Ara Zakarian

Ara Zakarian, CFA, CPA, is a seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), business transformation, and strategic finance across various sectors. Currently a Senior Director at Verizon since March 2016, Ara has played a key role in leading long-range planning for a Fortune 15 technology company, collaborating with multiple departments to enhance shareholder value. Previous positions include Manager of Finance at Tiffany & Company, where responsibility encompassed financial reporting and capital planning for the Northern America region, and Finance & Business Strategist at Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, managing a $2 billion budget. Ara's career also features roles in financial management at People Magazine, the New York Post, and The Deal. Educational qualifications include an MBA in Corporate Finance & Strategy from NYU Stern School of Business, a Certificate in Data Science from Harvard Extension School, and a BBA in Finance & Economics from Pace University.