Will Fuentes is a dedicated CSMFO member since 2013 and currently serves as the Finance Director at the City of Campbell and a CSMFO Board Member. His education includes being a Certified Public Finance Officer, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Let’s get to know the passionate coach who loves to dance and have fun yet is fair, transparent, approachable, and accountable to his profession.

1. What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show and why?

My favorite TV shows are Seinfeld and The Office because they are quirky, but relatable and I like to laugh. I’m a little bit of Jerry, George, Kramer, Michael Scott, and Jim Halpert all rolled into one.

2. How has a previous or current mentor impacted your career?

I had a mentor early in my career, Richard Acevedo, with the City of Union City. Richard was the Interim Finance Director with the City for only 6 months, but during that time, he took interest in me, challenged me with assignments in areas that I didn’t know, and believed in me. That made a world of difference to me early in my career and is part of the reason why I take such an interest in the careers of up and coming staff members. All it takes is one person to believe in you and challenge you. Richard passed away several years ago, but his impact on me will last throughout my entire career and beyond.

3. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy mentoring my staff and others and watching them grow and develop in their careers. I also like solving complex problems, but staff development is the one thing I’m truly passionate about. I like seeing people with untapped potential, realize that potential and then take off. I have witnessed it several times in my career and it is very satisfying. The potential was always there; I just helped them to see it.

4. Knowing what you know now, if you were new to government finance what would you do differently when you started your career?

I would have become involved with CSMFO much earlier and expanded my comfort zone in the organization. The learning opportunities as well as the chance to network with and learn from my peers and experienced professionals truly propelled my career once I became more involved. I also very much enjoy giving back to the organization and watching others grow within in.

5. What is your current position and what do your children or friends think you do at work?

Finance Director. My kids know what my job title is, but they just think it is something in Accounting and I control the money for the City. And I have late meetings every other Tuesday and am sometimes grumpy during budget season.

6. How do you keep up to date with upcoming regulations?

I subscribe to news alerts of various organizations and attend webinars and trainings on new and upcoming regulations when I see them. CSMFO and GFOA are good sources of information for me.

7. How do you motivate staff and yourself?

I motivate my staff by providing clear guidance and goals, communicating with them often to get input and feedback, being fair, transparent, and approachable, and holding both them and myself accountable. I am both lighthearted and humorous while still also providing structure. I truly try to build a work environment that people want to work in and aren’t afraid to make mistakes in. That allows my staff to take chances where appropriate and beneficial and help both themselves and the organization to grow and prosper. I also coach them and provide them opportunities for training and career growth. Staff that are invested in the organization and feel that they have a real voice in decisions while also feeling that you truly care about them and are invested in their success, makes for a much stronger organization able to accomplish almost anything.

8. What has been the most challenging time in your finance career and how did you overcome it?

I’ve seen a lot in my 22-year career, but I can honestly say from March 2020 to June 2020 when we were preparing a budget during COVID-19 and various shelter in place orders. The City was able to reach an adopted budget, but it took a team effort to get there and consistent communication amongst the team, departments citywide, and the Council as well as tireless effort.

9. What is something about you that no one would ever guess or expect?

I enjoy architecture and design and likely would have been an architect if I didn’t go into Finance. It’s the George Costanza in me. I was also a pretty good artist growing up. It’s not uncommon for me to unwind at night watching a show like Fixer Upper, Flip or Flop, or Grand Design. Seeing something designed and then the finished product built and enjoyed is something that makes me happy. In many ways, it’s like building up a team and then seeing the finished results of the group’s efforts. I also like to dance as well, but many people may know that from conferences!

10. What advice do you have for a CSMFO member on getting more involved with the organization?

Not to be cliché, but just do it and don’t be afraid. There are a lot of great, approachable people in the organization who are very willing to help. And no matter what their professional level, they are just people. They have worked hard to get where they are, but they have made mistakes too just like you and everyone else. What they have achieved is just as achievable for you if you work hard and take advantage of your opportunities in life. So, say hi, connect, and push beyond your comfort zones. You will be happy that you did.