We'd like to introduce Karen McAuley, Senior Accountant, whose technical expertise keeps our financial operations at Messe Frankfurt Inc. running smoothly. She even submitted her interview responses in an organized Excel sheet, proving that her love for data never rests. Away from her spreadsheets, Karen enjoys a change of pace by baking and looking after her new flock of chickens.
Q: What first drew you to accounting, and how did your journey lead you to the exhibitions industry?
A: Have you ever heard the expression "If (fill in the blank) was a person…?” That is me in a nutshell. Everything about accounting speaks to who I naturally am. I have always been very technical, analytical, and detail oriented. Even as a child, to the dismay of my siblings and classmates, I would analyze a task, request, or, whatever and question the littlest issue/concern with it. As an adult, I can now understand the eyerolls and frustration I caused, but as an accountant, these traits are pretty handy!
I went to college, where I graduated with a major in Finance (Accounting's cousin) and there I also met my husband who was already enlisted in the military. After graduation, he continued his military career, and I started my accounting career. With the nature of his career (constant re-assignments), I have been able to apply my expertise across multiple industries, the current being the exhibition industry. The fact that accounting is accounting no matter the industry has been a key component on how I was able to build my experience, no matter where my husband's job led us.
Q: Is there a project, process improvement, or milestone during your time at Messe Frankfurt that you’re especially proud of?
A: I am very fortunate in that the knowledge I have gained at previous positions has allowed me to recognize and implement process improvements here at Messe Frankfurt. The first thing that comes to mind is our intercompany processes. I have not only streamlined our own internal process for MF USA subsidiaries, but also standardized the data compilation for reporting intercompany data to corporate.
Q: What skills or mindset are essential for someone working in accounting within a fast-paced event environment?
A: Some key mindsets or skills for someone working in accounting are the ability to embrace challenges, a tendency to pay close attention to details, and the capacity to manage high volumes of data and tight schedules.
Q: How do you stay organized and agile with your finance books in a fast-paced event environment?
A: I am a pretty organized person - it’s part of my DNA. The world makes more sense (to me) organized. I'm lucky that it's a characteristic that goes well with my chosen career, because I think it is very beneficial in accounting. If I had to name the best tool in my arsenal of staying organized, it would definitely be a "To Do" list! It is quite easy to get distracted with varying tasks, but a "To Do" list can always redirect you back to the highest priority task at hand.
Q: Show week for you: spreadsheets, stress management, or smooth sailing?
A: Spreadsheets. In accounting, there are always spreadsheets.
Q: What’s one “accounting myth” you’d love to debunk?
A: Accounting is boring. In actuality, if you like mysteries, puzzles, and intrigue, accounting has it all!
Q: When you’re not balancing budgets, how do you recharge?
A: Baking - I really enjoy baking. It has been something I've always loved. It is a labor of love, but in the end there's always a treat!! And chickens!! We've recently moved to a house with a chicken coop and I've convinced the hubs that they are a necessity - I cannot wait!!
Karen is a great example of how being a details person is a superpower in our industry. Huge thanks to her for letting us into her world and for making our financial processes so much easier to navigate. We’re lucky to have her sharp mind on the team — and we’re all definitely standing by to try some of those famous baked treats!