Today, we’re chatting with Leslie Carter, Global Director of Accounting. My world and Leslie’s seldom intersects, so my ability to properly introduce her is limited to the fact that she’s an incredibly kind person. Once again, I turned to CFO Ryan McKenzie for help:
Leslie joined StorageMart in 2003 with one direct report responsible for the accounting/finance for about 30 properties in the US. Today, as Global Director of Accounting, Leslie manages a staff of 15 and oversees all aspects of corporate accounting (month-end, audits, tax, AP, capital projects, reporting) for more than 200 stores spanning three countries.
The ability of her departments to keep pace has never been a concern nor a limiting factor to StorageMart’s tremendous growth. No matter what the task, Leslie always faces each new challenge with a positive attitude, creativity, and a mindset geared toward improving accuracy and efficiency. Over the last 17 years, she has effectively delegated several of the tasks once done by her directly by building an impressive team of professionals and scalable departments/processes that will serve StorageMart well into the future.
What do you do at StorageMart?
I’m the Global Director of Accounting. I oversee the Accounting and Accounts Payable teams. I’m in charge of all monthly financial reporting, audits and tax reporting.
How long have you been at StorageMart?
It will be 17 years in October.
Is there a particular turning point in your professional experience that really helped define your career path?
I took my first accounting class as a junior in high school with Mrs. Lowry and that is when I knew my career path would be in accounting.
To what or whom have you turned to for inspiration throughout your career?
My accounting career started in public accounting. During those eight years of public accounting I gained a lot of experience, but I knew I wanted to be in corporate accounting. In October of 2003, I interviewed with Steve Dulle, the CFO of StorageMart. On October 20, 2003 I joined the StorageMart family. I’m very grateful for my time with Steve before his retirement. He taught me a lot about the storage industry, and I gained even more accounting knowledge under Steve. Steve was not only my mentor but also a great friend.
What are some qualities of strong leadership that have proved important but are often overlooked in a professional setting?
Women in leadership need to have strength and confidence. Strength to handle whatever is handed to them and the confidence to complete the task. They also need strength to help themselves as well as their staff.
Based on your experience, what is one thing managers or execs could do better to support and encourage women in the workplace?
I think StorageMart does a great job with encouraging women in the workplace, just look around.
Tell us a bit about what you do when you aren’t busy being a rock star at work.
I truly love my accounting career, but my most important job is being a Mom. I’m blessed with two wonderful sons and they keep me very busy. Aaron is 15 and a freshman in high school. Lane is 13 and is in the 7th grade. I enjoy watching them do what they love, whether its sports or shooting competitions. I enjoy traveling with my boys. We love going on float trips and state and national parks.
