profile

John Levine has over twenty years experience in budgeting, planning and financial analysis in the higher education sector both in Australia and overseas.

He has an in-depth knowledge of tertiary education institutions, including strategic planning and management processes. He has worked on projects involving major change and innovative approaches to financial management.

Prior to establishing Elan J in 2006, John was Director of the Financial Management Resources Division at Monash University.

At Monash, he was instrumental in rolling out a new financial management approach which significantly improved the university’s financial planning and management processes. Over a 15 year period he also had specific responsibility for:

• The development and management of the university’s budget process
• University executive reporting
• Management accounting processes including costing and pricing
• University insurance services
• Central procurement services
• Student load planning and statistical analysis

origins of the name elan j

Many people have asked me where the name Elan comes from...

The word élan means vigorous spirit or enthusiasm. Élan originates from the middle French word 'eslan', meaning dash or rush as in 'a rush of troops'. Traced back to its beginnings in French, this word comes from the verb lancer, meaning 'to throw a lance'.

As élan came into use in the English language during the nineteenth century, it has become more associated with the spirit of dash, enthusiasm or flair.

I prefer the modern meaning of vigorous spirit and enthusiasm which more describes my approach to working with organisations.