Team Impel includes musicians, foodies, avid animal lovers, athletes, and more, and their passion, energy, and grit make Impel successful. Impel’s Employee Spotlight Series highlights one of our incredible teammates each month, giving you an authentic and behind-the-scenes look at our culture. This month we’re introducing you to Jess O’Laughlin, Senior Accounting Manager.
What is your role at Impel? What are a few of your core responsibilities?
My title is Senior Accounting Manager. I work on our Finance and General & Administrative team. A few of my main responsibilities are billing for our OEM, Enterprise, and Reseller partners; international billing; maintaining various accounts and reconciling them to our financial statements at the end of the month (what we in finance call “month-end”).
Which Impel core value resonates with you the most and why?
- Relationships: Surrounding myself with supportive and ambitious people motivates me to always set the bar higher.
- Energy: I thrive in fast-paced environments and try to bring a positive attitude to everything I do.
- Results: Once I’m in the zone, I’ll stay there until I finish the job.
What inspires you most about your teammates and why?
My teammates are always willing to help, whether sharing expertise or rolling up our collective sleeves to meet deadlines. The collaboration and grit inspire me to bring my best to the table.
How do you define success?
For me, success is more about the journey than the destination. It’s about finding happiness and meaning in everything I do. Whether working towards a career goal or just making time for myself and the things I enjoy, success is having a balanced and fulfilling life that I am proud of.
What is the best career lesson you have learned so far?
Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. It’s okay to acknowledge your own strengths and achievements and to make sure you feel valued in what you do.
What are you currently reading or watching? Do you have any recommendations?
I recently finished 1899 on Netflix and highly recommend it. It has an awesome storyline with mystery, history, and quantum physics.
Tell us three things most people don’t know about you.
- I overcame my fear of heights and hiked Angels Landing in Zion National Park in 2019.
- I love to write. For now, it’s mostly a hobby, but having something published is on my Bucket List.
- In 6th grade, I received the second-highest score in the county on a standardized math test. My Dad still likes to brag about it.
Tell us the three words your friends would use to describe you.
- Loyal
- Honest
- Hard-working
What do you like to do on your days off?
I spend as much time as possible on the lake in the summer at my family’s camp. I also enjoy hiking, visiting local (dog-friendly) breweries, and checking out any live music.
What topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?
Macroeconomics! I’ve been fascinated with it since my freshman year of college. It’s ultimately what led me to a career in accounting.
What is one thing you can’t live without and why?
My dog, Moose! He’s a two-year-old Boykin Spaniel, and I couldn’t imagine life without him. He likes to tag along with me pretty much everywhere and especially loves coming to work with me in our Syracuse office, where he’s allowed to play while I work.
Jess’s career advice is important for all of us to embrace, no matter what stage of our careers. And Moose is an adorable teammate!
