CSMFO Leadership interviewed Board Director Carrie Corder.
What are your 2019 goals as CSMFO Board Member?
I am a liaison to the Recognition, and Professional Standards committees. The committee chairs, Sarah Roush and Jason Al-Imam are great leaders and I want to provide any assistance and board-perspective that they want. In addition, I am a liaison for three amazing chapters: Inland Empire, Channel Counties and South Bay (LA). Lastly, I serve on the 2020 Host Committee and our goal is to make the Anaheim conference amazing and magical!
What 2019 CSMFO events are you really excited about?
The Chapter meetings are on fire! The Chapter Chairs and Vice Chairs are putting so much energy in finding dynamic speakers and of course, the networking is always great.
What were early obstacles in your career…and how did you overcome them?
My biggest obstacle was studying for and passing the CPA exam. This was a challenge because I was working as an auditor right out of college and we travelled a lot. Thanks to my mother’s nagging, I focused on each part of the exam and passed them one-by-one.
Looking back at your career thus far, who would you like to thank for being there for you?
My family has been so supportive over the years. I also am grateful to Vavrinek, Trine Day & Co. for giving me my first shot at learning this field of municipal accounting. The leaders at the City of Claremont taught me so much, especially how to maneuver the political side of our business. Lastly, the Cucamonga Valley Water District has helped make my career goals a reality over the past 18 years.
What led you to your first government job?
Traveling so much during the audit season was great in that you meet new people every week – I miss that, but travelling so much can be hard on family life.
What is your favorite food and why?
My favorite food is dark chocolate since it has so many healthy benefits, right?
What super power would you like and why?
I would love to fly
What soft skills and technical skills really impress you when you are interviewing candidates?
Accountants get a bad rap for being boring. I am impressed with candidates who have a good sense of humor and show their creative side.
