January 2021 Member Spotlight - Shirley Risen, CPA

Risen.jpg
 
Title:  Vice President of Finance
 
Company:  Brace Integrated Services, Inc.
 
Length of FEI membership: More than four years
 
FEI Chapter involvement: Joined the board for the 2020 – 2021 Chapter Program Year
 
Work email: [email protected]
 
Phone: (813) 666-6461
 
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today. 
 
My educational path began at Campbellsville University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. I then earned my Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Kentucky. 
 
My work experience is broad. I have worked in government auditing, in higher education as an assistant professor of accounting for 10+ years, tax and consulting services for small businesses, I have run small businesses in the medical field, served as controller for companies, as site controller for a Fortune 100 company, CFO for a medium-size wholesale distributor and currently as Vice President of Finance for Brace Integrated Services (Industrial and Commercial construction).
 
What do you love most about working as a financial executive?
 
It is never dull or boring. Technology continues to change how we do things and you must be willing to learn and grow or you risk being left behind. I also enjoy mentoring people who are entering the field of accounting/finance.
 
What is your best networking tip? 
 
Always be available to meeting new people. You never know who may open the door to your next best opportunity.
 
How did you discover your passion for finance?
 
My passion for accounting began when I took my first accounting class as a junior in high school. By the end of my junior year of high school, I knew I wanted to become a CPA. I charted my path and set out to make it happen.  
 
What is your best tip for how to stand out in the finance field? 
 
Always do your best.  Remember the Golden Rule and show confidence in yourself.   
 
What benefits have you seen from being a part of FEI Tampa Bay?
 
I enjoy meeting people and learning about others. Membership on the FEI Tampa Bay board provides many opportunities to meet an interact with others who have similar interests.
 
What are some of your personal hobbies outside of finance? 
 
I enjoy using our annual passes to Disney with my family, playing frisbee with our golden retrievers, sporting clays, target shooting and sewing.