Theresa Cotten
Theresa Cotten is a seasoned Senior Accountant based in Denton, Texas, with more than a decade of experience in property management and corporate accounting. Currently serving at GMI, she oversees accounting operations for a diverse portfolio of properties across multiple states, including Texas, Florida, and California. Her day-to-day responsibilities span accounts payable and receivable, billing accuracy, and month-end close processes, all of which she manages with precision and efficiency. Known for her strong command of multi-entity accounting, Theresa consistently delivers accurate financial reporting and meaningful insights that support business growth and operational success.
Throughout her career, Theresa has built a reputation for strengthening internal controls, improving documentation systems, and driving process efficiencies. Her background includes roles with Lincoln Property Company and other real estate-focused organizations, where she gained experience as both a senior corporate accountant and property manager. She brings deep expertise in GAAP compliance, reconciliations, variance analysis, fixed assets, and audit support, along with hands-on experience managing financial operations across multiple companies. Theresa thrives in fast-paced environments that demand structure, accountability, and collaboration, and she is valued for her ability to resolve discrepancies and streamline workflows.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Theresa’s story reflects determination and entrepreneurial spirit. As a single mother, she put herself through college while raising three children—an achievement she considers her proudest milestone. In addition to her corporate career, she co-owns and operates a Maine Coon cattery, where she applies her accounting and operational skills to a small business setting. She is also passionate about animal welfare, actively supporting local shelters and caring for stray cats in her community. Guided by values of integrity, accuracy, and continuous improvement, Theresa remains committed to building systems that make financial operations more effective and accessible for the teams she supports.
• University of Phoenix- B.S.
• Fundraising for schools in The Villages
• Florida to provide scholarships and laptops for graduating students
• Feeding and providing winter shelter for stray and neighborhood cats
• Supporting animal shelters
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my children. They're the reason why I do what I do. They're the whole reason, is to make sure that they have a better life than I had. I strive to do better than what my parents did, and I pray that mine will do the same and keep it going.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received professionally is to document everything, because things change all the time. I always tell my assistant to document everything, and especially if I tell her to change something, because I may forget since I have so much on my plate. It's so important to document everything. You have to have backup. Sometimes I have to go back through my stuff that I've had to document and say, okay, no, this is what they actually told me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't give up. Do not give up. Hard work pays off at the end. It really does. Sometimes it doesn't feel like it, but it does at the end. Just keep going, no matter what.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my industry right now is that there are fewer accountants graduating from college. There's a decrease in accountants because I think there are so many other fields that people can go into and make just as good money without having to work as much. However, the biggest opportunity is that there are so many jobs out there that you have your pick of what you want. Kids nowadays are getting out of college making $60,000 to $70,000 starting salaries, when I first got out I was barely making $25 an hour. Depending on what school you go to, like my nephew at Texas Tech, graduates will pretty much have their pick of companies because schools have contracts with big firms like Deloitte. My nephew will graduate with his CPA after 5 years instead of 4, which is incredible.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are honesty and integrity. I think your word means so much. If you say you're gonna do something, do it.