Rita Burns
Rita Burns has built a respected career in finance through hard work, consistency, and a lifelong passion for accounting and analytics. Based in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, she currently serves as a Lead Accountant and Analyst with Meritage Hospitality Group, where she supports the financial operations of a large restaurant hospitality organization. With more than 27 years of experience in finance and over two decades with the same company, Rita has become a trusted leader known for her reliability, operational insight, and deep institutional knowledge. Her journey into accounting began with a high school accounting class that sparked an early appreciation for math and numbers, ultimately shaping the foundation for a successful and enduring professional path.
In her current role, Rita oversees daily financial transactions, analyzes processes for improvement opportunities, and provides guidance and support to both coworkers and company operators. As the lead on her team, she is recognized as a key resource for problem-solving, process improvement, and financial accuracy. Rita values the versatility of the finance industry and appreciates the many directions the field can take, from analytics and ledger accounting to tax and public accounting. She believes success comes from mastering the fundamentals, maintaining a strong work ethic, and finding genuine fulfillment in the work itself. Her personal philosophy centers on happiness and purpose over chasing money, a mindset that has contributed greatly to her long-term career satisfaction and success.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rita is deeply committed to mentorship, community involvement, and supporting future generations. For more than 20 years, she helped lead youth wrestling programs within her local school community, dedicating her time to mentoring young athletes and creating positive experiences for families. She also encourages young women entering finance to remain confident, persistent, and determined in a field that has historically presented challenges for women. Rita’s story reflects dedication, loyalty, and authenticity, demonstrating that meaningful success is built not only through professional achievement, but also through the positive impact made on coworkers, communities, and the people around you.
• Davenport University
BAS, Accounting
• Managed school's youth wrestling community program for 16 years
• Volunteer work for youth in the community
What do you attribute your success to?
I'm going to pat myself on the back a little bit on this one - I just think it's my work ethic. I'm loyal, and it's a good company to work for, so I'm happy there. But again, if there ever was a day that I was coming in and was just not happy there, I'd be gone. But I'm happy there and successful there, so that's what keeps me going. My success really comes down to loving what I do and maintaining that strong work ethic throughout my 27 years in the field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I got was to just make sure you love what you're doing and kind of not chase that money. Because that's definitely there, right? But you may not be happy or as successful as you can be with that outlook. So I think that's probably the best advice - focus on loving your work rather than just chasing the paycheck, because that's what leads to real happiness and success in your career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering this industry, my advice is to stay persistent, committed, and confident in your abilities. While the field can still present challenges when it comes to traditional male and female dynamics, progress is being made and the landscape continues to evolve in positive ways. If this is truly the career path you want to pursue, don’t allow obstacles or outdated perceptions to discourage you.
Success comes from being willing to dig in, continue learning, and remain focused on your goals even when the environment feels demanding. There may be moments when you need to work harder to prove yourself, but determination, resilience, and professionalism go a long way. Opportunities for women in the industry are growing, and those who stay dedicated can build meaningful and rewarding careers.
Most importantly, believe in your value and the perspective you bring to the table. Stay committed to your vision, keep pushing forward, and trust that your hard work and perseverance will create opportunities not only for yourself, but also for the women who follow behind you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I'll go with the opportunities, because finance is a big world. There's a different function of finance, so you have anything from analytics to accounting ledger to public accounting to tax. I just think there's a wide array of knowledge or fields that you can be in, and if you just have those basic building blocks, there's real versatility. That's what makes finance such an exciting field - the breadth of possibilities once you have that foundation.