Ken, CMA, MBA/SALO Consultant
Job-To-Job Lifestyle Means Freedom, Variety, New Challenges – And Benefits
Ken can't keep a job and that's the way he wants it. Why? Because this professional Certified Management Accountant, who also holds an MBA, is sold on the whole concept of contract work – and his employers are glad he is. As a 12-year veteran in the contracting arena, Ken has held a variety of rewarding positions, including CFO and Controller, for a variety of companies.
Some people might find that kind of job security – or lack thereof – alarming. Ken finds it "refreshing."
"I really enjoy the flexibility and opportunities to take time off when I want to between assignments," Ken notes. "I love that kind of freedom." Ken started working with SALO in January 2003, but his relationship with John Folkestad goes back to 1992 at another agency. He took his first position with SALO a year ago as interim VP of Finance for a Twin Cities-based industrial supply company. It was a three-month position that would allow the company to find a full time Vice President.
"SALO's very good at communicating my needs to the client and vice versa. They're great communicators because they deal in substance," he notes. "The principals, John and Amy, are as good as anyone in the field. Even though SALO is relatively new as a company, they're one of the best."
Ken's process with SALO and the industrial supply company is similar to other candidates and contract employers: SALO did its due diligence beforehand, making sure Ken was right for the company and vice versa. Then he and Langer met company officials to discuss the project in detail and start working on a plan for the company. The process delivered satisfying results to both parties.
Ken's next SALO gig came as Assistant Controller for a manufacturer of electronic components. This job was an eight-month vacancy, in which Ken managed the accounting systems and financial reporting, including year-end close and audit.
While some may find the prospect of a new work environment daunting, Ken relishes the idea: "Variety is one of the major appeals of contract professional work. It's refreshing and challenging. Plus I get the freedom to say what I want to do next. And sometimes, I might even have the opportunity to influence the way a company operates for better performance and a bigger difference on the bottom line."
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