ASHLEY AKIL
Summary
Enthusiastic and people-oriented leader with a unique ability to quickly grasp and master complex subject material. Possess strong diagnostic skills to effectively analyze data and identify process limitations. Collaborate with stakeholders to proactively resolve issues, ensuring both immediate and long-term resolutions.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager - Telecom Expense Management & Contracts
FedEx Express Corporation
Collierville, TN
02.2021 - Current
- Management of domestic enterprise-wide telecom expenses averaging $17M monthly/$200M annually
- In-depth analysis of telecom spend against existing carrier contracts; Identifying over $4M in savings during fiscal year 2024
- Manages end-to-end telecom invoice lifecycle, ensuring accurate billing and reconciliation
- Leverages automation to enhance process efficiencies in historically manual processes
- Negotiations with telecom vendors to ensure FedEx obtains the best rates to deliver IT's strategic vision
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and implement cost saving initiatives
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Develops and implements strategic roadmaps for both telecom expense management & telecom contracts
- Proven expertise in employee development and leadership, with experience managing teams ranging from 8 to13 team members
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
Strategic Network Planning
FedEx Services
10.2019 - 02.2021
- Responsible for the planning, implementation, and reporting of multiple complex networking initiatives
- Annually assessed and validated financial funding for scope of work in each project under management
- Collaborated with leadership to determine the best solutions for complex issues
- Used data analytics to forecasts and maintain appropriate amounts of hardware required for field upgrades
- Analyzed complex problems and stakeholder requirement to develop creative solutions
- Developed a resource planning module used by cross-functional teams
Operations Supervisor
Raymond James Financial
01.2012 - 10.2019
- Partnered with cross-site peers and managers to establish performance goals for entire department
- Planned, assigned, monitored, reviewed, evaluated, and led the work of direct reports
- Handled performance management including career development
- Interviewed and hired associates who possessed the core competencies of the position to strengthen the department and mitigate turnover
- Established internal and external partnership opportunities, through analysis of business needs and relationships that may enhance business success
- Interpreted and applied organizational policies and procedures
Employee Engagement Consultant
Raymond James Financial
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided strategic direction and planning for Operations-level, organization, and department specific employee engagement initiatives
- Collected and analyzed feedback, data and information to develop solution to specific problems
- Tracked and collected performance and status information to develop reports and planning resources for departments within Operations
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project scopes and objectives by gathering data by using a demonstrated understanding of operations, systems, and industry requirements
- Coordinated activities with other functional areas, and facilitated the implementation of cross-functional programs, models, and enhancements
- Assisted in planning, implementing, and communicating change initiatives
- Provided constructive feedback in high-stakes conversations
Reporting Specialist I & II
Raymond James Financial
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Developed content to bridge communication barriers between different working groups within the Cost Basis department
- Identified and implemented actions to correct coding weaknesses between operating systems
- Validated mass file transfers of reportable income to1099 vendor
- Provided input and assistance on process improvement efforts
- Facilitated administrative support to assign project management teams and assisted with technical and vendor support
- Led new hire training initiatives in person and virtually by creating training plans, developing procedures and coaching department trainers
- Served as subject-matter expert for complex skillsets including IRS regulations, corporate actions, and1099 reporting
Education
MBA - Business
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN12.2025
Bachelors - undefined
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN01.2012
Skills
- Financial Forecasting
- Negotiations
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Microsoft PowerBI
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Decision-making
- Data Analysis
- Time management
- Contract Management
- Team leadership
- Written & Verbal Communication
- Project Management
- Complex Problem-solving
Timeline
Manager - Telecom Expense Management & Contracts
FedEx Express Corporation
02.2021 - Current
Strategic Network Planning
FedEx Services
10.2019 - 02.2021
Employee Engagement Consultant
Raymond James Financial
01.2018 - 01.2019
Operations Supervisor
Raymond James Financial
01.2012 - 10.2019
Reporting Specialist I & II
Raymond James Financial
01.2012 - 01.2018
Bachelors - undefined
University of Memphis
MBA - Business
University of Memphis