At the United Way, as in most non-profits, the place where fund raising meets programming is in the finance department. Never would I dare to say that finance is the heart and soul of an organization, because realistically, most finance departments are a bi-product of another service or product. However, like the veins that carry blood though the human body, finance departments are an important part of any organization.

Within UWSEM's finance team there are a brave few who spend their days auditing the many dollars our community raises. The Audit Team works closely with the Pledge Processing Team who captures donor information, and more importantly, donor designations. Collectively, the two teams ensure that every donor dollar is accurately captured. Our teams' dedication to accuracy keeps contributors invested in our community year after year.

Also, Finance Team Members are strategically placed in initiatives and cross-functional teams lending their expertise and helping to advance our Agenda for Change. Finance members are involved in such initiatives as Operation ABC and The Alliance for Economic Inclusion. They work closely with countless partners and volunteers to maximize the return on investment of donor dollars.

When diving below the surface level, it becomes exciting to see how UWSEM's Finance Team works toward our mission. Understanding how the team collaborates with many others to advance the community's Agenda for Change makes me passionate about what I do on a daily basis. It keeps me dreaming of the endless possibilities - not the obstacles. I believe Henry Ford said it best when he said, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”

The Finance Department may not be the most glamorous department. However, like veins to the human body, the department works as a team to help change our community in measurable and lasting ways.

Rebeca Torres,
Finance Department
United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Labels: Employee Voices