Sarah Combs, Cpa
About Sarah Combs, Cpa
Sarah Combs is a Senior Director of Tech Ops Finance at Kite Pharma, where she has worked since 2024. She has extensive experience in finance and regulatory compliance, with a strong background in strategic initiatives and ERP implementation.
Work at Kite Pharma
Sarah Combs currently serves as the Senior Director of Tech Ops Finance at Kite Pharma, a position she has held since 2024. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing financial operations and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Prior to this, she worked as the Finance Director and Controller at Kite Pharma from 2020 to 2024, where she contributed to financial strategy and operational efficiency in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.
Education and Expertise
Sarah Combs earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a double major in Finance from the University of Kentucky, completing her studies from 1994 to 1998. She possesses demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance, particularly in SOX, and has extensive experience in ERP implementation, which enhances financial reporting and operational efficiency.
Background
Before joining Kite Pharma, Sarah Combs held various positions at Lexmark International, Inc. from 2004 to 2015, where she progressed through roles such as Cost Accountant, Senior Accounting Manager, and Worldwide Accounting Project Manager. She also worked at Intuit as the International Regional Controller from 2017 to 2020 and held the position of Controller, VP Finance & Administration at SmartAction from 2016 to 2017.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Sarah Combs has developed and enforced corporate-wide strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing business opportunities. She successfully led finance integration and revenue recognition processes for acquired software companies across multiple global locations, showcasing her ability to manage complex financial operations.
Professional Skills
Sarah Combs is recognized for her excellent communication skills, which facilitate collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and external partners across diverse cultures. Her background in finance and accounting, combined with her leadership experience, positions her as a valuable asset in the financial operations sector.