Periodically, the Tampa Bay Chapter puts the spotlight on a chapter member and sponsor. This month, we feature Lana Guzinova, Assistant Controller, Mettler-Toledo SafeLine, Inc., and Elizabeth Breslin, Middle Market Banking Manager, Fifth Third Bank.
Member Spotlight: Lana Gruzinova
Company: Mettler-Toledo SafeLine, Inc.
Title: Assistant Controller
Length of FEI membership: 3 months
Why did you join FEI Tampa Bay and what do you hope to gain from your membership?
I joined FEI Tampa Bay to be able to gain insights and share knowledge with other professionals and leaders. The mentorship and coaching that senior leaders of FEI Tampa Bay are willing to provide makes this forum amazing. An additional bonus is to be able to earn CPE credits!
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today.
I worked as an administrative assistant at MaxFlight Corporation while pursing my degree, and eventually worked my way up to staff accountant. That was a turning point in choosing accounting as a profession. After graduation, I accepted a position with Deloitte & Touche LLP and progressed to audit manager, until Mettler-Toledo SafeLine Inc. recruited me to my current role of assistant controller.
What do you love most about working as a financial executive?
The most satisfaction comes from mentoring and coaching junior accounting associates – seeing how their accounting knowledge over time blends with soft skills acquired and they become fully rounded professionals.
I also love being able to tell stories with numbers. Finding trends and visualizing insights derived from historical or projected financial information is very rewarding. It makes it even more rewarding when business leaders use it to make decisions impacting the bottom line.
Do you think it takes a certain kind of personality to thrive in finance? What traits are most important?
The old cartoon picture of frowning person in glasses behind a computer and stacks of paper is no longer how financial professional should be displayed. Confidence, an open smile, active listening and other communication skills are certainly becoming more important for success in finance. Any personality that can learn to be comfortable with this will succeed.
Knowing only GAAP and debits/credits will no longer get you past a bookkeeper. Yes, you are still required to have it in addition to being able to step back, analyze information, understand the big picture, look for insights, and effectively communicate financial information to non-finance individuals. Accuracy and attention to detail will always be very important traits – if you can't trust a CPA, who can you trust?
How did you discover your passion for finance?
After high school I was planning to be a journalist. As fate brought me to the U.S. and I had to learn English, that career was no longer an option. The next closest field I discovered was finance – writing, interviewing, investigating, analyzing – that's why my first years as an auditor were so exciting for me, and not so much for my clients.
Sponsor Spotlight: Elizabeth Breslin
Company: Fifth Third Bank
Title: Middle Market Relationship Manager
Length of FEI sponsorship: Sponsor since 2010
Work email: [email protected]
Work phone: (813) 306-2448
What do you love most about working in the finance profession?
As a child, I was an avid reader and moviegoer and was enthralled by stories of superheroes changing the world. I aspired to be one but came to the realization early on that it wasn’t in my cards. I mean, Wonder Woman’s role was already taken and not everyone looks good in colored tights, right?!? And that was okay, because as a banker I get to play trusty sidekick to another type of superhero.
The companies I serve are often engaged in transformational change. Be it within their organization or on a broader scale – their segment or industry, our Nation or the World – they are driving change, which is never an easy feat. The people behind these companies doing the heavy lifting everyday are superheroes, especially when they get it right. I take pride in knowing the contribution I make from my chair at Fifth Third plays a role in enabling their success. To hear a client say “I/We could not have done this without you!’ makes me feel like a superhero…sans colored tights.
Why does your company sponsor FEI Tampa Bay Chapter?
Our mission is to support the objectives of locally-based businesses, which create jobs and otherwise sustain our communities. We value our relationships with the folks behind them and look forward to seeing everyone at the meetings. Finally, we learn from the programming, which is a good barometer of the local market that helps us better understand how we might be helpful.
What is one piece of information you wish someone had told you when you first started your career?
The value of being succinct.
What is your best networking tip?
Be genuine in your interest of others.
What are some of your personal hobbies outside of work?
In my free time, I enjoy live music, theatre and cooking. I’m also a novice wine enthusiast and newly branded fan of F1 racing.