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Christopher Schellhorn
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Professional Background
Christopher Schellhorn is an accomplished executive leader with over three decades of experience in managing technology-driven businesses and startups, primarily in the financial services and accounting sectors. Currently, he holds the prestigious positions of Chairman, CEO, and President of Capital Confirmation, Inc., where he has taken the company from its inception to its status as the world’s leading provider of electronic audit confirmation services. Under his visionary leadership, Confirmation.com has grown exponentially, processing over a trillion dollars annually and conducting audit confirmations for a myriad of entities, including major public companies, private organizations, non-profits, and government agencies. Notably, the service boasts usage by all of the Top 10 Banks, along with more than 60,000 accountants across over 100 countries.
Christopher's innovative approach not only propelled the company's growth but also played a crucial role in identifying fraudulent activities within corporations. One notable instance includes the detection of the Peregrine Financial Group fraud, involving the embezzlement of over $200 million by the CEO. This achievement underscores his commitment to enhancing data integrity and safeguarding financial transactions.
Beyond audit confirmations, Christopher has strategically expanded the company’s product offerings, introducing a diverse range of confirmation services tailored to meet the evolving needs of auditors, financial institutions, and corporations.
Education and Achievements
Christopher's educational background has been instrumental in shaping his professional acumen. He studied for his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the esteemed Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester, where he honed his leadership and strategic management skills. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the College of the Holy Cross, providing him with a robust foundation in analytical thinking and economic principles, which is essential for navigating the complexities of the financial industry.
Throughout his career, Christopher has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding contributions to the field of accounting software and technology. Capital Confirmation has achieved remarkable recognition, being ranked #96 and #169 on the prestigious Inc. 500 list, a testament to its rapid growth and sustainability. The company has also received several prominent awards including the Top New Audit Product, the Tax & Accounting Innovation Award, the Readers’ Choice Award, and the coveted 2012 Best New Audit Software award. These recognitions highlight his commitment to excellence and innovation in the accounting and technology sectors.
Christopher’s dedication to providing quality audit services has earned him the Quality Award for Best Audit Service, among many other honors, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the accounting technology space.
Leadership Roles
In addition to his current role at Confirmation, Christopher has held several prestigious positions throughout his career, showcasing his expertise in operational management and strategic growth. He was formerly the Managing Director at Integrion Financial Network, where he played a pivotal role in driving business strategy and operational excellence. Prior to that, he served as President and CEO of Visa Interactive, where he was instrumental in advancing the company’s online payment services.
His extensive leadership experience also includes serving as the General Manager and President of U.S. Operations at International Verifact, where he successfully led significant operational initiatives and contributed to the firm’s growth trajectory. Christopher's career is characterized by a commitment to innovation and a desire to empower businesses through technology.
Christopher has also served on numerous boards of both public and private companies, contributing his wealth of knowledge and experience to guide organizations in making strategic decisions that foster growth and sustainability.
Personal Attributes and Vision
Christopher Schellhorn is not only a leader in technology and finance but also a visionary who believes in the power of innovation to transform the accounting industry. He has a proven track record of harnessing technology to deliver solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial processes. His focus on transparency and integrity in auditing aligns with the global push for better governance and ethical practices in business.
Through his efforts, he has created a work environment that fosters innovation and encourages team members to strive for excellence. His leadership style is collaborative, empowering his teams to take initiative and contribute to the company’s mission of revolutionizing audit confirmations.
As he continues to lead Confirmation into the future, Christopher remains dedicated to expanding the horizon for audit confirmation services and setting new benchmarks for the accounting sector. His aim is to leverage emerging technologies to further enhance the capabilities of Confirmation.com and maintain its position as a global leader in audit solutions. This commitment to excellence and forward-thinking approach will undoubtedly pave the way for future innovations in the industry.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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