Put your shit in a backpack

This is my attempt to write down my thoughts on career development. Wish me luck! A few things about me: 

  • I'm a mother of one with one on the way (just found out Christmas morning!)
  • I grew up in the Southwestern United States, and currently live in a New York suburb outside of the city (yes, it's "the city" especially when referencing a New York location, end gripe)
  • I'm in my late thirties
  • I'm working on an early retirement and minimalist living (but will splurge on the rare occasion or on travel)
  • I've worked in corporate finance in the finance industry for 12 years
I've participated in a small number of mentoring programs, some more successful than others. I just wrapped up two very good, highly selective training programs at my current company, and one added bonus that they threw in unexpectedly at the complete of one program was the opportunity to work with an executive coach! 

I've always wanted to work with an executive coach. I believe (on a good day) that I have a lot of strengths, but also weaknesses that need to be addressed and have been hanging over my head for years. I'm also hoping for guidance on my recently new added role as a mother and the added challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I scheduled a meeting later this month with the coach, and for now I read through an article the coach provided (HBR's Are You Ready to Be Coached?), and am submitting an intake form so she can curate the meeting according to my specific needs. 

Skipping identifying information in questions 1-3, below are my responses on the form. These questions are always painful (there are similar questions on periodic reviews - no one likes them! Well, maybe narcissists), but so useful and necessary for career development. 

3. Primary responsibilities: My role is a hybrid of FP&A, corporate accounting, and client billing. Primary responsibilities include managing the expenses for the business, including preparing the budget and forecast, recording accounting entries, performing variance analyses, etc. I also manage the billing process, which includes working with the deal teams on billing our clients, ensuring we comply with revenue recognition guidance according to GAAP, tracking outstanding receivables, and maximizing reimbursement of deal team expenses from our clients. 

4. Describe your organizational structure (ie. how many direct reports, peers, etc.?) One direct report, 10 peers, and I report to the CFO of our division.

5. What are the key performance indicators in your current role (i.e. on what criteria are you evaluated)? 
I am evaluated based on performance behaviors/competencies, such as: 
• Drives innovation/change
• Technical/execution skills
• (Internal) client relationships
• Teamwork
• Initiation/Productivity
• Communication

6. What do you enjoy about your job? I can continue to utilize my background as a Corporate Accountant / CPA while expanding my skillset into becoming a more well-rounded financial analyst

7. What are your 3 biggest challenges at work? 
• Managing my workload and expectations
• Inserting myself into team projects
• Finding time for side projects 

Leadership Development
8. What are your short-term career aspirations (1-3 years)? Long-term (5-10 years)?
• 1-3 years: Move away from corporate accounting and billing and into a focused FP&A or business development role. Be promoted to Director. 
• 5-10 years: Hold a controller or other Managing Director position

9.   What do you think are your three greatest strengths?
• Knowledge of technical accounting and data management
• Detail oriented
• Diplomatic

10.  What are three areas you’d like to improve or change about yourself?
• Increase my efficiency at completing tasks
• Be able to work through motivational ruts and the perfectionism / procrastination cycle
• Present myself confidently and as a leader 

11.  What kinds of people do you find difficult to work with?
• People who generally drag team confidence down, such as gossips and complainers
• Disorganized project managers
• Aggressive and responsive people 

12.  What have you learned about yourself during the course of your career? When focused and motivated, I’m an incredibly efficient and thorough employee. However, if my motivation or confidence takes a hit, I slow down and the work piles up. I’m great at interacting with my team and boosting positivity. I am very self-critical; however, this sometimes provides motivation for my work. 

General Interests
13.  What do you like to do for fun? Hang out with my husband and son, be active, read, cook, bake, travel.

14.  What do you consider your top 3 values in life? (highlight)
Achievement   Adventure   Equality   Family    Freedom   Friendship   Happiness   Health       Knowledge   Love   Nature Peace   Pleasure   Power   Respect  Self-Worth   Social Service   Spirituality   Wealth   Other (list)

I've been interested in writing more about my life values, so will touch on that more tomorrow. 

P.S.: the title is referencing the brilliant Rick & Morty