Julianne Chandler is the Chief Financial Officer at Saussy Burbank, known for her strategic acumen and adaptive leadership. Since joining the company in 2013, she has ascended from a Controller to CFO, a testament to her exceptional skill set and dedication. With a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Campbell University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, Julianne blends her strong educational background with practical experience. Her upbringing in a military family instilled resilience and adaptability, invaluable in navigating the complexities of today’s financial landscape. Passionate about sustainable growth and ethical practices, Julianne is a role model in the financial sector.
Rethinking Finance: An Interview with Julianne Chandler, CFO of Saussy Burbank
Julianne, as CFO, how do you steer Saussy Burbank’s financial strategy in today’s dynamic market?
Julianne Chandler: In my role as CFO since January 2023, my approach is to be proactive and forward-thinking. I focus on aligning our financial strategy with market trends and internal goals. It’s a balance of managing risks, seizing opportunities, and ensuring sustainable growth. My team and I constantly analyze market data and adjust our strategies to maintain financial health and drive innovation.
Reflecting on your academic journey, how has it influenced your professional outlook?
Julianne Chandler: Education has been a cornerstone of my career. Each step, from my honors degree at Evanston Township High School to my MBA from the University of Phoenix, has broadened my perspective. The Business Contracts certification from Cornell University, in particular, sharpened my skills in negotiation and strategic decision-making. These experiences have taught me the value of continuous learning in adapting to an ever-evolving financial landscape.
With your background in a military family, what unique perspectives do you bring to your role at Saussy Burbank?
Julianne Chandler: My upbringing instilled in me a sense of resilience and flexibility. Moving across various states and countries, I learned to adapt quickly to new environments and cultures. This has translated into a versatile approach in finance, where adaptability is key in managing diverse business challenges and embracing change.
Can you share some of the professional challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
Julianne Chandler: The biggest challenge was maintaining career continuity amidst the frequent relocations due to my military family life. I tackled this by focusing on roles that offered both stability and growth. My determination to stay on track with my career goals, despite these disruptions, helped me build a strong foundation in finance.
What’s your philosophy on achieving career success and personal fulfillment?
Julianne Chandler: For me, success is a blend of professional achievement and personal satisfaction. It’s about reaching your goals while maintaining a sense of happiness and fulfillment in life. I strive to provide a stable and fulfilling life for my daughter, and this personal goal fuels my professional drive.
In maintaining work-life balance, what strategies do you find effective?
Julianne Chandler: Achieving balance requires a conscious effort. I prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and ensure time for personal interests and family. It’s about quality, not just quantity, in both professional and personal spheres. This approach helps me stay focused and energized.
What advice do you have for those aspiring to succeed in finance and accounting?
Julianne Chandler: Embrace a mindset of growth and humility. The financial sector is dynamic, so staying curious and open to learning is key. Combine this with a strong work ethic and the ability to lead by example. Remember, success in finance is not just about technical skills, but also about how you adapt, communicate, and innovate.
Finally, what does success look like to you?
Julianne Chandler: Success, to me, is seeing our company not just hit our financial targets, but also grow sustainably. It’s about making strategic decisions that positively impact not just our bottom line, but also our team’s morale and our company’s reputation. When our employees feel motivated and our clients trust us more because of our financial integrity and transparency, that’s the real success.
Key Takeaways
- Adaptive Strategy in Finance: Julianne Chandler emphasizes the importance of proactive and adaptable financial strategies to align with market trends and internal company goals, ensuring Saussy Burbank’s sustained growth and innovation.
- Impact of Diverse Background: Her military family upbringing has ingrained versatility and resilience, which Julianne effectively applies in her CFO role, enabling her to navigate diverse business challenges and embrace changes in the financial sector.
- Personal Definition of Success: For Julianne, success as CFO is not just about meeting financial targets but also about fostering sustainable company growth, employee motivation, and maintaining financial integrity and transparency.