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Analyzing account records, ensuring accurate financial reporting, reconciling and consolidating financial data, contributing to internal budget processes and mentoring and supporting members of the financial team… all are part of a day in the life of an Assistant Controller! At Payworks, that’s Jennie Nazimov, CFMA and CIM leadership professional.
We can’t wait to introduce you to this key member of our Finance team, so read on to learn all about Jennie, plus:
- What a regular day looks like as an Assistant Controller
- The key to advancement in the financial field
- Why teamwork is essential when working in Finance
- How Payworks supports accountants and bookkeepers (and why Jenni thinks we’re such a perfect match)
A day in the life of an Assistant Controller
Since her earlier days as a Corporate Accountant, Jennie’s responsibilities at Payworks have evolved over time.
Between overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, coordinating and responding to audits, monitoring for compliance and reviewing and investigating discrepancies (her personal favourite), it’s no surprise she counts organization and attention to detail among her most valuable skills.
“I think there’s a lot of ‘me’ in this role, and I believe it’s a vital one in the monetary environment of our organization,” explains Jennie. “Paying attention to details sounds obvious, but it’s the key to ensuring efficiency and increasing productivity while minimizing errors. I love analyzing reports and taking on complex projects. It gives me the opportunity to think outside the box and offer creative solutions, and that’s where I can add value to the company.”
Advancing further in Finance
Jennie loves numbers just as much as she loves her morning coffee (well, almost). Having reached wizard-level status with her previous Corporate Accountant role, she was ready to level up and take on a new challenge – something that she feels is key for growth.
“I’m always motivated to learn new things,” she says. “I take on challenges by getting out of my comfort zone – I love taking courses, reading, researching, and coming up with new creative ideas to make someone’s life in the company easier. The more complex the problem, the more interesting it becomes; it’s like cardio for brain. As my managers says, I thrive under pressure.”
In addition to being open to challenges, Jennie notes that a great accountant or bookkeeper needs to be highly organized and detail oriented, especially since each day can be different from the next. “Every day involves managing different volumes of financial data, so being able to track processes, prioritize tasks and multitask is essential.”
Why teamwork is essential
You might not expect to hear a word like “mentorship” in relation to accounting, but Jennie says that’s the best part. Working in finance isn’t all about the numbers; it’s in the words too.
“Having effective communication skills provides objective perspectives when analyzing financial situations, which allows for effective collaboration with clients, vendors or team members,” says Jennie. “Within my department, I’m there to mentor and support my team by providing advice, answering questions and ensuring follow-ups. I support Controllers and our VP of Finance as well, but we do more than just numbers and calculations. It’s the energy around our team that makes it great. We build trust, respect and communicate by working together on a shared goal.”
Why Payworks gets it right for accountants and bookkeepers
Behind the scenes, Jennie and all other members of our Finance department are dedicated to keeping processes running smoothly, including bookkeeping, managing funds, risk management, treasury operations, and so much more. The result: helping ensure that hundreds of thousands of hardworking Canadians are paid accurately and on time.
It’s this same dedication that Jennie points to when explaining why she feels Payworks can be a great fit for businesses of all sizes - and especially for accountants and bookkeepers (two roles for which she has an understandable soft spot). “Payworks focuses on strong values and a clear commitment to accuracy, compliance and regulatory standards. An accountant’s or bookkeeper’s expertise can really be supported by the responsibilities that we take seriously within the organization.”
Jennie’s confidence in this fit comes from years spent navigating the same complexities that accountants and bookkeepers manage every day, and she recognizes how even small efficiencies can make a meaningful difference. After all, when a valuable tool genuinely lightens the load and stands up to scrutiny, it earns its place in a financial professional’s toolbox!
Learn more about the support that Payworks offers to accountants and bookkeepers, so they can focus on using their expertise where it’s needed most: https://blog.payworks.ca/unique-payroll-no-problem-here-are-five-ways-weve-got-accountants-and-bookkeepers-covered.
These articles are produced by Payworks as an information service. They are not intended to substitute professional legal, regulatory, tax, or financial advice. Readers must rely on their own advisors, as applicable, for such advice.
