We love our Team members, and we want to share their passion, innovating better ways to build. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Lindsey Chandler, Controller and Business Manager of Avara
Lindsey plays an integral role at Avara. As business manager and controller, she keeps business running smoothly under the high pressures and tight deadlines we expect in the construction industry… and she does it all with a smile on her face.
Lindsey is one of the most decorated team members at Avara (although she wouldn’t tell anyone that)! Not only does she hold a master’s in accounting and CPA, but she is also a four-year starter on the University of Washington Women’s soccer team and a two-time regional champion with Premier Soccer Team, Crossfire.
More importantly, Lindsey and her husband recently welcomed their first kiddo, daughter Halle, now 7 months old and absolutely adorable.
Supporting Lindsey’s career growth as a dedicated mom is of utmost priority. At Avara, we believe parenthood helps shape perspective and purpose in one’s work, which is why family is always a top priority.
Q&A with Lindsey
Why Avara?
I joined Avara because I love the small company vibe, the ability to wear numerous hats, and the fast-paced environment. There is always something new to learn, whether new laws and regulations, job-specific requirements from an accounting and operational side, and new business undertakings to navigate. Avara is constantly looking for new ways to improve and it’s been an amazing learning experience getting in the weeds of a variety of different projects. In addition, I love the people and close-knit community at Avara; the culture and people are one of my favorite aspects. We are a very close-knit community with a work-hard-play-hard mentality.
Tell us about your role.
My role covers the accounting, operational, and human resource functions at Avara. From an accounting standpoint, this includes all month-end activities, client pay application preparation, accounts payable and accounts receivable, payroll, banking, and forecasting. Operations include new project setup, subcontract preparation, and vendor management (i.e. COIs, MSAs). Human Resources include employee onboarding/termination as well as employee benefits management. Externally, I typically work with our vendors and banking contacts, while internally I work closely with the Project Managers for new project setups as well as pay applications with clients.
Why construction?
I love the fast-paced environment in the construction industry. I feel like I’m always on my toes and learning something new. From the accounting and operational side, I love the ability to keep the wheels moving from the beginning of the construction project to project close.
What do you do for fun?
I live in Snohomish with my husband and newborn daughter. I love all things active: long runs with girlfriends, skiing, boating with friends and family, road biking, clamming, golfing, and hiking. On a typical weekend, you’ll find us doing some sort of physical activity, having a backyard BBQ with friends, and/or venturing to Eastern Washington to visit my parents on the Columbia River for boating and volleyball sessions. In the fall, you’ll find my family and I at the Husky Football games (go dawgs!). I also love cooking and country music 🙂
Learn more about Lindsey’s background and work at Avara here.
Want to see more of the Avara team? Click here.
