Sarah Milz is Vice President of Finance and Administration at HigherEchelon, Inc. and brings over 20 years of financial management experience to the team. Sarah provides accounting and financial support to all areas of the business. Since joining HigherEchelon in 2019, Sarah has worked with senior management to improve a budget and planning design focused on providing financial information and analysis needed for business growth decisions. She and her team have created value-added tools that allow for expanded financial control over company projects. Sarah also works directly with business development and the proposal team to develop pricing strategies for contract opportunities.
Sarah believes that providing executive leadership with comprehensive financial information is a key component that drives every business decision. Working in such a trusted profession and being able to help achieve the organization’s vision by participating in the decision-making process creates a sense of pride for the service she is providing.
Sarah began her career in 2001 working in public accounting, providing clients financial reporting, consulting, audit, tax, and payroll support. She was inspired by leadership’s focus on honesty and integrity at every level of the firm. This motivated Sarah to co-found a CPA practice in 2009, making that same level of service available in her hometown. Her practice focused on financial reporting and compliance, tax law, business policies and procedures, budgeting, and internal controls. Working as a CPA managing multiple offices with over 1,000 clients, Sarah developed a clear understanding of GAAP and IRS regulations while continuing to develop her ability to lead and manage a business and a team.
In 2015, Sarah had the opportunity to sell her practice and continue developing her career in the government contract industry. She took a position where she was responsible for the management and coordination of a multimillion-dollar employee stock ownership plan transaction. She also provided leadership in project control, contract management, process change, and pricing strategy. Sarah acquired a good understanding of the FAR giving her the knowledge to maintain compliance with DCAA and DCMA regulations. In this position she worked directly with the Integrated Business Development Team who evaluated every opportunity from capture to contract award allowing her to gain a good understanding of the government market and the proposal process.
Sarah has her designation as a certified public accountant in Alabama and Tennessee. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Alabama and Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants and the National Contract Management Association.