Portia Blanchette
Portia Blanchette, MBA, in the field of Manager of Accounting, currently at a law firm where she leverages over 11 years of progressive experience in accounting to lead and enhance financial operations. She has a proven record of developing, building, and overseeing accounting processes within complex organizations, including a $100M social services enterprise. Portia’s expertise spans financial accounting, grant compliance, and the Davis Bacon Act, and she is adept at preparing and filing Federal Financial Reports.
Before joining at a law firm in 2020, Portia held a series of leadership roles at Pioneer Human Services, a nonprofit organization, including Accounting Manager and Senior Accountant from 2008 to 2020. During her tenure, she led teams in day-to-day accounting activities, implemented integrated revenue cycles to improve collection rates, automated billing processes, and authored grant policies to ensure compliance with federal regulations, consistently achieving unmodified audit opinions. She was instrumental in revenue expansion initiatives, streamlined workflows, and spearheaded career development programs for her staff.
Portia holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting from Central Washington University. Her education and professional experience have equipped her to drive financial process improvements, mentor accounting teams, and enhance organizational fiscal performance.
Throughout her career, Portia has been recognized for her ability to manage complex grants, oversee compliance, and implement strategic accounting solutions across multiple divisions. She combines technical accounting knowledge with leadership skills to foster high-performing teams and ensure organizational success.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Portia is passionate about mentoring and developing others, promoting professional growth, and applying her expertise to positively impact both nonprofit and corporate organizations.
• DeVry University - MBA
• Central Washington University - BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine desire to help people. Being motivated by making a positive impact in the lives of others has guided my decisions and strengthened my commitment to my work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to stay on top of your specialty. Keeping current and continuously improving my skills has allowed me to remain effective and confident in my professional contributions.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering the industry, I advise continuing to learn in whatever field you are in. Take courses, broaden your knowledge, and embrace opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I deeply value helping others succeed, building strong relationships, and expanding my own knowledge. These principles guide how I interact with colleagues and approach challenges. Outside of work, I value family, reading, and walking. These activities keep me grounded, balanced, and energized for both my personal and professional life.
Locations
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Seattle, WA 98118