LOS ANGELES – Oct. 30, 2017 – BlackLine,Inc. (Nasdaq: BL), a leading provider of financial controls and automation software solutions that enable Continuous Accounting, has appointed veteran Finance and Accounting (F&A) executive Tammy Coley as chief strategy officer. Formerly executive director, Enterprise Accounting and Internal Controls Governance at leading broadband communications company and long-time BlackLine customer Cox Communications, Ms. Coley brings deep industry and product experience to BlackLine.
Coley is a visionary accounting leader with a deep understanding of how accounting processes intersect with modern technology. In her new role, she will help direct BlackLine’s strategic vision as the financial automation software provider continues to help customers transform their F&A operations through the use of BlackLine’s cloud software tools. More importantly, Coley’s background as a customer herself ensures that, even as BlackLine continues to grow, the customer experience remains the company’s core focus.
“Tammy transformed the accounting department at Cox. She is a true innovator and mastermind who embraced and demanded change – which began with implementing leading practices in the accounting function – but that ultimately impacted the entire company. She did what so many others are aspiring to do,” Therese Tucker, CEO, BlackLine, said. “Tammy’s extensive accounting, finance and compliance expertise, coupled with her hands-on experience using our platform, will be invaluable in helping clients and prospects alike to maximize their potential using BlackLine.”
Coley joined Cox Communications in 2003 and, in her most recent position, was responsible for overseeing the accounting and internal controls governance functions across the organization. Implementing a Continuous Accounting model, Coley transformed the monthly accounting cycle generating more timely financial statements with greater consistency and accuracy, while reducing costs. During her tenure, Coley also led the initiative to shift Cox’s compliance function to an enterprise-wide internal controls governance function incorporating the 2013 updates to the COSO framework.
“I’ve worked closely with Therese and the BlackLine team for a long time now and am proud to join an organization with such strong leadership, innovative products and a customer-first culture,” Coley said. “In addition, I’ve seen first-hand the transformative benefits BlackLine can bring to Finance & Accounting. I see a tremendous opportunity to help spread that vision and share the benefits with other companies around the world.”
Prior to Cox, Coley began her career in public accounting with Ernst & Young. In 1991, she joined Sloan Financial Group as controller. During her 12 years at Sloan, Coley held progressive positions in several areas, including Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis, Human Resources and Information Technology. Coley earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an Accounting concentration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also is a Certified Public Accountant.
With the addition of Coley, 50 percent of BlackLine’s C-suite are women.
“On top of everything else, it feels great to be part of an organization that encourages diversity and is providing senior level opportunities to women,” Coley added.