With dozens of team members, more than 100 clients and a wide range of service lines, Calvert Controls is an active and thriving company.
A lot of time, effort and energy goes into everything we do. For Finance Director Deidra Hartman, everything boils down to dollars and cents.
Deidra leads our accounting team and takes charge of everything related to our finances to ensure that we are running an effective, efficient operation at every level. Believe us when we say that this is no easy task.
That’s why we’re so fortunate to have an experienced, talented professional like Deidra on our side. She’s a pleasure to work with, and she’s great at what she does. Get to know Deidra better in our latest Calvert Controls Spotlight Q&A!
What got you interested in a career in this field?
My dad actually made me take business classes in high school for early college credit, one being Accounting. I went into it with an expectation just to pass. I enjoyed the work, it was challenging, and for the first time I felt excited to LEARN!
At the end of the course my teacher pulled me aside and handed me a letter of recommendation for college and said, “You’re good at this and could really make a career out of it!” It’s been the center of my attention since then! I have never stopped learning and am hungry to keep growing my knowledge daily.
Before Calvert Controls, I worked as the Controller for a local construction general contractor. I’ve been working in the finance field since I was 18.
What are your primary responsibilities as a Finance Director?
As the Finance Director my primary responsibilities are generating, analyzing, and presenting the financials of the business, as well as forecasting for the future to meet our goals. I prepare and track our annual budget and manage cash flow. I also oversee the accounting department and work with our leadership team and other executives to develop strategies to increase profitability and dive performance.
What are some of the unique challenges you face in overseeing finances for a company that provides as many different services as Calvert Controls?
It can become challenging juggling all the moving parts. Something many people do not realize is every transaction of a business is tied to a dollar, meaning Finance plays a role in almost every aspect of the business.
Having as many departments and services as we do means looking at each one individually and analyzing their profitability, where and when we need to pivot, and how we can scale the business.
What do you enjoy doing most outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family. I have an amazing daughter — she’s almost 2 years old — who lights up my world! We do a lot as a family and love going to breweries, trying new restaurants, meeting new people, and finding new places we haven’t seen before.
What’s something that your co-workers would be surprised to learn about you?
My sister and I completed the Spartan Race together! Hardest thing I’ve done!
What do you love most about working at Calvert Controls?
Calvert Controls is my family. I have never been more supported and felt like I truly belong anywhere I’ve worked. We strive to be the best to our employees and our customers. That’s truly an amazing vision to be a part of and to help lead!