Mischelle Sharma, Senior Staff Accountant

I’m Mischelle Sharma, a Senior Staff Accountant on Swinerton’s financial reporting team. I’ve been here for almost five years now.

Embarking on a Professional Odyssey

I began with Swinerton in November 2018 when I joined the Operations Department as an Accounting Temp. With a background in accounting, I embraced the opportunity to explore project and construction accounting, a new realm. Over nine months, I transitioned to a full-time role as a Staff Accountant, providing invaluable support to the Project Accounting team within Operations.

Driven by a passion for learning and growth, I expressed my interest in financial reporting to my manager. In February 2021, an opportunity arose, and I transitioned to the Financial Reporting team as a Staff Accountant.

My dedication and hard work were recognized, culminating in my promotion to Senior Staff Accountant in April 2023. Today, I continue to uphold Swinerton’s core values, striving for excellence in all endeavors.

Inspiration in Construction

Coming from a small island like Fiji, where skyscrapers were a marvel, the tallest being only 12 floors tall. I was captivated by the engineering feats of construction. Joining Swinerton allowed me to unravel the mysteries behind these architectural wonders. 

Role and Responsibilities: Driving Financial Excellence

In my current role, I play a vital role in the Financial Reporting team, where I assist in producing monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports critical for decision-making. My responsibilities encompass maintaining and reconciling general ledgers, managing fixed assets, filing personal property taxes, and providing training to new team members.

I firmly believe in the power of teamwork. Collaborating with my colleagues, I ensure that tasks are completed promptly and accurately, contributing to the success of projects and the overall team.

Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Achievements

One of the significant challenges I face in my role is the dependency on information provided by other supporting teams, which can impact our ability to meet deadlines. Prioritization and adaptability are crucial to overcoming these challenges. We navigate through obstacles efficiently by focusing on tasks within our control and making informed choices.

I take pride in contributing to process improvements within our team, enhancing our efficiency and productivity. Each improvement represents a step forward in our journey toward excellence.

Empowering Aspiring Professionals

To aspiring women considering a career in construction, I offer this advice: Believe in yourself, embrace your interests, and let your determination propel you forward. Gender stereotypes do not limit Construction; your passion and dedication will pave the way for success.

Swinerton has been instrumental in my professional growth journey. Witnessing female leadership within the company inspired me to strive for excellence. My managers’ unwavering support and guidance have nurtured my development, instilling confidence in my abilities and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

The Swinerton Experience: A Warm and Inclusive Culture

What I enjoy most about working at Swinerton is the warm and inclusive culture permeating the organization. From day one, I felt valued and appreciated, empowered to contribute meaningfully to our collective success. 

Outside of work, I indulge in my passion for painting with acrylics and embark on learning to play the guitar.