Crystal Pace
Crystal Pace is an accomplished financial leader with extensive multi-industry experience in accounting and finance. Currently serving as Financial Controller, she provides end-to-end financial oversight, including budgeting, forecasting, GAAP compliance, and P&L management, for a diverse portfolio of clients across industries such as real estate, construction, manufacturing, and law. Known for her detail-oriented approach and strategic mindset, Crystal excels at integrating finance and operations to enhance revenue, streamline processes, and strengthen organizational decision-making.
Over her career, Crystal has held key financial leadership roles at companies including Keep Financials, Vaco, Thnks, HST Pathways, and MEIKO Group. She has successfully led teams, implemented system integrations, and overseen comprehensive financial reporting and audits. Her expertise extends to cash flow development, accounts receivable and payable oversight, and internal controls, consistently ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations. Colleagues recognize her for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to best practices, and ability to mentor staff to achieve their full potential.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Crystal is deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. She has actively volunteered with the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, serving in leadership and training roles, and has taught FA/CPR courses with the Red Cross. She is also involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Women’s Auxiliary, reflecting her dedication to giving back and supporting others. Crystal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and is a licensed Notary Public in Tennessee. Her career is defined not only by financial expertise but also by integrity, mentorship, and a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania – Bachelor's degree, Accounting
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1291 – Guard in the Women’s Auxiliary
• Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee
• Red Cross – FA/CPR Instructor
What do you attribute your success to?
I should have known that I would have end up in accounting or the financial field because my mother was an accountant and when I was seven years old she was actually teaching me many of the accounting strategies and programs .I’ve spent nearly three decades in accounting and finance, and one thing I’ve learned is that there’s always a better way to do things. I’ve built my career on challenging the “this is how we’ve always done it” mindset—whether it’s streamlining processes, creating new revenue streams, or helping businesses grow in ways they hadn’t imagined.
Early in my career at Talk Technologies, I wrote a purchasing manual that became the backbone for operations, and at Worthen, I built a commercial line from scratch. One of my proudest moments came at Healthcare Systems and Technologies, where I reduced accounts receivable from 12% to 2%. It’s a small percentage, but it made a huge difference—and it reminded me that even small process improvements can have a big impact.
I’ve worked across industries and with a variety of accounting software, from Robert Half placements to learning new systems like AppFolio. That versatility has been a huge asset—it lets me step into new challenges confidently and quickly adapt to what each organization needs. Today, in my fractional accounting work, I help small businesses get a clear picture of their finances and their growth potential. I love seeing the difference it makes when business owners feel empowered and confident in their numbers.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never settle for 'this is how we’ve always done it.' Challenge processes, ask questions, and look for ways to improve—even small changes can make a big difference. Build a versatile skill set, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges or pivot in your career. Whether in accounting, entrepreneurship, or volunteer work, focus on creating value, leading with integrity, and finding the balance between innovation and practicality. Success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Balancing multiple roles—corporate finance, fractional accounting, entrepreneurship, and volunteer work—was also a challenge. Running my gender reveal candle business, for example, was rewarding but ultimately led to burnout, teaching me the importance of pacing myself and knowing when to pivot.
Learning new software and adapting to different industries demanded flexibility and quick thinking, and managing accounts receivable reductions or process improvements often required both technical expertise and strong communication skills to bring teams on board.
Through it all, the key has been resilience: embracing change, staying curious, and viewing obstacles as chances to innovate rather than setbacks. Every challenge has strengthened my problem-solving skills, expanded my versatility, and reinforced my belief that creative thinking is just as critical as technical knowledge in any successful career.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Outside of accounting, creativity and strategic thinking as well as thinking outside the box has lead me.I’ve pursued my entrepreneurial side. I created a line of gender reveal candles that were my top search result for over four years—they change color seven times! After taking a brief pause due to burnout, I’ve been designing funeral flower candle holders, and I plan to return to my original candle business with new product ideas. Volunteering is also important to me; I’ve served as a Girl Scout leader, a Red Cross instructor, and a member of the VFW Auxiliary. Giving back keeps me grounded and reminds me why leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about impact.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to relaunch my accounting consulting firm in Tennessee alongside my daughter, explore event planning, and even transform a barn property into a multi-use venue and Airbnb. My work—whether in finance, entrepreneurship, or volunteering—is all about blending creativity with strategy.