Her Story
About Traci
Traci Bussey is a Senior Project Accountant and Office Leader at Larson Design Group in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, where she oversees federal and infrastructure project accounting across approximately $90 million in active budgets. In her role, she manages core financial operations including billing, accounts receivable, budgeting, forecasting, audit support, and compliance with GAAP and ASC 606. She works closely with project managers and senior leadership to ensure accurate financial reporting, project performance tracking, and effective contract execution across complex infrastructure programs. Traci’s career spans more than 14 years in finance and operations, beginning in sales with Kraft Foods before transitioning into the AEC (architecture, engineering, and consulting) industry in Oklahoma City. She joined a small consulting and engineering firm as an administrative assistant and advanced through progressively senior roles, ultimately serving as Controller and Operations Finance Specialist. Following the firm’s acquisition into a 500-person organization in 2023, she expanded her leadership scope, continuing to grow into senior project accounting and office leadership responsibilities while supporting organizational integration and team development. She studied Business Management at Langston University and also attended Oklahoma State University. Throughout her career, she has emphasized mentorship and collaboration, working with colleagues such as Randall Carter, Tom Linck, Ron Schirato, and Mike Mlinek to strengthen financial processes and team performance. She is also known for her involvement in community and organizational initiatives, including supporting internal engagement efforts and planning to contribute to projects tied to Oklahoma disaster recovery efforts, reflecting a focus on service, leadership, and continuous improvement in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Traci
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success largely to my son. He's a constant source of motivation and reminds me to show him what's possible. I also owe a great deal to my parents, who have also been incredibly influential in shaping my work ethic. They are both extremely hardworking. My dad for example, started a construction company that he started later in life when he was about to turn 60, about 10 years ago, and has since grown it into a multimillion-dollar company. Being raised by people with that level of dedication perseverance has had a lasting impact on who I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to stay focused when you get put in hard times and keep pushing forward.
Most importantly, make sure you have a voice for yourself. There have been a lot of times as a woman, and being younger than some of my other colleagues, that I've been questioned or not trusted initially. But once they get to know me and understand that I know what I'm talking about, more respect was given. I think it's really about keeping your voice, keeping your head down, and pushing through those challenges.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women in the industry would be to find your voice and not be afraid to use it. Stay curious and ask questions and take every opportunity to learn from those around you. Early in your career, if something is taking you more than a few minutes to figure out, don’t hesitate to reach out. There are no dumb questions, and seeking guidance helps you grow faster.
It’s also important to really listen and absorb knowledge from those who have experience in the industry. At the same time, be willing to support other, be a resource to your team, and allow them to be a resource for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
On the federal side, the biggest challenges are dealing with government contracts, navigating different funding cycles, and being funded at different times of the year. Personally, within finance right now, I'm facing a large learning curve with dealing with infrastructure projects. They have a completely different contract basis and approach to finances compared to what I've been doing on the federal division. I'm asking questions, soaking it all in, and my supervisor is great. We have a weekly call where I get to ask him questions that I've had throughout the week, and we really work through things so I can get up to speed.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both personally and professionally, are integrity, kindness, and doing the right thing. I strive to lead by example for my son by showing him how to treat people with respect and compassion, and how to make thoughtful, principled decisions.
I also believe it’s important not to judge others and to allow people to be who they are. In my personal life, we’ve been really fortunate to build a positive co-parenting relationship. My son’s stepmom and I get along well, and we’ve created a supportive, inclusive environment for him and our family. I know that’s not always common, and I’m grateful for it.
Professionally, I focus on supporting my team by maintaining strong communication, offering guidance, and staying attentive to priorities and deadlines. I strive to be a reliable resource for my colleagues and to contribute to a collaborative, solution-oriented environment.
Both professionally and personally, I aim to approach others with understanding, act with integrity, and prioritize kindness in everything I do.
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