Employee Spotlight: Alicia Lambert
Alicia was recently promoted to a Controller role from her previous position as Accounting Manager for the Ho-Chunk Capital Division. (Congratulations, Alicia! 🙌 ) She has been with the company for six years.
In the role of Controller, she is responsible for managing all accounting activities, including analysis of financial data, preparation of forecasts and budgets, implementation of accounting processes and information systems, and overseeing the preparation and accuracy of financial reports.
She also provides assistance and development to other staff within the department.
1️⃣ How did you fall into this line of work?
I’ve always been very detail-oriented, and analysis of numbers was always a strength of mine, so accounting was a natural career path for me. After college I worked in public accounting for eight years, where I was able to develop my skills and learn a variety of different industries through my work as an auditor for business, governments, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions.
During my time there, I gained knowledge of Ho-Chunk, Inc. through my involvement in their annual audit and quickly saw the growth potential. When the right opportunity became available, I knew I wanted to join the team.
2️⃣ What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
I enjoy the constant challenges and the opportunity to be creative in an accounting role. With the growth of the company, I’ve been able to develop tracking systems for our real estate projects, implement new software, and develop accounting processes for brand new companies from scratch.
I like making “pretty” spreadsheets with data that is easy to read and interpret. Yes, accounting can be an art, too! There is always something new to learn!
3️⃣ What are some ways you have grown personally and/or professionally since you started?
I was fortunate enough to start with Ho-Chunk, Inc. supporting the Ho-Chunk Capital Division in the early stages of the first big real estate development projects. As the company continued to grow, so did my skill set, and I was able to advance from starting in a Senior Accountant role to a Controller position.
4️⃣ What has been one of your favorite projects so far, and why?
My involvement in obtaining major tax credits for various real estate projects. I have lived in Sioux City my entire life, so it’s been extremely rewarding to work for a company that’s using its resources on projects that make improvements to the Siouxland, Winnebago, and surrounding areas.
5️⃣ What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to stay busy, so I’m always working on different projects to update my home. So, when I have free time, I’ll usually be working on a home improvement project or other “DIY” project.
I also like going to the gym to workout, doing yoga, and spending time with my family, friends, and two fur babies (bulldogs who are spoiled like kids).
6️⃣ What is something about you that might surprise people?
I love music, and I never miss an opportunity to dance! 🎶
7️⃣ What has surprised you about working for Ho-Chunk, Inc.? Or what insights or advice would you give to someone who is thinking about applying to work here or recently started?
Working at Ho-Chunk, Inc.– no day is the same, and you will never be bored just watching the clock. Since we are operating in so many different industries and there has been such constant growth, there’s always variety, change, and endless opportunities.
My favorite part about Ho-Chunk, Inc. is that it’s full of amazing employees! It has a great family type work environment where you can build great friendships with your coworkers all working towards common goals. There’s always fun team building activities and employee recognition.
Ho-Chunk, Inc. takes the time to analyze each employee’s individual strengths, so they are placed in the best fit positions, where they can utilize the skills they excel most at. Working here has been a truly positive and rewarding experience for me!
8️⃣ Do you have anything you’re looking forward to or have you done anything fun or interesting lately?
I’m looking forward to warmer weather! I love everything summer… sun, heat, water, concerts, adventures and anything else outdoors! ☀️
