Pamela has been with Fusion in the Columbus office for almost 9 years. As a Corporate Controller/Director, Pamela utilizes Fusion’s financial data to help our managers and employees maintain a successful business.
Q: What does a typical workday look like for you?
A: My workday changes, depending on the week or month. Every 4-5 weeks, I am responsible for the financial reporting and statements of the Columbus office, and I help with the corporate consolidation. I work on our monthly forecast and attend both weekly and daily meetings around the Columbus sales and pipeline. I also work with the Columbus staff on their daily/weekly needs as it pertains to the finance books.
Q: What did you do prior to joining Fusion? How does your previous experience help you in your role now?
A: I was the controller at MindLeaders, which was the leading e-learning company in the Midwest. We were purchased by Skillsoft, one of the largest e-learning companies in the US. I worked in the same ERP system as I do now at Fusion. I also managed the accounting/finance department at MindLeaders, as I do now at Fusion. I worked very closely with the sales group and attorneys in all contracts with customers. I enjoy working with more than just the accounting of the business. Balancing finance and operations has helped me succeed at my job.
Q: What is a memorable client project you were proud of?
A: Because I am an internal employee, my “clients” are the Fusion managers/employees. One project I am proud to have worked on was the re-creation of utilization and other reports in PowerBI. These reports are now updated weekly or monthly and are available across markets for many managers to use. I enjoy being able to share the data of Fusion’s business with our management teams to help THEM grow and improve our operations and business.
Q: Do you have any certifications:
A: I am a CPA (certified public accountant) as well as a member of the Ohio Society of CPA’s.
Q: Are you part of any Fusion groups or initiatives?
A: Not officially. I help with many of the Columbus activities and helped set up and organize the new office in Columbus.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
A: I enjoy numbers and making things “equal”. I have always liked math. I took accounting in high school and liked the concept of how financial statements were created in companies. As I got into accounting, I LOVED working in small/medium-sized companies where I had other “hats” to wear. I worked in inventory management, with salespeople, and in the production areas. This helps me provide more data and insight to other parts of the company so they can make better decisions on how to make the company better.
Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up, and why?
A: I wanted to be a teacher. I always thought working with kids in school would be rewarding and fun.
Q: What impact do you want to make on our client’s businesses?
A: For my clients, I want to help grow Fusion to be bigger and better than it is. I hope the data we collect on sales, clients, costs, and hours can help management keep Fusion moving to bigger and better things.
Q: What advice would you give people entering this field?
A: Know the ins and outs of accounting for sure. Also, be ready to provide information for upper management and leadership teams to help them manage the company you are working for.
Q: What do you do for fun outside of work?
A: I am married with two very active sons. We all love sports and I enjoy watching them play and compete all year long. I enjoy watching college football and basketball, both in person and on TV. I like to travel and love being outside either hiking or by the ocean.
Q: What are your favorite can’t-miss sights in Colombus?
A: Some favorites are OSU football game at the Horseshoe, walking in the Short North up High Street taking in the small businesses and restaurants, walking or biking along the river in downtown Columbus, attending a Columbus Blue Jackets game or Columbus Clippers game or Columbus Crew game — ALL downtown venues within walking distance of each other!