Rachael H. - Finance Manager, FP&A

Title: Finance Manager, FP&A
Location: Remote (Florida)
Joined: 2016
Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Pool shark and finance guru Rachael left Big 4 behind to take on more interesting work at Groupon. She fills us in on what she’s taken on here and dishes on the growth she's experienced since joining back in 2016.

OK, first things first. Can you write a Groupon haiku?

Looking for some fun –

Go get yourself a coupon –

And buy a Groupon

What’s your favorite Groupon memory?

Fiscal year end finance parties, hands down. Every year, after the financial statements are filed and the external audit is complete, the entire department goes out to celebrate all of our hard work throughout the year. This year we took over a ping pong bar and enjoyed fun games, drinks, and apps. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you saw a group of us on stage at a karaoke bar that night as well.

How are you staying connected with your team as we’re all working remote?

We have all adapted quite well to working remote, but surely do miss one another. On top of our regular team meetings where the first 5-10 minutes usually consist of us chatting and catching up, the finance department implemented a coffee chat program. Every other week you are randomly paired up with another finance teammate in order to set up a 15 min catch up, attempting to simulate a random run-in in the office kitchen. I have really enjoyed this and have even met some new people i wouldn’t have otherwise.

You’ve been at Groupon for 5+ years. What about the company has kept you here?

Personally, Groupon has continued to offer growth opportunities for my professional development. For example, in my 5+ years here, I have held 4 different roles. I am constantly learning, being challenged and having fun doing it! I can’t forget to mention all the wonderful people who I work with on a regular basis.

What piece of career advice would you give candidates looking to join Groupon?

I think this advice could be applied to any job or company you are looking to join, not just Groupon. I recommend: be mindful of what you are looking for in an employer, team, manager, and job responsibilities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to human resources or the folks interviewing you that will help you figure out if the role is going to check all your “boxes”. You are interviewing Groupon, just as much as they are interviewing you. On top of your valuable work experience, we want you to want the job and to be excited to come to work everyday.  

What was your first impression of Groupon as an employer?

When I first stepped foot in the Groupon office, I felt as if I could be myself. It was bright and colorful, and there was a buzz around the office that was difficult to ignore.

How did your Groupon journey begin? What roles at Groupon have you had since then?

I came to Groupon after a few years as an auditor at one of the big 4 public accounting firms. Deep down, I knew that wasn’t the career path for me and was looking for change. As chance would have it, a Groupon recruiter reached out to me via LinkedIn just at the right time. I joined Groupon as a Senior Accountant on the SG&A Accounting team. Within a year, I transferred to the North America Revenue Accounting team. After a couple more years, I was promoted to manager -- a big career milestone I was/am very proud of. I wasn’t ready to stop there! When there was an opportunity to assist our FP&A Finance Team, I was very intrigued and excited to learn something new. Now I am a manager on our North America FP&A Finance team and being challenged each and every day. 

Have you won any awards in your time at Groupon?

A couple actually! A few years ago the Accounting department had a recognition award, dubbing the monthly "Accounting Rock Star". This person was handed a huge trophy to sit on their desk for the next month. Before passing it onto the next award recipient, the winner was required to add their own flare to the trophy. I stuck a Woman@Groupon sticker on it since I was a board member of the ERG (employee resource group) at the time. Then, more recently, I was honored to be granted the "Finance Star Award", for demonstrating the Groupon customer value through my work on various projects, specifically launching the automation of sponsored listings. The winner was given a special thermal water bottle and $500 Groupon bucks!  

What is one non-work activity or hobby that you're into? How did you get into it?

All things fitness and health related. I always played a sport growing up and throughout college. After college it was quite an adjustment to get into a new fitness routine but something I became truly passionate about. While living in Chicago, I would try to find a new studio or gym to go check out on a regular basis. Working out or going for a long walk is like meditation for me. It is my “me” time and makes me a better person in life and at work. 

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be and why?

I would love to be a personal trainer/nutritionist for a day. I have a passion for fitness, health, and simply just being the best version of myself. Strong is sexy! If I could pass that knowledge and feeling of empowerment onto someone else, I would be elated.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

Happy to challenge anyone at a game of pool. Bring it on!