Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/809553
A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 7 M A C O N M A G A Z I N E | 89 Women In Business Hoi Edwards, CFO Smith Brown & Groover 4001 Vineville Avenue | 478.474.7004 smithbrownandgroover.com *** What's the best part of working at Smith, Brown and Groover? The best part is I truly love what I do. I AM an accountant. Period. I am just a very black-and- white person. I like answers that are black and white, wrong or right. And I work well with my boss, Raymond (Smith). He understands I have kids and a family, that I have a life outside of work and he supports that, but he expects the best from me, and I try to do that. This job truly fulfills my talents and interests. I always loved math, and my 6-year-old son is just like me. When he was asked in school what his dream job would be, he said "an accountant." What's the hardest part of your job? The hardest part is that it can be stressful. But I do that to myself. I'm a perfectionist. What's your background? I was in public accounting for 10 years, that is, working for a private firm. I was an auditor until a bank that I audited offered me a position. Then in 2011, after my son was born, Raymond called and offered me a job here. He actually said, "You need to work for us. And we need you right now." I started here, and he was right. I can't stay at home all the time. I'm just not that kind of person. I love my kids, but I need to work. This is the perfect place for me. I sit back here in my corner and obsess about all the accounting details of this business and it's great! What advice would you give to young woman who is pursuing a business career? Find something you love and somewhere you like to work. That is the first important step. Then try to balance your life. Find the private and public "you." That can be harder than you think when you first start a job, especially in your profession. My husband and I share everything. He is an accountant, too, but we balance each other out and help each other. That's so important. There are always bumps for sure, but if you can keep that balance with a good job and good life, the bumps are always easier to handle.