January 2019 Member Spotlight - Ryan Rawls

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Company:  Cushman & Wakefield  

Title:  Managing Director – Financial Analysis & Advisory
 
Length of FEI membership:  New Member
 
Work email:  [email protected]
 
Work phone number:  (813) 424-3219
 
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today. 
In my current role, I oversee Cushman & Wakefield’s Financial Analysis & Advisory Practice. The practice provides comprehensive financial modeling, technical accounting and financial advisory for complex real estate transactions, including major leases and subleases, multi-location consolidations, building purchases and sales.
 
Before joining Cushman & Wakefield, I was a transaction manager at Savills Studley, where I represented corporate clients with real estate requirements in multiple markets across the United States and provided financial assessments that shaped portfolio and transaction decisions. I’ve also served as senior financial analyst at Jones Lang LaSalle. And before entering the real estate industry, I spent three years as a senior financial auditor with Ernst & Young.
 
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Finance, with a minor in Economics from the University of Florida and my Master's degree in Accounting from the University of Virginia. I’m also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Master of Corporate Real Estate (MCR), CoreNet.
 
What is one piece of information you wish someone had told you when you first started your finance career?
Transaction experience, problem solving and relationship building opportunities far outweigh monetary compensation early on in your career.  
 
Do you think it takes a certain kind of personality to thrive in finance? What traits are most important?
The ability to practically apply financial theory to meet the specific needs of your company or organization. Dedication to continued education and new experiences. Hard work and meticulousness to perform the appropriate level of due diligence. And a humbleness to bring in subject matter experts as needed.
 
How did you discover your passion for finance?
My initial love for math led me to my love of finance.
 
What do you love most about working as a financial executive?
Decision-making aligned with organizational goals and solutions designed to meet financial targets.