Harbert Realty Services would like to congratulate Maria Goldschmidt on being a BBJ 2022 Best CFO Nominee and recognize her continual dedication to Harbert, helping our firm be the very best — every day. Congratulations Maria!
What’s a success story from your time as CFO that helped your company? In my heart, I’m a systems-driven person. At the same time, I’m a people person. Harbert Realty Services has enjoyed growth in both income and profit margins during my tenure. Part of this is due to fully adopting robust accounting systems that were only partially implemented before my arrival. Several strategic additions to our accounting and operations software have greatly improved client experience, streamlining many functions and ensuring timely reporting. This allows the team to focus on tasks creating greater client value and management flexibility. One example? Standardization across all properties allows easier deployment of personnel from one property to another without additional education and training.
What is your best advice to CFOs about navigating a crisis? Listen first. Pay careful attention, trust your team members and listen to their input and concerns. Collaboration and mutual respect are essential tools when crafting solutions to any challenge. It should go without saying that this means a culture of empowerment and trust. A CFO’s colleagues should feel a profound sense of ownership in their work and intense awareness of the impact they individually have on company performance.
What’s your best tip or best practice for leading a company’s financial operations through a challenging economy? It begins by never being entirely comfortable. As demonstrated in both 2008 and the pandemic, the entire economy can be blind-sided by unexpected events. Because the whole world can change in a week, an adroit CFO keeps an ear to the ground for changes in financial trends and the broad economy. In that sense, it’s supremely important to be aware of what’s going on outside the office walls. At the same time, a CFO should constantly explore new synergies in existing business and analyze metrics that represent opportunities for future growth. Further analyze potential new business to ensure that its acquisition is financially sound for the company.
For more information and the original article, visit the BBJ website