Kristy Buchanan
Kristy Buchanan is a dedicated Senior Property Accountant at Green Courte Residential Holdings, where she manages full-cycle property accounting responsibilities, including invoice approvals, accruals, balance-sheet risk management, and client financial reviews. Since joining the firm in May 2025, Kristy has leveraged her expertise in property accounting to ensure accurate financial reporting and streamlined operations across the organization. Her professional philosophy centers on tenacity, continuous learning, and embracing opportunities even before feeling “fully qualified,” which has guided her rapid career progression in the accounting field.
Kristy’s career in accounting began in 2016 with an entry-level accounts payable position, followed by her first official accounting role in 2020. She advanced through positions at Emmer Management Corp and WRH Realty Services, gaining hands-on experience in full-cycle accounting, property management finance, and senior-level responsibilities at Marc Mansfield, CPA. Her journey reflects a consistent pattern of resilience and self-driven growth, balancing multiple roles while developing the skills necessary to excel in property and corporate accounting.
A first-generation college graduate, Kristy earned her degree in Organizational Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University and, after a life-changing personal transition, pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University, completing it in 2023 while raising her infant as a single mother. Her educational and professional accomplishments highlight her determination, adaptability, and commitment to lifelong learning—qualities she continues to bring to her work and professional community in Tampa, Florida.
• Southern New Hampshire University - B.S.
• The Lord's Place
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of tenacity and hard work—returning to school while balancing multiple jobs and parenting—and the invaluable mentorship and support I’ve received from my community and professional network. In particular, a community leader who referred me to a key role and a colleague, Mark, who provided meaningful opportunities, have been instrumental in my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to apply for positions even when I don’t feel fully qualified. I was encouraged by mentors and contacts—including Mark and a community leader—to pursue roles that initially seemed out of reach, and that guidance has opened doors I never imagined.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Accounting isn’t one-size-fits-all. While the Big Four is often highlighted, meaningful opportunities exist in industries like healthcare, property management, and nonprofits. My advice to young women is to explore different paths, research roles and specializations, and don’t be afraid to apply for positions even if you don’t meet every listed qualification—fulfilling careers often come from taking chances.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in accounting right now is staffing constraints and increased workloads. Teams are often stretched thin because companies hesitate to add headcount in roles that aren’t directly revenue-generating, even as responsibilities grow. At the same time, I see a significant opportunity: organizations need strong financial professionals, and those of us willing to step up can make a real impact. I also encourage young professionals to explore diverse industry specializations rather than defaulting to the Big Four path, as there are many meaningful ways to build a successful career.
What 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 perseverance, independence, and service. As a single mom of two young kids, I’ve learned the importance of advocating for myself—insisting on the senior accountant title and fair compensation—while also striving to be an example for younger professionals. Outside of work, I enjoy golf, supporting my daughter’s softball team as a team mom, and collecting special edition books. I’m also committed to giving back to my community through causes like The Lord’s Place.
Locations
Green Courte Residential Holdings
Tampa, FL 33635