WPFN Member Spotlight: Caroline Santos

This month, we’re highlighting WPFN Member Caroline Santos, CPA. Caroline serves as chief accountant, General Accounting Division, County of Riverside, California.

What Leadership style do you find to be most successful and why?

The Leadership style I find to be most successful is Servant Leadership. I believe a people-centered leadership style is the most effective because people thrive when they feel valued and supported. I believe this style of leadership promotes a positive environment where everyone can contribute and grow together. Some of the best leaders that I’ve had have embodied this style and I do my best to model and learn from them.

What is a challenge that you had in your career and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career has been implementing some of the most complex GASB pronouncements, particularly GASB 87. I vividly remember the struggle and excitement of overcoming this challenge and successfully implementing the new pronouncement for our local government. The key to our success was our incredibly talented and capable team. We all took it upon ourselves to become subject matter experts, immersing ourselves in every available form of training. We devoured articles, attended webinars, and meticulously analyzed the GASB pronouncements and implementation guides. We created a timeline, assigned tasks, and held each other accountable. We supported each other and leveraged each other’s strengths. In the end, we successfully implemented GASB 87 and even opted for early implementation.

What are your favorite ways to relieve stress and/or decompress?

My favorite way to relieve stress is to walk in nature. As I walk, the fresh air fills my lungs, and the natural beauty of the outdoors captivates my senses. The rustling sound of leaves, the warm sunlight filtering through the trees, and the sound of birds chirping create a peaceful scene. Each step feels grounding, helping to clear my mind and release tension. I always feel a lot better after a walk outdoors and ready to take on whatever comes next.