What made you interested in accounting?
My grandfather and several Uncles owned small businesses when I was growing up. During family visits, we had the opportunity to work in their stores. I always gravitated to working with the bookkeepers at my grandfather’s business. Prior to college, I didn’t have a specific degree in mind but gravitated towards architecture and business. I affirmed my desire to obtain a degree in Accounting during my freshman year of college.
What are the responsibilities of your job? And if someone had the goal of becoming a CFO in the future, what do you suggest they do now in high school or in college a couple years later?
In the role of CFO today, I lead the financial, reporting, administrative, and compliance aspects of the firm. This responsibility ranges from reviewing our quarterly financials prior to distribution to our Limited Partners, signing off on all tax filings for our Limited and General Partners, analyzing and recommending distributions to our GP team, running the annual review process including all Human Resource functions, along with interfacing with our outsourced legal team. It is also not uncommon to find me involved in ensuring that are firm wide events both internally and externally are executed and planned during the year.
During high school, it is important to focus on your studies as they will provide a stable foundation for college. Additionally, I would seek out opportunities that “develop and stretch” your skill set surrounding communication and teaming.
During the college years, aside from the course requirements, joining clubs that focus on leadership roles is a great way to fine tune communication. Applying for part time jobs on campus or in your college city that focus on accounting/finance will also give you early insight into the roles and career requirements. Lastly, seeking out summer internships is a great way to test the waters in different industries and functions.
What is the favorite part of your job?
Mentoring and developing employees and young professionals. The 12 years I spent at Enterprise Rent A Car provided me with an appreciation for my responsibility to develop those of worked for me and also worked with me. The experience you gain over the years in your role is critical to sharing with young professionals. The most rewarding part of my job today is providing a reference for someone who worked for me in the past and is excelling in their career.
What makes your work challenging?
The role of CFO in Venture Capital requires a high level of flexibility. The investment team role is to react and execute on a potential deal at a moment notice. My role interfaces and supports the investment team and hence, I have to be ready for last minute meetings, analysis, and input. I also need to be available for questions from our Limited Partners(outside investors) and from the founders/CFO of our portfolio company. All of these areas cannot be “planned” and require me to leverage my knowledge base and past experience to ensure I am supporting and responding in a thoughtful way.
How was your experience at Career Day at Aragon?
I really enjoyed my time at Aragon last week. The students had great questions and most seemed very engaged in the topic
