GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Jenni Konigsburg

Jenni Konigsburg is a Senior Financial Management Analyst who joined Hennepin County in August 2021 to assist with federal pandemic grants accounting. Prior to joining the County, Jenni worked as a Senior Accountant at a mental health nonprofit and as a high school advanced mathematics teacher. She currently serves as an elected trustee on Minnesota’s Public Employees Retirement Association’s (PERA) Board and volunteers as a bilingual tax preparer at the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site Prepare + Prosper. 

Jenni has a BA in Mathematics and a BA in Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, a BS in Accounting from Western Governors University, and is currently enrolled at Rutgers Business School seeking a Masters in Governmental Accounting. Jenni is an active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Minnesota.  She enjoys canoe camping, cheering for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, and playing ultimate frisbee. 

Q & A with Jenni

Where and what are you currently studying, and why did you choose this?

The Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting at Rutgers Business School is a concentrated program in government financial management, accounting, and auditing. The balance of accounting theory and practical application enables me to apply what I’m learning directly to the work I do for local government. My favorite topics while studying for my CPA exams were related to fund accounting and state and local governmental financial reporting; working in local government solidified these interests and led me to pursue more rigorous study of these specialized concepts.  

What government are you working in or hope to work at in the future?

I currently work for Hennepin County, Minnesota in the Office of Budget and Finance. As a resident myself, I experience the impact of local financial decision-making, and I enjoy being a part of the process. Hennepin County is a great employer and the experience in such a large local government has introduced me to many other opportunities to grow my career. In particular, I have been more active in county-wide financial analysis, revenue forecasting, and defined benefit plan management and policy. 

What are your future career goals?

I endeavor to become a subject matter expert in defined benefit plans and the financial management of those plans. I hope to leverage my educator skills and joy for teaching to help inform and disperse information about governmental accounting best practices. Finally, I would like to continue to learn and grow in the legislative and policy space, focused on financial reporting and resource allocation decision-making through the budget process. These goals are built on a foundation of ethical conduct and responsibility, cater to my values of being a competent accountant and lifelong learner, and contribute to a broader goal of serving the public well. 

How will GFOA’s scholarship help you achieve those goals?

Working and attending school is rewarding but certainly requires sacrifices. This scholarship helps to lessen the financial pressure of pursuing an advanced degree, but I also feel a deep sense of accomplishment in receiving this award. GFOA is a recognized leader in government finance best practices, advocacy, and policy; continuing to learn from GFOA to support local government and benefit the public is an incredible opportunity. Finally, I am honored to receive this scholarship, especially one named after the first woman president of GFOA, and I owe a lot of gratitude to the people who have given me opportunities, encouragement, and feedback throughout my career.