We continue in this episode with Part 2 of Bernadetteβs interview with Heather Krupa, Vice President, Controller at EPCOR. If you missed Part 1, click this video link to watch: https://youtu.be/vZ_HhRIbicI
I believe Sebastian makes his appearance today!
When asked about advice for staff and senior-level accountants looking to get promoted, Heather emphasized the importance of proactivity and self-improvement. She shared a valuable perspective:
“Do the job at the level that you want. Similar to where we say, like dress for the position you want. Right. How, you know, work at the level that you want to be promoted to. But it doesn’t mean arrogantly, and it doesn’t mean clawing up the ladder either.”
Heather stressed the importance of self-reflection and seeking feedback:
“Humbly look at what you can do better. What can you change? What are you currently working on? What have you gotten review comments on consistently? How can you show that, okay, I’ve learned from that I’m coachable.”
She also emphasized taking ownership of your career path:
“You control your own career. That I will 100% say, no matter where you’re at from a staff to even myself as a VP and controller, I own my career. And so, with that, it’s on me to ask for guidance, ask for feedback, find the things that I’m not strong in and get additional help for those.”
Balancing Work and Motherhood:
As a mother of four children, Heather offered candid advice for working moms in the accounting field. She emphasized the importance of letting go of perfection:
“You won’t do everything perfect. You just got to get rid of perfection. It’s not going to happen.”
Heather shared her strategy for maintaining work-life balance:
“My mornings are for my kids. I wake up a little bit earlier so that I can have a little bit of my own self-time. My mornings are for the kids. We get them off to school. I get to work. When I’m at work, I’m there for work, right? So, I’m there for my team. I help my team in any way that they need to be successful. And then I have always made it to where I do bedtime.”
She also stressed the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing family time:
“If you draw a line, and you clearly define expectations, and you clearly define what you are willing to do, surprisingly, it’s well received. I think that’s the biggest thing for working moms.” And for everyone!
Heather shared a poignant reminder about the fleeting nature of time with children:
“The days are long, but the years are short. And it’s so true. I mean, I look back now she’s 7 and a half and I don’t know where the time went.”
Final Words of Wisdom:
“We feel like we have to justify everything or tell everybody our life stories. You can just say you’re out of the office that day. It’s okay.”
“You gotta do what helps you and your family first and foremost.”
πΌπ½πππ ππππ©πππ§ ππ§πͺπ₯π: Heather is Vice President, Controller at EPCOR, bringing over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance. She holds a bachelorβs degree in accounting from DePaul University and is a licensed CPA. Heatherβs career includes leadership roles at Embark, SimonMed Imaging, Global Water Resources, FTD Companies, and Richardson Electronics. She began her journey at Ernst & Young as an auditor, gaining strong expertise in GAAP, SEC reporting, and financial strategy.
Heather has achieved career success while balancing a personal life and being a dedicated working mom. For her full profile go to: https://linkedin.com/in/heather-krupa-cpa-a53b9216
πΌπ½πππ π½ππ§π£ππππ©π©π ππ§ππ©π©ππ£: Bernadette is the Founder and Accounting & Finance Recruiting Director of The Resource Link, Inc., a specialty search firm she started in 2002. Bernadette takes a personalized approach to understanding the hiring manager and job seeker’s needs. This enables her to make long-term placements in accounting, finance, and executive roles. The Resource Link distinguishes itself through high-touch customer service, candid insights, and ensuring an excellent match by connecting top talent with companies aligned with their career passions.
If you are looking to hire or considering what is next, learn more at theresourcelink.com or https://linkedin.com/in/bernadettegrattan
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