{"id":78,"date":"2025-12-18T21:21:55","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T21:21:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nick-eilers.duckdns.org\/?page_id=78"},"modified":"2026-02-04T22:45:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T22:45:10","slug":"portfolio","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nicholaseilers.com\/?page_id=78","title":{"rendered":"Portfolio"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Special Projects<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">Nicholas Eilers | (920) 941-0422 | nickr.eilers@gmail.com<\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Automated Financial Reporting Suite<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">I led a comprehensive automation initiative to enhance the efficiency, reliability, adjustability, and scalability of Amcor\u2019s revenue breakout reporting process. The transformation involved several key improvements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Efficiency<\/strong>: The legacy system relied on 24 separate Access database files, each manually updated with annually maintained rules and occasional mid-year adjustments. I consolidated this process into a single, streamlined Excel VBA script that now handles all reporting types\u2014forecast, actuals, plan, and ad hoc\u2014significantly reducing manual effort and processing time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Reliability<\/strong>: The VBA script has operated flawlessly for over a year, because of a well-structured variable setup and consistent calculation logic. All reporting types share the same calculation framework, minimizing discrepancies and reducing the potential for user error through minimal required input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Adjustability<\/strong>: Centralizing the script and defining all variables at runtime allows for seamless updates. Any changes to calculations or variables automatically distribute across all reporting outputs, ensuring consistency and simplifying maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Expandability<\/strong>: Previously, adding new reporting elements required building and integrating additional databases\u2014an error-prone and time-consuming process. In the current system, new metrics can be introduced by defining just three variables. These plug directly into the existing framework, enabling rapid expansion without compromising reliability or structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16ac572f wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-25 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/nicholaseilers.com\/?page_id=188\">View More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Forecasted Income Statement<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">During my tenure at ThedaCare, I identified a significant gap in financial planning: while an Annual Plan was in place, there was no active forecasting process. Recognizing the strategic importance of forward-looking financial insights, I independently initiated and led a forecasting project. The final model achieved a variance of just 0.03% between the forecasted and actual monthly results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Data Extraction: <\/strong>Pulled two years of raw data, including all ledger accounts and reporting metrics, directly from ThedaCare\u2019s systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Metric Forecasting: <\/strong>Focused on forecasting operational reporting metrics due to their consistent monthly patterns. Financial metrics were deprioritized given the volatility introduced by COVID-19\u2019s impact on hospital operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Correlation Mapping: <\/strong>For each ledger account, I identified the reporting metric with the highest historical correlation. Using statistical methods (intercept, LINEST, average), I mapped each metric to a predictive line and extended it across a 12-month forecast horizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Manual Adjustments:<\/strong> Incorporated known future changes\u2014such as inflation rates or specific revenue\/expense events\u2014into the model to enhance accuracy. These adjustments were layered into the Income Statement as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Income Statement Forecasting: <\/strong>Compiled a dynamic visual Income Statement using a structured approach: Forecasted calculations, Percentage-based adjustments, Fixed manual adjustments.&nbsp; Each ledger account was configurable, allowing overrides of the default reporting metric. The final forecast balanced seasonality, historical averages, and metric-based projections.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Enterprise Power BI Rollout<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">I led the proposal, development, implementation, and training of Power BI within a small organization, transforming WOW Logistics\u2019 legacy reporting system\u2014which relied on monthly PDF reports compiled in Excel\u2014into a dynamic, data-driven platform. The deployment followed a structured, multi-phase approach:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Resource Assessment:&nbsp; <\/strong>Collaborated with the IT team to audit existing data sources updated on daily, weekly, and monthly cycles. Ensured all relevant data was accessible and optimized for external reporting via Power BI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prototype Development: <\/strong>During this phase, I familiarized myself with Power BI\u2019s capabilities and built a proof-of-concept report to demonstrate its potential and functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Needs Discovery:<\/strong> Conducted one-on-one meetings with Managers and Directors across departments to identify reporting needs, desired metrics, and opportunities for deeper data exploration. Gathered requests for new reports and features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Initial Report Creation &amp; Pilot Testing: <\/strong>Selected a pilot department to develop the first Power BI report. Worked closely with managers\/directors to tailor the report, manage access, and provide training. Collected feedback to refine usability and ensure alignment with departmental goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Full Rollout:<\/strong> Built the infrastructure and developed customized Power BI reports for all remaining departments, ensuring consistency, scalability, and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Showcase General BI Report: <\/strong>During a monthly company wide meeting I held with Management, I held a high-level overview of what Power BI reporting is, how to access their new reports, current state of reports and future state or reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Departmental Training:<\/strong>&nbsp; Facilitated hands-on training sessions with each department, showcasing their specific reports, answering questions, and gathering real-time feedback to improve adoption and effectiveness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Special Projects Nicholas Eilers | (920) 941-0422 | nickr.eilers@gmail.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-78","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nicholaseilers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/78","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nicholaseilers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nicholaseilers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nicholaseilers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nicholaseilers.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=78"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/nicholaseilers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/78\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":215,"href":"https:\/\/nicholaseilers.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/78\/revisions\/215"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nicholaseilers.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=78"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}