Title: Chief Financial Officer
Company: Workscapes
Length of FEI membership: Less than a year
Work email: [email protected]
Work phone: (813) 620-0048
Why did you join the FEI Tampa Bay Chapter? And what benefits have you realized from your membership?
Initially, it was Brian Hanrahan of AON who introduced me to the FEI Tampa Bay Chapter. After attending my initial meeting, I saw the organization would afford the opportunity to learn from my peers and their experiences while expanding my network.
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today.
My educational background includes earning my undergraduate degree from Istanbul University in my home country of Turkey with a focus in finance. I moved to the United States in 2003 to pursue my MBA at the Barney School of Business in Hartford, CT. After college, I joined a nonprofit organization – The Construction Institute – in an accounting role. After five years, I had the opportunity to join OFI as the Senior Accountant. I was promoted to be the Controller, then eventually named the CFO. Workscapes in Tampa recruited me as the CFO in 2021 where I lead a team of 15 people across four Florida cities responsible for finance, accounting, operations, HR, and IT.
What is your most rewarding accomplishment as a finance executive?
The stress that COVID placed on all businesses was an opportunity for me to grow as a leader as we faced many challenges during the uncertainty.
What is one piece of information you wish someone had told you when you first started your finance career?
By far it would be, “do not be afraid of making mistakes.” Accountants are often wired for perfection.
What do you love most about working as a financial executive?
I’m passionate about growing our family-owned company from a current $71M in annual revenue to a target of $100M in annual revenue by 2027. Based on the leadership team’s belief in me, I’m confident my executive leadership and financial expertise will play a significant role in achieving this goal.
What would be your best advice to a 2023 college finance graduate entering the workforce?
Expand your network to learn about all the ways you can utilize your college degree. Meet with anyone who will take an appointment with you. And be willing to work hard to be recognized in your organization.