Kari Carlson started with the City of Bloomington, Minnesota as an Accountant in 2008 and became the Assistant Finance Manager in 2012.  In 2014, she took on the project of implementing the City's new ERP software.  In 2019, she became the City’s Budget Manager, and then in 2023 was promoted to Deputy Finance Officer in charge of budget, grants, and special projects.  Kari has used the City's ERP software to streamline all areas of the budget process.  She has also transformed the City’s budget process to make it more transparent, accessible, and engaging for the public.

Prior to working at the City of Bloomington, Kari worked as a Senior Accountant at the global food corporation, Cargill Inc.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a minor in French from Iowa State University and a (CPFO) Certified Public Finance Officer designation from the Government Finance Officers Association.