#WomenAtCPA: Amanda Blanco

Women in Leadership:?Amanda Blanco, Manager of San Antonio and Corpus Christi Audit

Amanda Blanco, manager of the San Antonio and Corpus Christi Audit offices, has been with the agency for more than 17 years. Managing about 50 employees between two field offices keeps her workday fast-paced and full of surprises.

“I can be doing anything from managing audit inventory to assisting with taxability, dealing with a taxpayer’s concern or educating them, interviewing for open audit positions ... pretty much just taking it as it comes and solving whatever problem comes my way. So I like to say that I learn something new every day.”

When Blanco first applied for an entry level auditor position at the Comptroller’s office, right out of college, she wasn’t certain she was going to get the job. She decided to start earning her master of business administration (MBA) at the University of Texas at San Antonio. As it turned out, she got the job and decided to continue her studies, graduating a year later while working full time.

“I started as a Tax Auditor I and moved up pretty quickly,” Blanco recalls. “I became a supervisor in training in about three and a half years. I had that position for three months when we unexpectedly had a supervisor step down, so I was asked to step into that role.”

She credits her then-manager and supervisors for her success in adjusting to that new role quickly.

“They saw my potential, and they challenged me early on to take difficult and complex accounts,” Blanco says. “That gave me the exposure I needed to be able to perform my job. But then I also had prior management experience, and I got my MBA. So I feel like all that combined to help me move up the career ladder and to take on the job quickly.”

Five years ago, Blanco was promoted again – this time to manager. When asked what attributes have helped her move up the career ladder, without hesitating she says a strong work ethic, leadership skills and good communication.

“I like to have a good, open line of communication and an open-door policy with my employees,” she adds. “I encourage them to come and talk to me about anything.”

And when it comes to giving advice to others wanting to advance in their careers, she encourages them to be proactive.

“Take initiative to look for opportunities to grow and develop. Find your strengths, but also recognize that there are areas of weakness and take steps to fine tune those weaknesses. And then take pride in your work and strive to do your best, but don’t be afraid to take a chance when the opportunity arises.”