Finance and Accounting Appreciation Week Q&A with Senior Accountant, Winie Carter

In honor of Finance and Accounting Appreciation Week we'd like to spotlight one of our consultants — Winie A. Carter, MBA (WC). Winie is a senior accountant who has worked on multiple assignments with Aston Carter over the past five years. She has analyzed and managed financial records for a variety of companies, both large and small, including investment management and telecommunications firms.

In this Q&A, Winie shares more about her career path and how she continues to sharpen her skills.

Describe your role as a senior accountant with Aston Carter.

WC: As a senior accountant at Aston Carter, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of companies, from small enterprises to large corporations across various industries. This extensive experience has honed my ability to quickly adapt to different platforms, systems and processes, broadening my expertise and skill set.

My daily responsibilities include managing month-end closings, preparing journal entries, conducting balance sheet reconciliations, performing variance analyses and assisting auditors. I also have experience preparing SEC reports, including 10-Q and 10-K filings. Additionally, I train colleagues and collaborate closely with departments such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, finance and fixed assets. My energetic personality helps me navigate challenging interactions and positively influence my team.

What is your background and how did you get into this profession?

WC: I completed my undergraduate studies in the Philippines, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA). I went on to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix. I started my career as a staff accountant in 1996, and have since advanced to roles like financial reporting manager, financial accountant and now senior accountant. I have worked for many companies over the years, seeking roles that offered greater flexibility as I grew in my career. This is what led me to project-based work through Aston Carter. I have a passion for travel, and this job allows me to pursue that while maintaining my career.

How has your role changed over the years with the integration of new technologies?

WC: The integration of new technologies such as Power BI, Workiva and Oracle Cloud has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to learn new tools and apply them to my assignments. This ongoing learning process has been instrumental in helping me maintain efficiency in my role and expand my skillset.

I have also become more proficient in older technologies like Excel, utilizing advanced functions like queries and VLOOKUPs to streamline data analysis and report preparation. These skills have not only enhanced my productivity, but also ensure the accuracy and reliability of the reports I generate.

What has helped you excel in your career, and what advice would you give those just starting out?

WC: My organizational skills and effective time management have been crucial in my ability to transition seamlessly between accounting tasks. As a consultant, it’s important to understand that clients have high expectations. Every time I am assigned to a new project, I always make sure to take detailed notes during the client training sessions on their systems and applications. I also consistently ask questions to understand the rationale behind processes and look for ways to enhance them.