Title: Senior Accountant Specialist
Company: Awning Works, Inc.
Length of time you’ve been an FEI member: New member
FEI leadership involvement (past and present): I look forward to becoming actively involved in FEI Tampa Bay through educational programs, networking events, and opportunities to contribute to the finance community.
Work Email: [email protected]
Work Phone: 727-524-1118 ext.1048
Why did you join the FEI Tampa Bay Chapter? And what benefits have you realized from your membership?
I joined FEI Tampa Bay because I value continuous learning and believe that strong professional networks help finance leaders grow, innovate, and create greater value for their organizations. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed collaborating with professionals who are passionate about improving financial processes, strengthening internal controls, and driving strategic decision-making.
As a member, I hope to exchange ideas with experienced finance executives, stay informed about emerging trends affecting the profession, and contribute my own experiences in financial reporting, ERP implementation, process improvement, and finance transformation. I also look forward to building meaningful relationships within the Tampa Bay business community and supporting the advancement of the finance profession.
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today.
My career has been built on a passion for improving financial operations and helping organizations make informed business decisions. I began my professional journey in accounting and finance, progressively advancing into leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer before continuing my career in the United States.
Throughout my career, I have led initiatives involving financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, ERP implementation, business process improvement, and strategic financial planning. I enjoy combining analytical thinking with practical problem-solving to develop solutions that improve efficiency and support long-term organizational success.
Today, I continue to expand my expertise while working in enterprise corporate finance, where I remain committed to continuous learning, professional development, and creating value through sound financial leadership.
What is one piece of information you wish someone had told you when you first started your finance career?
I wish someone had told me that finance is one of the most influential leadership functions in any organization. Early in my career, I thought success meant mastering accounting standards and producing accurate financial reports. While those skills are essential, I eventually realized that the true role of finance is to provide clarity, build trust, and help organizations make better decisions.
Do you think it takes a certain kind of personality to thrive in finance? What traits are most important?
I don't believe success in finance depends on a specific personality—it depends on a mindset. The best finance professionals are naturally curious, committed to continuous learning, and comfortable solving complex problems. They lead with integrity, remain calm under pressure, embrace change, and communicate financial information in a way that inspires confidence and drives better decisions. Technical skills may open the door, but character, adaptability, and the ability to build trust are what sustain a successful career.
What is your best tip for how to stand out in the finance field?
The fastest way to stand out in finance is to become known for your judgment, not just your knowledge. Knowledge explains the past. Judgment shapes the future. Technical expertise earns credibility, but strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and the ability to transform complexity into clarity are what earn trust and influence. The professionals who make the greatest impact are those who don't simply report the numbers—they help shape the decisions behind them.
What legacy do you hope to leave as a finance leader?
I hope to be remembered not for the financial statements I prepared, but for the people I developed, the organizations I strengthened, and the decisions I helped shape. To me, the true measure of financial leadership is creating systems that endure, building cultures grounded in integrity, and empowering others to succeed long after you've moved on. If my work continues to create value years after I'm no longer in the role, I will consider that my greatest accomplishment.