Title: Director
Company: CBIZ
Length of FEI sponsorship: Over a year
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today.
After earning my Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Accounting from the University of South Florida, I began my career in the accounting industry. Before my role at CBIZ, I gained over 25 years of industry experience, including eight years with a Big Four firm. I served in leadership roles in accounting, audit, and financial reporting for both publicly and privately held companies, most recently serving as the VP of Corporate Accounting for a large publicly-traded financial services company.
While I have external audit and SEC reporting experience, my last five years in the industry was in an internal accounting advisory role working on the adoption of new accounting pronouncements and the accounting implications of complex transactions. Becoming the Director in CBIZ’s local advisory practice was a natural transition for me. The CBIZ practice allows me to do the work that I really enjoy and it is right here in my own backyard.
What do you love most about working in the finance profession?
I love change and learning new things. The accounting industry lends wonderfully to both. Finding new ways to help meet my clients’ unique needs constantly keeps me on my toes. Being able to leverage my experience working on many types of transactions over the years has also been professionally rewarding.
Do you think it takes a certain kind of personality to thrive in your field? What traits are most important?
All types of personalities are able to find the “right place/fit” within the field. From my experience, being open to change and rolling with change has been most critical.
What is your best networking tip?
Stay in contact with past colleagues, friends and old neighbors. Don’t hesitate to reach out if it has been awhile. You will be surprised what may come of it. It is always a pleasant surprise to hear from someone that you have known for 20 years but haven’t seen in many, many years, but has an opportunity or need.
What are some activities you participate in to advance the profession or your career?
I have found it helpful to be involved with industry groups and related committees.
What are some of your personal hobbies outside of work?
In my free time, I enjoy biking, boating and reading.