The Miller Tanner difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars that bring our corporate meetings and events to life for you, our clients. Today, we introduce Miller Tanner’s Financial Controller “Extraordinaire” Jennifer Sweeney, CPA.
#MeetMTA: Jennifer Sweeney, CPA
Tell us about your current role with MTA – what do you do? What are your primary responsibilities?
As the financial controller for Miller Tanner, I have oversight of all financial and human resource aspects. That includes review and approval of contracts and work orders as well as evaluation of new employee documents. I am also responsible for weekly cash planning and monitoring of receivables and payables. Another important aspect is the review of outgoing work product of finance, the electronic billing binder which summarizes and provides all the supporting financial documentation for the entire event.
What did you do before joining MTA?
My accounting career began by working several years in public accounting. These years gave me an outstanding foundation with which to build upon affording me the opportunity to audit many different industries, train with other outstanding accounting professionals and learn to think analytically.
After public accounting, I moved into the manufacturing industry where I progressed from entry level cost accountant to accounting manager to controller. During that time, I learned nearly every role within the Accounting Department and brought about automation and efficiency in such a way as to significantly reduce the year-end and month-end closing processes. I also gained a wealth of knowledge about the international accounting realm, foreign currencies, and foreign accounting practices.
After 13 years, I switched industries and took a position with a key company in the medical outsourcing industry. Again, I was afforded the opportunity to engage in international accounting and tax aspects and expand that knowledge. The international accounting aspects prove to be invaluable at Miller Tanner as we serve a global economy with our clients, employees, and vendors worldwide.
Additionally, my experience with improving efficiency processes serves as great opportunities at Miller Tanner Associates as the company continues to grow and we continue to bring about many of those same efficiencies here.
You recently attended the Miller Tanner Global Workshop in Atlanta. What did you gain most from this annual face-to-face meeting?
It was so valuable to connect face-to-face with so many of the team that I’ve worked with so closely over my first year at Miller Tanner. Additionally, it is great to hear their stories of a “day-in-the-life” and understand the challenges within their roles and within their departments.
What do you feel are the most fulfilling aspects of your job?
It is invigorating to be a part of a growing company where there are so many opportunities for improvement and efficiency changes.
From a finance perspective, what do you believe makes the “Miller Tanner Difference” when it comes to events?
All of our team work thoughtfully to steward the clients’ funds in the best way possible, looking for cost savings and negotiating opportunities at every turn. The quality check and review of each incoming invoice is a part of that work to oversee those funds. The electronic billing binder is built in such a way to be “user-friendly” and engaging so that information is readily available and usable for whatever the clients’ questions or needs may be. Our electronic billing binder provides a wealth of information about the current event to not only close the process for the event but to build upon for the next event.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for a client in regards to planning, and how does MTA solve that problem?
One of the great aspects of Miller Tanner is the ability to be flexible and problem solve. When circumstances change, everyone at MTA works together, whether Operations and Finance or Project Development and Finance, to find a great solution for all involved.
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What do you do for fun?
For fun, I engage my creative side and will scrapbook, craft or bake. Pinterest is definitely a world of opportunity for me and my pins are not just things I hope to do one day but often the starting point for so many great projects I have completed over the years.
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