Name:  Natalie Workman |  Age:  27 |  Hometown:  East End |  Alma mater:  Ouachita Baptist University
 Major:  Accounting |  Job title:  Controller |  Employer:  Rock Dental Brands

Why accounting?

My degree led me into the accounting field. I chose a career at Rock Dental due to the fast pace and amazing team here. Every day is something new with people that I enjoy.

Do you need to have a knack for certain things?

Be detailed, learn to multitask, be flexible, be honest. These qualities got me to where I am today.

Did you always plan to go this route?

Accounting was not always my plan, and if I am being honest, as a freshman in college, I was overwhelmed with the many options. Someone once told me, you can always go from accounting to business, but you can't always go from business into accounting, and that started my accounting journey.

Did you have a financial role model?

My role model, in general, has always been my dad. His work ethic and the time and effort he has put into making himself and those around him successful are unmatched. I do my best to carry that into every meeting and experience I have with my team.

Why should teens consider a career in accounting?

Accounting lets you see the bigger picture. It's not all sitting behind a computer screen all day; it's learning the business and growing with the business. To be a successful accountant, you have to be able to see the value in both the trees and the forest.

What is your money motto?

“Never spend your money before you have earned it.” –Thomas Jefferson

What is the most surprising thing about your job?

I didn't realize the impact that my role would have. I am a part of bringing affordable dental care to over 400,000 patients each year.

How do you feel about this statement? “I can’t work in a financial role because I’m not good at (or hate) math?”

Accounting concepts + Excel formulas + business sense = success; the math is somewhat irrelevant if you can master these other aspects.