Who is EssJay?
Hi, friends. I’m Sarah Patterson, thanks for visiting. I have been a Fractional CFO since 2011, and in that time I have worked with over 30 companies as a Fractional CFO with engagements lasting from 6 months to 8 years.
Prior to going out on my own, I worked in Boston’s financial industry in traditional Finance roles. I graduated with a B.S. in Finance from the University of Connecticut and became a Financial Analyst at Fidelity Investments. I then worked in private equity for a commercial real estate firm as an Asset Manager overseeing a portfolio of assets valued at over a billion dollars.
I now live in New York’s Hudson Valley with my husband and two young daughters and I enjoy hiking, biking, yoga, pilates, reading, and spending time with friends.
B.S., Finance, University of Connecticut
2001
Financial Analyst, Fidelity Investments
2001-2004
Asset Manager, TA Associates Realty
2004-2009
Fractional CFO, EssJay, Inc
2011- Present
The Color Commentary
I spent eight years in Boston’s financial industry, I jumped off the corporate cliff, I spent a year as a tango gypsy, and since 2011 I’ve been partnering with CEOs as a Fractional CFO.
2001: I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Finance. I started my career as a Financial Analyst for Fidelity Investments in Boston; this was a classic corporate finance role. I produced multi-dimensional financial reports, implemented activity-based costing, and worked on an M&A team in Paris.
2004: I jumped over to the commercial real estate investment world, working for TA Associates Realty. I started as a Valuation Analyst, appraising hundreds of commercial properties. I became an Asset Manager and held a fiduciary responsibility for a billion-dollar portfolio of assets in three U.S. markets.
2009: My career success came at a high price. I quit my job and set out to travel the world, following my passion for Argentine tango. After an epic journey that lasted a year and a half, I settled in Kingston, NY.
2011: I started EssJay, Inc. because I realized, after years languishing in corporate environments, that I have the restless gritty spirit of an entrepreneur. I wanted to use my Finance background in a way that would have real impact. Running a business takes stamina and resilience. It’s only possible with the right kind of financial leadership and partnership.
