Credit Union Accounting AVP Leads With Transparency & Enthusiasm

Newman: I oversee the account reconciliation and accounts payable teams, with responsibilities spanning A/P functions, daily settlements, general ledger accounts, monthly accruals, payroll entries and daily cash management.

Newman: Honestly, I feel very lucky to have received the opportunity to start my credit union career at GTE Financial. I was going back to work after my second child, and we were already members of the credit union, so I already knew a little bit about GTE. It was and continues to be a great fit.
 
CU Times: What unique skills, experience and attributes do you bring to your role?

Newman: I feel that I am very detailed and organized. This has helped me take on big projects on top of current workloads as well as stay on track and hit target dates. I also tend to see the big picture and ask all the pertinent questions that affect the project, and the people involved.
 
CU Times: Which person (or people) do you credit the most for helping and supporting you along your career journey?

Newman: I would have to definitely say the team I have around me, both my boss of 18 years and my staff that have been with me for most of my tenure here. Without them, I would not be able to do what I do. [I’ve benefitted] from their knowledge and hard work to just listening and being willing to accept change.
 
CU Times: What are some of the biggest differences between working in your current executive level role and your previous, non-executive roles?

Newman: I’m still new to this role, but I feel being over large projects and having a hand in updating systems and processes will be the biggest difference, which I am very enthusiastic about.

CU Times: How would you describe your current leadership style?

CU Times: What are some lessons you've learned over your career concerning how to communicate well with others? 

Newman: You can’t communicate the same with everyone. Every individual is different, so you need to know your audience.

CU Times: What are some ways in which you achieve work/life balance, set boundaries and/or avoid burnout at work?

Newman: Lots of lists! I make a list, prioritize, make another list and re-prioritize, etc. Staying organized is key.
 
CU Times: What’s next for you on your executive career journey? Do you have any specific career goals you’re working toward?

Newman: Right now, my focus is on making a meaningful impact in my new role and helping my team grow and reach the next level. I'm committed to supporting their development while continuing to learn and lead effectively.

CU Times: What big-picture impact do you hope to make within your credit union, as well as for your members and community? 

Newman: From my perspective in accounting and finance, the impact I hope to make is in building a strong financial foundation that allows the credit union to thrive and better serve our members. Behind the scenes, I want to ensure our processes are efficient, transparent and aligned with our long-term goals. Ultimately, my role supports the bigger picture, creating financial stability that enables us to reinvest in our members, improve services and give back to the community in meaningful ways.
 
CU Times: What career advice would you give your younger self?

Newman: As I tell my grown children now, ‘Work hard, differentiate yourself and be nice.’

Would you or someone you know like to share your journey to credit union leadership? Please reach out to Natasha Chilingerian at nchilingerian@cutimes.com. To qualify, the individual must be a part of a credit union's leadership team or C-suite, and have a compelling story to share about their rise to their current leadership role.