What is your role in Finance?
I am a financial accountant in Financial Reporting. The main focus of our department is to create the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). My focus areas are new accounting standards and capital reporting, as well as pension and other post-employment benefits. I get really busy beginning of June with an early close of capital. As a team we prepare financial reports and notes for the Office of State Controller (OSC), provide support to the Office of State Auditors (OSA) and finish in December with the ACFR. During the remainder of the year, I work with campus departments on process improvements, quarterly financial reports and various other reports.
What did you do before you came to Finance?
My entry into government work was with the Town of Carrboro where I worked as a CPA for the town’s finance department. I then came to UNC-Chapel Hill via Accounting Services, where I was involved in the conversion from FRS to PeopleSoft and led the capital improvement and state funds team.
What is your favorite part of working in Finance?
My favorite parts are the people I am working with and that my work is very interesting. For example, Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB) change every year, and I research the latest changes to keep the University up to date. In addition, I love to see all the construction projects and work with Facilities Services and campus on accounting.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I like to take advantage of all the things Chapel Hill has to offer. This includes Playmakers performances, the hiking trails and Friends of the Library. I also enjoy board games and gardening.
What is something people probably wouldn’t know about you, or another fun item you’d like to share?
Until a few years ago I was afraid of public speaking or even just talking in groups. I joined the University’s Toastmasters Club shortly before the pandemic and that made all the difference. Another fun fact is that before I changed to accounting, I was a computer scientist and worked for IBM Research in Heidelberg. This is where I met my now husband, who took us from Germany to North Carolina.