CFO of the Year: Chris Andersen

Distinguishing characteristic: I spent 10 years practicing as an architect before embarking on my career in finance. This brings a unique and advantageous perspective to my role. I can fuse together the business of architecture with the business of business.

Unique challenges: The architecture industry is fluid. The only thing that’s certain is the uncertainty of what’s going to happen next. Understanding probabilities, developing scenarios, analyzing the data and then being able to maneuver proactively with flexibility and agility are all a must to be successful.

Advice to an aspiring CFO: Numbers will tell a compelling story, and they should certainly be used to frame decisions. However, they do not always provide the final answer, nor the only answer. Don’t be afraid to let instinct weigh in on the path forward, too.

How do you spend time outside work? Whether attending a Razorback football game with my daughter (a student at the University of Arkansas), coaching my son’s baseball or basketball team, or watching his soccer games with my wife, I love this time with them.

Little-known fact: I spent three years of my childhood in Frankfurt, Germany. While there, my family traveled throughout Europe, and I somehow developed a love for escargot – definitely unusual for a 4-year-old, but digging snails out of shells was enough to keep a kid busy during long meals. Exactly like an iPad … only different.

What is the biggest false stereotype for a financial officer? Not all of us can do your taxes. Personally, I’m good with carrying financial management, business planning and risk management responsibilities. I have a general understanding of tax law, I can help implement tax-efficient strategies (with relevant guidance from our accounting partners), and I know enough about the details to be dangerous. Definitely leave the heavy lifting in April to the pros.

Via the Kansas City Business Journal