We Are MGroup™ – Interview with Carrie Williams

Carrie began working at MGroup™ almost 5 years ago and is a valuable part of our team! As a Senior Accountant, Carrie is responsible for all final billings and vendor payments for materials, so she carefully analyzes each project as a whole and reveals any financial discrepancies. With 17 years of accounting experience in the private and public sectors, she has become an essential part of our team.

Learn more about Carrie in the one-on-one interview below.

How long have you been with MGroup™?

CW: I’ll celebrate 5 years with MGroup this August.

What is your role at MGroup™?

CW: I’m now a Senior Accountant. In this role, I am responsible for all final billings and vendor payments for materials, so I’m ultimately the person within our department analyzing each project as a whole. I don’t love pointing out mishaps in a project from the financial perspective (I don’t think anyone really wants to be the bad guy), but I do love a puzzle and numbers, so the most unpleasant aspect of my job is neutralized by perhaps the most pleasant aspect. At one point, I wanted to be an FBI agent when I grew up, so I’d say I must have an innate need to investigate and answer the whys. I started at MGroup as an Accountant, so I’m well versed in many functions of our department. My experience at MGroup combined with my previous job experience enables me to answer questions about accounting functions I no longer do daily, so I’m able to assist people in and out of our department when their go-to person is unavailable. 

How did you end up working with MGroup™?

CW: I interviewed with MGroup through a temp agency and a few weeks later, I had a start date, but it isn’t as simple as it sounds. Prior to this, I worked at a CPA firm, but as I was going through a very trying time in my personal life and struggling mentally, I ended up losing my job. I then struggled to land a new job. Ironically, I was chosen as the “We are MGroup” candidate during Mental Health Awareness month. As I sat here contemplating my award, the theme song to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sitcom (This is a story all about how my life got flipped, turned upside down) instantly played in my mind. In a nutshell, MGroup knew I was struggling and took a chance on me anyway and for that, I’m forever grateful.

What is your experience and background in the industry?

CW: Prior to MGroup, I had no hospitality experience. However, my experience and background in the accounting industry is much more involved. I graduated with my BBA in Accounting and Management in May 2005 and I graduated with my MBA in May 2006. I started as an intern at a CPA firm in January 2006 and have been working in the accounting industry ever since. I’d class 11 of my 17 years of experience in the public sector and 6 of my 17 years of experience in the private sector. While change is inevitable, it isn’t something I often initiate myself. With that said, I’m actually very thankful now that I went through the trying time in my personal life that ultimately led me to a career in the private sector MGroup serves.

What do you enjoy most about working for MGroup™?

CW: I’d have to say the flexibility on both a small and a large scale is what I enjoy most. I can now plan my day around an afternoon yoga class or an afternoon paddle. I can take a vacation any time of the year. I can also work from the corporate office in LaGrange, my home in LaGrange, or my hometown house outside of Albany.

What are the values that drive you?

CW: Authenticity, Open-Mindedness, Loyalty, and Dependability with as much Kindness and Fun as possible!

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done while at MGroup™ or something that was the most memorable about working at MGroup™?

CW: I cannot deny that the “on-the-spot” accounting test they gave me during my interview was memorable, but that was technically before I began working at MGroup, and I think I’ve complained enough about that scary test that they no longer give it to potential new employees, so I’m providing a second answer as well. I absolutely adore dinosaurs, so the most memorable day for me while working at MGroup was when they announced the creation of Ultracera with a dinosaur in its logo. To this day, I still smile every time I hear “UltraceraTops” or see the Ultracera logo.