the 27 markets. Worked as an agent for the operations groups to help them get their projects approved.

    Treasury and Accounting Manager-Atlantic Richfield Company (22 years)

    Cash Manager
    Managed all banking and cash management activities for the global company including bank relationships, cash forecasting, cash management products and foreign exchange. Negotiated complex financing agreements for major joint ventures. Participated in start-up operations in Russia, China, The Netherlands, Venezuela, Canada, Mexico, and others.

    Retail Accounting Manager
    Managed the accounting organization that supported the 3,000 retail stores and 2 refineries. Provided financial reporting, internal control, budgeting, audit coordination, GAAP compliance, and information technology.

    Crude Oil Trading Accounting Manager
    Provided business and financial support to the Crude Oil Trading group including accounting, internal control, and performance reporting.

    Acquisitions Business Consultant
    Conducted due diligence efforts, prepared offers for acquisitions, and managed integrations.

    Various Accounting and Finance positions
    Worked in multiple accounting and management positions in the oil and gas exploration, and development subsidiary with experience in financial reporting, performance analysis, budgeting, planning, accounting, internal control, audit coordination, GAAP compliance, information technology, and tax reporting.

    Education and Professional Certifcations

  • UCLA – MBA, Finance
  • University of Texas at Dallas – MS, Organizational Behavior
  • University of Houston – BBA, Accounting
  • CPA – State of Texas, retired
  • National Association of Corporate Directors – Leadership Fellow
  • Carnegie Mellon/NACD – Certificate of Cyber Security Oversight

    • Current Boards

    Kiavi

    A technology focused private company providing services to real estate investors through bridge loans, mortgages, and data analysis. Lead Individual Director and Chair of Audit & Risk Committee.

    STARRY

    A non-profit organization focused on family preservation across the state through counseling, family support, and education. Board Chair in 2024.

    Previous Boards

    The New Home Company

    A publicly traded homebuilder listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Current Independent Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee, and member of the Compensation Committee.

    Texas Network of Youth Services

    A non-profit organization providing services to runaway and homeless youth. Served on the Board for 8 years as the Treasurer and Member of the Executive Committee.

    Texas Women in Business

    A non-profit organization supporting women as entrepreneurs and business executives. Served on the Board for 2 years as the Treasurer and Member of the Executive Committee.

    National Association of Corporate Treasurers

    A non-profit organization of Corporate Treasurers who provided education and mentoring. Served on the Board for 3 years.

    Contact Me

    If you would like to contact me regarding any financial services consulting, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.