Her Story
About Kristi
I have been in the accounting field for over 25 years, and for the past 3 years I've been working on the accounting side of hospitality. My typical workday is pretty much just working with different clients, different vendors, and of course my PMI accounting team where I serve as a job cost accountant. I make sure that we meet budget and that we won't go over budget, of course. What we do is furnish casinos and different locations for different clients all over the world, because we have different locations in the United States and also outside of the United States. The challenges in my field always involve making sure that we meet the budget and that the budget does not go over, as well as making sure that information that we receive from the client and from the vendors is correct, because we have to put that information in our system and balance it and reconcile it by the end of the month, then present our numbers to the different clients that we work with, because this is their money that we're using. I earned my Bachelor's in Accounting from the University of Phoenix last summer in June, after years of putting it off because of sacrifices I had to make for my family. I'm currently working on my Master's in Business Administration through the University of Phoenix, and I have 4 more classes left. Beyond my corporate work, I'm the owner of a bookkeeping business, and for the past 12 years I've been giving out two scholarships to college students that are graduating from high school - it's only $500 per scholarship, but it's a start. I'm also a notary, going on 8 years now, and I recently joined NEWH, a hospitality group that's known nationwide, where I help those that are graduating from college get scholarships and internships after they graduate in the hospitality arena.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to faith, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous growth. Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of staying disciplined, embracing challenges as opportunities to learn, and remaining focused on long-term goals even during difficult seasons.
I also credit my success to the support of my family, mentors, and community, who have encouraged and inspired me along the way. Balancing career, education, entrepreneurship, and service has taught me the value of time management, resilience, and leading with purpose. Most importantly, I believe success is not only measured by personal achievements, but by the ability to positively impact and create opportunities for others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to remain teachable, stay consistent, and never underestimate the value of relationships. Skills and knowledge are essential, but being open to learning, adapting to change, and maintaining a strong work ethic are what create long-term growth.
I was also encouraged to focus on excellence in every role, regardless of title or recognition, because how you show up in small opportunities often prepares you for greater ones. Building genuine relationships, leading with integrity, and staying aligned with your purpose can open doors that qualifications alone cannot.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering accounting and hospitality is to be confident in your abilities, remain curious, and never stop learning. Both industries are dynamic and detail-oriented, requiring strong analytical skills, adaptability, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. Be willing to ask questions, seek mentorship, and gain as much hands-on experience as possible early in your career.
I would also encourage them to understand the value they bring to the table and not be afraid to pursue leadership opportunities. In industries where precision, service, and collaboration are essential, professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic will always set you apart.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to grow. Your career journey may not always be linear, but every experience can prepare you for the next opportunity. Stay focused on your goals, invest in your education and development, and remember that success is built over time through consistency and perseverance.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in accounting and hospitality right now is adapting to constant change. Both industries are evolving rapidly with advances in technology, automation, data analytics, and changing customer expectations. Professionals must be willing to continuously learn new systems, embrace innovation, and remain flexible in order to stay competitive. In accounting, there is also an increasing demand for strategic financial insight beyond traditional bookkeeping and reporting. In hospitality, balancing cost management, operational efficiency, and exceptional guest experiences remains a constant priority.
At the same time, these challenges create significant opportunities. There is growing demand for professionals who can combine financial expertise with operational knowledge to help businesses make smarter decisions, improve profitability, and navigate economic uncertainty. For women especially, there are more opportunities than ever to step into leadership, entrepreneurship, consulting, and specialized roles within both accounting and hospitality.
I believe those who stay adaptable, invest in their professional development, and lead with both technical excellence and strong relationship-building skills will be well-positioned for long-term success in these industries.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, faith, excellence, and service to others.
Integrity is the foundation of everything I do—it means being honest, dependable, and consistent, even when no one is watching. I believe trust is earned through actions, and it’s essential in both accounting and leadership.
Faith guides my decisions and keeps me grounded through life’s challenges and successes. It helps me stay focused on purpose, not just outcomes, and reminds me to lead with humility and gratitude.
Excellence is about doing things with intention and pride, no matter the task or role. I believe in giving my best effort consistently, knowing that small details matter and reflect overall character.
Service to others is also deeply important to me. Whether through my career, business, church, or community involvement, I find fulfillment in helping others grow, succeed, and feel supported. For me, success is most meaningful when it positively impacts others.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Texas
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.