Tough enough to play street hockey, compassionate and talented to oversee multiple disciplines at work and much more is revealed in getting to know Monica Lo. Monica is the Director of Administrative Services at the City of Whittier and since 2014 has served as the CSMFO Central Los Angeles Chapter Chair. As a CSMFO member of 11 years, she shares her insight of being a government professional and serving in a CSMFO leadership position.
1. With the holidays just ending, what is your favorite holiday tradition?
Christmas is my favorite holiday! We go all out and decorate the house and typically host a hearty dinner on Christmas Eve for 20-25 family members! We eat, play games, laugh, open presents and just simply get to enjoy the evening together. This past Christmas was different, but I’m hopeful to continue this tradition in the future.
2. How has a previous or current mentor impacted your career?
I’ve had a couple of mentors in my career including Mike Harrison from my audit days, who provided me with the tools necessary to work in local government. In addition, my most recent mentor, Rod Hill, who retired last year, has been integral in my growth and progress to my current position. Rod has always supported and encouraged me to move outside of my comfort zone and being a chapter chair was his doing, which I truly appreciated since I’ve been able to grow professionally and establish many new friendships. Being a chapter chair through CSMFO has been one of my most enjoyable professional opportunities.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy having an opportunity to mentor new staff and playing a role in ensuring the city is fiscally stable going forward.
4. What is your current position and what do your children or friends think you do at work?
I’m responsible for the City’s finance, budget, human resources, risk management, emergency management and wildlife management. My family and friends know I’m an Accountant.
5. What have you learned about yourself from being a Chapter Chair?
I’ve become more comfortable speaking in front of large groups and have greatly expanded my professional network, by meeting and becoming friends with many new colleagues and consultants.
6. How do you motivate staff and yourself?
I encourage communication and work together in resolving issues and moving forward in improving process or procedures. I enjoy bringing in treats on occasion to show them my appreciation for their hard work.
7. What has been the most challenging time in your finance career and how did you overcome it?
Shortly after being appointed as the director, I was tasked with presenting a plan to Council regarding the expanded use of contractual services. The item became very sensitive and comments became personal, so I had to step back and quickly realized that I was only the messenger and that the comments were really about the subject and learned not to take them personally.
8. What is something about you that no one would ever guess or expect?
That I use to play street and ice hockey with my husband (boyfriend at the time) and his friends during my college days and even got wacked by a hockey stick on my face between my eye and nose! Fortunately, I have no scar to prove it.
9. What are you looking forward to in 2021?
Being able to host our luncheons again and to see everyone in person!
Monica has 20 years of municipal finance and audit experience. Prior to working for the City of Whittier, Monica was the Audit Manager for a national CPA firm specializing in municipal auditing, overseeing a variety of audit engagements ranging from Cities and Special Districts to not-for profit organizations.
As the Director of Administrative Services, Monica is responsible for the City’s Accounting & Budget, Human Resources, Risk & Emergency Management, and Revenue (Treasury) divisions. Monica also serves as the Deputy Director of the City’s Emergency Operations Center and as a Board Member and Treasurer for the California Insurance Pool Authority.
Monica holds a Master of Science degree in Accountancy from Saint Mary’s University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Mt San Antonio College.
Lastly, in addition to being a CSMFO member, Monica is a member of the California Municipal Treasurers Association (CMTA), Governmental Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
