Check out our August employee spotlight where we speak with Liana Clarke, our VP Chief Accounting Officer. As the leader of our accounting practice, Liana oversees a wide range of accounting functions with a focus on fostering a friendly and open environment.
As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day and focus on our core value of the month, Diversity, Liana’s journey is a testament to the hard work and resilience required to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Read more to learn about Liana!
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. To get us started, how long have you been with GDT and what does your role entail?
Liana: I’ve been at GDT for just over 2 years, and I lead accounting practice — which includes general ledger accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, sales tax, our new credit function, SAP accounting, payroll, and a team in India that oversees foreign entities accounting.
Wow, so it sounds like you handle a lot! Can you describe your team and its dynamics?
Liana: Our team operates like a family. Everyone is friendly and open. We have worked on interdepartmental communication and being helpful and responsive — both inside the company and externally.
We work with every department: sales, operations, and IT. We also work with many partners, customers, and vendors. So, we pride ourselves on building relationships. It’s amazing how many talented people we have on our team that really shine. They make every day easier, fun, hard days good, and good days even brighter!
It has been awesome to watch your team grow and really make an impact in the organization. Do you have a project or accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of from GDT?
Liana: I am proud of all of them! However, financial audits stand out the most. My entire team touches audits, and we have been handling those successfully, timely, and effectively. Strong financial performance is critical to any company and our audited financial statements are frequently requested by our investors, partners, and customers. Every year we have been more efficient in our audits and improved documentation for our internal processes.
Accounting has come a long way thanks to your team, and I know those audits are a lot! What do you enjoy most about working at GDT? What motivates you to come to work every day?
Liana: I enjoy challenges and the opportunity to learn and see how we can accomplish what the business needs. Challenges bring departments together. Again, we work with many departments at GDT and bring
solutions to the table to make tasks more accessible to them.
GDT brings opportunities — opportunities to learn, to create processes, to educate — and that is what I love about it. You are truly able to make a footprint in the overall organization through the day-to-day operations.
That’s something I hear around the business, and I remember you telling interns that you can make an impact at GDT. Our core value of August is “We Prioritize Diversity.” Can you share an example of diversity in your team?
Liana: We are constantly working with departments and members across the organization. So, it may not be diversity as we know it, but there is diversity in how we implement change for everyone in the organization.
I am so blessed to be on a team of all different backgrounds and genders. We try to welcome diversity and ensure everyone is growing with us and having their voice heard. We want to ensure our employees are happy, but we also serve the organization. For example, we are working with team members in India, so finding feasible solutions and adapting to international time differences is important. We also have employees from different stages of life and backgrounds. It is important to us that everyone feels welcome, has the same opportunities, feels heard, and is on the road to success.
What other aspects of our organizational vision, mission, or values resonate with you?
Liana: GDT is dedicated to taking care of and communicating with employees on things, such as where the company stands, how everyone is aligned on goals, and how everyone can contribute to the company’s success. Our executive team does a great job communicating and keeping our employees informed.
I couldn’t agree more! August 26th is International Women’s Equality Day. What does Women’s Equality Day mean to you personally?
Liana: It means hard work, being a strong woman professional, and having a second job as mom and wife. Women combine all those roles and make it work. It takes a lot of effort to be in a competitive environment and find time to prioritize professional development, family, and just showing up every day! I am proud to be a part of the circle of professional women here at GDT, and it is a blessing and an honor to know so many women who make it look easy.
We have some pretty incredible women here at GDT! What challenges have you faced as a woman in your profession, and how have you overcome them?
Liana: As an immigrant, I had to find my way, fight harder, and go against professional competition that did not need sponsorship. I had to prove I was worthy of the sponsorship investment.
I knew the skills and training required to be successful, so I took the extra time, committed to my plan, and prioritized my career goals. That was and is my journey, and I don’t regret any of the work, effort, and time I put into my career. I love learning, and my career keeps on challenging me every day.
We truly have so many amazing women to look up to at GDT. What’s a fun fact about you that most people may not know?
Liana: Well, I love sushi. I could live off sushi for years— and shrimp (specifically shrimp cocktails). Also, I used paint and write poetry in Russian, but it is hard to find time these days!
I love sushi! Where is your favorite place to be or travel to?
Liana: Iguazu Falls in Argentina is a little piece of heaven on earth! It has waterfalls for miles, rainbows when you find the right light, and memories I’ll have forever. I love traveling to new places, but that is one place I’d like to go back to.
I need to add that to my list! Lastly, what advice would you give the younger you?
Liana: Have more faith in yourself and your abilities. It took me a long time to know it’s okay to make a mistake and learn from it. And to have a strong work ethic!
Liana’s story inspires us all at GDT, and we are proud to have her as a leader who exemplifies dedication, strength, and the drive to succeed.
