Eliana Cruz
Eliana Cruz is a finance leader based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with nearly 20 years of experience in accounting, controllership, and financial operations across manufacturing, government, and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves in a finance leadership role at Lehigh County Authority, where she works closely with executive leadership to support financial decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen systems and processes. A graduate of DeSales University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, she is also bilingual in English and Spanish and brings a strong foundation in both technical accounting and cross-functional communication.
Throughout her career, Eliana has held progressive roles including Financial Controller, Finance Manager, and Senior Financial Analyst at organizations such as Coesia S.p.A. – Flexlink, HYDAC Technology Corp, and the Bethlehem Parking Authority. She is known for her expertise in financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, and process improvement, often partnering with auditors, corporate teams, and operational leaders to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Her work consistently focuses on strengthening financial systems, safeguarding organizational assets, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and performance improvement.
Beyond her technical expertise, Eliana is recognized for her leadership style centered on empathy, inclusion, and mentorship. She prioritizes training and knowledge-sharing within her teams, helping employees feel valued and empowered to contribute ideas. In addition to her professional work, she has engaged in community and professional development efforts, including speaking and mentoring through local organizations. Her career reflects a commitment not only to financial excellence, but also to building supportive, collaborative environments where people and organizations can grow together.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• DeSales University- B.S.
• Speaker at Boys and Girls Club
• Speaker at Lehigh Valley Youth House
• Catholic Church Seminary Support
• Clothing and Donations to Underprivileged Children Overseas
What do you attribute your success to?
I am proud of everything, because when I make mistakes, I try to think what can I learn from this, why did it happen, and from there I kind of create something that doesn't happen again. It helps me keep a perspective on the big picture and helps me identify those areas and apply that on all the different areas. I learn from everything on a daily basis, constantly learning, and always having that awareness of learning from others and applying myself, not only professionally, but applying my values. That is really what makes you different from others.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to stay focused on your goals, take small and consistent steps each day, never stop learning, and use every experience—especially the challenging ones—as an opportunity to grow, help others, and build resilience.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in the field right now are legacy system limitations and process gaps, but these also present a strong opportunity to modernize operations by streamlining systems, strengthening cash management, and improving the integration between finance and operations for more efficient, community-focused service delivery.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My main goal when I come to work is being a resource to others, and if someone is not feeling good, just spot that right away and be an influence of being positive. I focus on the little things and being grateful, which really puts a whole different perspective in your life. You just see things different, and then you know that we need to make a difference every day on little things. It can be a little thing, and you're like, oh wow, that actually makes me feel better for today, and you don't know what that other person is going through. I recently lost my mom in November, and having to rely on the little things and be grateful really puts a whole different perspective in your life.