Her Story
About Joeleen
Joeleen Thompson is an accomplished accounting professional who serves as Accounting Manager at a startup company, where she leads a remote corporate accounting team spanning the United States. In her role, she oversees team performance, manages complex accounting operations, and coordinates emergency situations, licensing, tax compliance, and special projects while ensuring the organization's financial processes run efficiently. With approximately a decade of experience in accounting, Thompson has built a reputation for combining technical expertise with a collaborative leadership style that motivates teams to perform at their highest level in a fast-paced, remote environment.
Thompson's career began at the University of Utah, where she worked as an executive secretary supporting the Vice President of Education before transitioning into accounting. Determined to create greater opportunities for herself and her family, she earned an associate's degree from Salt Lake Community College and completed her Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Utah while working full time and raising two children as a single mother. She is currently completing the capstone for her Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership at Southern Utah University, further strengthening her expertise in business strategy and leadership.
Driven by a belief that education creates opportunity and independence, Thompson credits her professional success to her determination to break cycles of dependency through learning and perseverance. She believes effective leadership is about creating an environment where people want to excel, recognizing that while technical skills can be taught, inspiring others to consistently perform at their best requires trust and accountability. She encourages young women entering the business world to envision themselves in leadership roles, pursue higher education, and confidently build careers that provide both personal fulfillment and financial independence. Throughout her life and career, accountability and perseverance have remained the values that guide her decisions and define her leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Joeleen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my determination to break the cycle I grew up with. My mother left high school, never had the opportunity to build a career, and relied on others for financial support. Her experience motivated me to pursue education, work hard, and create a stable, independent life for myself and my children.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is that education is the key to opportunity. Investing in my education has opened doors I never imagined possible. Seeing the limitations my mother faced without a formal education reinforced the importance of learning and personal growth throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to believe in their potential and envision themselves in leadership and professional roles. From a young age, I imagined myself building a successful career, and that vision helped shape my future. There are countless opportunities available today, and I hope young women pursue their ambitions with confidence, while also inspiring the next generation to value independence and self-sufficiency.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges is the continued imbalance in expectations placed on women, particularly working mothers and single parents. Many women are expected to excel professionally while also carrying the majority of responsibilities at home. Despite these challenges, I see an opportunity to continue advocating for greater equity, recognizing talent based on performance, and creating workplaces that better support employees with diverse responsibilities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are accountability, perseverance, and resilience. I believe in taking ownership of my responsibilities, remaining committed through challenges, and continually striving to grow both personally and professionally.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.