In this edition of Beyond the Numbers, Bernadette Grattan, Founder & Recruiting Director at The Resource Link, is joined by Heather Lowe, CPA, Vice President of Accounting & Finance at BWH Hotels. With a unique career path that includes nearly a decade in the United Arab Emirates, Heather shares valuable insights about career development, international opportunities, and the enduring value of accounting expertise.
Looking back at her early career days, Heather emphasizes one crucial piece of advice: actively seek out mentorship opportunities. While she had informal mentors when starting out, she admits it wasn’t until about eight years into her career—when she reached Dubai—that she truly took control of her career direction.
“If I had it to do over again, I would lean into the opportunity to work with a mentor,” Heather reflects.
Although her career progressed well through circumstance—working at a growing company that provided plenty of opportunities to take on additional responsibilities—she notes that this was “more out of necessity than me really driving towards my interests.”
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Heather’s career is her decade-long stint in the UAE, split between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Surprisingly, this international move wasn’t part of a grand career strategy—it was an opportunity that presented itself during the 2008 financial crisis when she was transitioning from her role at Pulte, a national home builder.
“When I got the offer, it started to feel very real, and I just kind of went for it,” Heather shares. For someone who grew up in a small town in North Dakota, this was a significant leap outside her comfort zone. However, the transition proved smoother than expected, with English being the primary business language and a welcoming environment for international professionals.
The experience was transformative for her career. “I moved into a CFO role at a smaller company in my early 30s,” she notes. While admitting she wasn’t fully ready for the position, she credits her CEO as an amazing mentor who supported her growth on the job. The international experience provided unique challenges and opportunities, including managing a team with 20 different nationalities, which helped her develop versatile communication skills and cultural awareness.
When asked about her relationship with accounting, Heather’s enthusiasm is evident. “I’ve loved accounting since the first day of Accounting 101,” she shares, though her role has evolved beyond traditional accounting work. Today, she focuses more on using financial information to provide business advice and participate in strategic discussions.
The transferable nature of accounting skills has been particularly valuable in her career. “You can find very niche accounting and finance roles and stick to an industry, but it’s so transferable,” she explains. This versatility has allowed her to work across various industries and geographies while maintaining her effectiveness as a business partner and advisor.
For professionals looking to advance their careers, Heather offers two key pieces of advice:
For those who might feel hesitant about approaching their supervisors, Heather shares her own experience of overcoming similar fears. “I’m very shy… I came from the school of ‘you don’t want to inconvenience anyone,” she admits. However, she’s learned that “most people love to help” and are genuinely willing to support others’ growth when asked.
Through her journey from a small-town accountant to an international finance executive, Heather’s story demonstrates how a strong foundation in accounting, combined with courage to seize unexpected opportunities and seek guidance, can lead to a rich and fulfilling career in global finance leadership.
ABOUT Heather Lowe, CPA: Heather is the Vice President of Accounting & Finance at BWH Hotels in Phoenix, Arizona. Heather’s career reflects her commitment to driving growth and efficiency. Leadership roles include Vice President of Finance at Firetrace International and CFO at National Waste Partners. A standout accomplishment for Heather is that she became CFO in her early 30s, as CFO at Thuraya Telecommunications in Dubai. Heather spent 10 years working abroad. Heather holds dual degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of North Dakota and is a licensed CPA.
Check out Heather’s LinkedIn profile at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-alberts-lowe-cpa-4226333/
ABOUT Bernadette Grattan: 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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