The number one struggle my clients face right now is staffing. I work a lot in the manufacturing industry, and I have clients that are regularly short 60-100 people in their manufacturing processes. They have orders in hand but not the staff to fulfill them. As a result, a lot of clients are looking into process automation and robotics to fill staffing shortages. From an audit perspective, it’s fascinating because we look at relationships analytically; we look at labor costs and we look at the cost to manufacture a product and how this evolution of adding more robotics is going to impact our clients. I really do think the future growth for my clients will include automating some of these processes just to combat staffing issues.
One of my more interesting clients imports fine linen from overseas, mainly Italy, and brings it back to the United States and uses it to produce sheets and bedding for high-dollar, high-net-worth customers. Over the years, I’ve watched them adapt as the retail landscape transformed from brick-and-mortar stores to an increasingly online presence. This client had to take many steps to retool their business model and pivot it to a digital market, including finding and identifying their online customers. It was fascinating and inspiring to watch them take that leap of faith and help them acclimate to a digital world.
People describe me as the calming force in the room. I am good at bringing down the tension and helping people find a solution and a path forward when the pressure is high. My definition of success is seeing the people around me succeed and become more empowered to make decisions. I always make myself available and find time to meet with people who are seeking my help. If I do my job right, I am developing people and empowering them to work to the best of their abilities.
My family has a different dynamic. I have two sons, and the younger one has special needs. To see my younger son succeed at things that the rest of us take for granted is something that makes me proud every time it happens. It gives such a special meaning to life’s mundane tasks.
My dad. He owned a small CPA firm and worked on the tax side. I started doing bookkeeping for him in the eighth grade, and he was so patient with me and helped me push myself to reach my highest potential. My dad taught me teamwork and empowerment and independence. Because of him, I found my niche in middle-market accounting.
I would tell them to dream big and trust the process. If there is something you want to achieve, put together a game plan and do it. However, remember that not everyone’s path is on a particular timeline and careers don’t always go from A to Z without a detour of some sort. A career isn’t a sprint, and there will be times when you have to pace yourself. Be flexible, roll with the punches and, most importantly, take care of yourself.
The relationships I build! I am very much a relationship person, and numbers are just one language that I speak. I love meeting clients and prospects and recruiting. The work itself is just part of the package.
