It's about the people.

“It doesn’t really matter what field you’re in. What it boils down to is the people.”? That is not a phrase I expected to hear from our financial controller as she described her favorite part of her job. An integral part of our structural engineering team, our controller provides our team much more than just ensuring the business side operates prudently.

Not an engineer herself, I was curious what it's like for her to work and be successful in this engineering landscape. I hope you enjoy this installment of Building Bones where details, numbers, and efficiency are key priorities, but people are the passion.? A self-proclaimed outgoing introvert, our controller fondly describes her role as similar to one who enjoys “herding cats.”? It takes ALL the cats to build our buildings’ bones.

Building Bones is a Miller Consulting Engineers series of articles highlighting the fascinating work being done by a small, Oregon-grown structural engineering firm located in Portland, Oregon. We hope you enjoy meeting our team.

MEET SHERRI

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE ENGINEERING SECTOR?

I’m coming up on 7 years with Miller. And, I’ve been in accounting and human resources for 20+ years.

WHAT DOES YOUR POSITION AS CONTROLLER ENTAIL?

I basically handle money management; implementing and strengthening our key internal financial controls. I provide guidance to the firm’s leaders on financial process improvements, data efficiency, etc.?

With that, I manage our accounts receivable, payable, general ledger maintenance, payroll, 401(K) and employee benefits. For me, however, it’s not only about the numbers. It’s the people that spark my passion for what I do. I manage the firm’s billing and customer service. To me, customer service includes all our stakeholders; clients, coworkers, business partners, vendors, etc. I’m here to help make everyone’s lives as easy and efficient as possible.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN FINANCIAL SERVICES?

Accounting and finance kind of chose me. My initial experience was in marketing. Early in my career, I worked for a start up firm, and we wore many hats. I just learned and did everything that needed doing. The CPA needed help and began teaching me accounting. I seemed to have a propensity for it. I learned fast. I was detail oriented and took to logic flows easily. As the business grew she pulled me into the operations side of the business. That’s when I said goodbye to marketing & administration and hello to finance.?

WHAT ASPECTS OF WORKING IN FINANCE IN THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SECTOR DO YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING?

We’re a diverse group with different communication styles. Communication can sometimes be challenging when working with engineers. They’re intensely focused (to the point of being almost lost in their projects at times). The apt expression of herding cats resonates with me. That said, I really try to provide a clear and concise communication flow. I try to be purposeful in how I relate to each person based on how they best receive information.

DESCRIBE THE CULTURE AT MILLER.

What aspects of working in structural engineering do you find the most enjoyable and fulfilling in your day-to-day work?

The industry doesn’t really matter. The experience is about the people and culture. I like my coworkers. It’s great to be able to say that they’re kind, caring, and loyal. I enjoy the professional environment and the structure of the job. I also enjoy the flexibility provided. Miller has been really good to me. And, my coworkers bring joy to my daily responsibilities whatever they happen to be at the time.

IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT QUALITIES MAKE A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER EXCEPTIONAL?

Speaking from the client’s perspective, I believe our structural engineers have to be creative and be able to provide the client with cost-effective solutions. They also need to develop good soft-skills (people skills) in order to communicate their solution options and reasoning to their clients.

WHAT SKILLS & CAPABILITIES DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST ESSENTIAL FOR SOMEONE TO SUCCEED AS A CONTROLLER IN THE ENGINEERING SECTOR?

Definitely communication, problem solving, and efficiency.

WHEN YOU'RE OFF-THE-CLOCK (AND NOT WRANGLING ENGINEERS), WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU FIND RELAXING?

Reading, hiking (Mt Shasta is a favorite place), having and attending high tea parties. I have a nice collection of tea cups & accessories.

I bought a house a year ago and I planted a wildflower meadow.? I’m passionate about native landscaping; landscapes that are good for pollinators and beneficial insects. I also built raised beds for my vegetables. When the weather's nice, you'll find me under a straw hat, gloveless, with my hands in the dirt. (My fingernails don’t appreciate the lack of gloves, but it feels fabulous.) I have a mini-dachshund who "works" alongside me, hunting while I'm tending the plants. He thinks eating the tomatoes while I'm weeding is somehow helpful!

Thanks for reading about our team. Miller Consulting Engineers has been developing structural solutions for over 45 years. And we’re licensed in 41 states. You can check out our project gallery on our website www.miller-se.com. Stay tuned for more interviews “behind the screens”, with the folks whose passion it is to make our structures possible and safe.

Jane Mayfaire, Business Development | Miller Consulting Engineers | 01/2024,BB3

Series Index

Article 1 | Building Bones, Article 11-2023 | Kevin McCormick, PE SE

Article 2 | Building Bones, Article 12-2023 | Lane Jobe, PE SE

Article 3 | Building Bones, Article 01-2024 | Sherri Mansur, Controller

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