Michelle McArdle
Accounting, May 1994
Controller
Children’s Book Publishing Company, Milwaukee, WI
Contact Michelle McArdle at
mpmcardle@yahoo.com.
Since your graduation from MU, what has been your career path?
Four years at a local public accounting firm in northern IL first as a Junior Accountant, then as a Senior Accountant, then eight years at a children's book publishing company in Milwaukee, WI first as Assistant Controller, then Controller, now Director of Operations and Controller.
Describe your typical workday.
Typical days are rare but some of the things I do may include:
Prepare monthly journal entries and financial reports; Coordinate set-up of new books and their associated marketing data in the computer system; Write reports regarding sales, inventory, customers, etc. for other departments; Address issues with customer orders, receiving, returns, and other issues with our off-site warehouse in Ohio; Supervise, approve, and direct work of the Staff Accountant, Customer Service Manager, and IT Director; Follow up on open projects to make sure they are on track and have not run into any roadblocks; Monitor collections and accounts for large customers; Consult with and work on projects for the company CFO and other corporate officers; Establish or change user security in our ERP system; Train employees on new processes and procedures.
What is the best or most exciting part of your profession?
Planning and coordinating company and corporate projects such as our new ERP computer system rollout, warehouse consolidation with sister companies, and other improvements to make us better and more efficient in the eyes of our customers.
What advice would you provide for a job seeker in your field?
Don't be afraid to choose a job that sounds interesting to you. Just because it seems like everyone else with your major is going in one direction does not mean you need to follow in order to succeed.
What are essential skills one must posses for success in your field?
Accounting knowledge; Computer knowledge of front end user programs and the ability to learn new programs; Ability to adapt to change; Good communication skills; Project management skills; The ability to earn the respect of your boss, coworkers, customers, and vendors; Discretion regarding confidential information; Be willing to do things that are not in your job description—This gives you a breadth of knowledge that will help you move up in a company.
What can a current Marquette student do to effectively prepare for a career in your field?
Study hard and get good grades; Pass the CPA exam, it gives you immediate clout and respect; Have job experience that has built skills that can translate to your career, including teamwork, leadership, problem solving, computer experience.
How does one find a summer job or internship in your field, and are there any other opportunities to gain experience before graduation?
This is harder for accounting unless you get one of the very few internships in public accounting, but perhaps a temp firm where you can work in an office and even do some lower level accounting/bookkeeping like Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Collections, and even general office work.
