Lina M. Herrera
Lina Herrera is an accomplished Accounting Manager at Valid Solutions Consulting LLC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a strong background in accounting, finance, and construction-related financial management. She began her career path with a QuickBooks certification and expanded into construction-related skills, including blueprint reading and bidding processes, with the goal of working on government projects. After separating from her former business, Lina continued her education, earning an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Broward College, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University through their online program, as well as a corporate financing certification from FAU. Her approach to learning is deeply rooted in her upbringing—her father encouraged her to read and explore knowledge from an early age, instilling a lifelong drive to truly understand her work.
Prior to her current role, Lina gained extensive experience in accounting management, leading teams in preparing and reviewing financial statements, budgets, and forecasts while improving efficiency and accuracy in financial operations. Her expertise spans account reconciliation, business analysis, and leveraging accounting technologies to streamline processes. Despite her strong educational background and certifications, Lina has navigated challenges in a male-dominated field where being highly qualified sometimes felt like a barrier in interviews. She has turned these experiences into opportunities to advocate for her skills and continue building her professional reputation.
Lina is passionate about applying her analytical and problem-solving abilities to help companies achieve their strategic goals. She values efficiency, competence, and putting heart into her work, alongside passion, kindness, and faith. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lina mentors her team, fosters collaboration, and continues to pursue growth and learning, demonstrating a commitment to excellence that defines both her personal and professional life.
• QuickBooks Certification
• Notary Public
• Certification in Corporate Financing (FAU)
• Florida Atlantic University - BAcc
• Broward College - AAS
• Bible Studies Teacher for Children
• Women's Bible Study Group Leader
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, believing in a higher purpose, and to the conviction that there are no limits to what I can achieve. This mindset drives me to approach challenges with determination and resilience, continually striving to grow both personally and professionally while pursuing excellence in every endeavor.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a manager who encouraged me to explore opportunities beyond a single company. By gaining diverse experiences, I not only broadened my skills and perspectives but also became more competitive and better prepared for future entrepreneurial endeavors.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the accounting and finance industry is to continue your education and never stop learning. Pursue training and certifications to broaden your skills and stay ahead in a constantly evolving field. For those specifically entering accounting, cultivate a genuine passion for numbers and for uncovering the stories they tell accounting is ultimately about clarity, accuracy, and making informed decisions based on facts.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Currently, some of the biggest challenges in accounting and finance include navigating the impacts of COVID-era layoffs, overcoming perceptions of being overqualified when applying for roles, and addressing gender dynamics in certain workplaces that can create barriers to hiring and advancement. At the same time, the field presents significant opportunities, such as starting a bookkeeping or consulting business, helping companies implement and optimize accounting software, and developing scalable accounting processes that drive efficiency and growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my professional and personal life are efficiency, competence, and a commitment to doing every task as if it were for myself putting heart and care into my work. I also prioritize passion, kindness, and faith, striving to approach challenges and opportunities with dedication, integrity, and a sense of purpose.