GREAT TEAMS START WITH GREAT PEOPLE.

Meet Kate Traw.

What is your role at MorganFranklin, and what do you do?

I am a senior manager within MorganFranklin’s Accounting Advisory practice. I focus on helping clients with numerous technical accounting issues such as new accounting standards adoptions, financial reporting assistance, IPO readiness, and audit readiness. There is no problem that is too small or too large for our team to tackle from a technical accounting standpoint.

What led you to pursue a career at MorganFranklin?

After working in both the public and private sector, I was looking for a combination of the two in terms of having a work-life balance and expanding my technical accounting expertise. I was seeking more challenge and variety within my day-to-day role, and thus far, MorganFranklin has given me just that. Consulting has allowed me to engage in a wide variety of projects with clients in many different industries, which is fantastic because I can expand my skill set and learn new things every day.

What appeals to you about your focus on the Aerospace & Defense industry?

I have been lucky to have been deeply involved in the Aerospace & Defense industry since I began working in public accounting in 2013. Living in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, I have enjoyed getting involved in an industry that is such a big part of the city. The A&D sector comes with unique technical accounting challenges and nuances that I have enjoyed learning throughout my career. Since joining MorganFranklin, I have had the opportunity to work in tandem with our Government Contracting Advisory Services group. It has been a wonderful experience to offer our clients a combination of technical accounting and government compliance assistance, allowing them to contract with the Federal Government successfully.

What characteristics do you need to be successful in your role?

The three characteristics vital to success in my role are persistence, patience, and an innovative attitude. Often, our clients come to us because they have a complex need that their in-house accounting team cannot address. As a result, solving these issues requires an extensive amount of research and data gathering and then subsequent analysis to determine the correct solution. Patience and persistence are integral to this process which includes patience to work with the client to get the data necessary and persistence to ensure that the answer reached is backed up by relevant research. Finally, having an innovative attitude is essential as well to come up with creative solutions.

 How would you describe MorganFranklin’s culture? What makes our firm so unique in this aspect?

MorganFranklin’s culture is one of my favorite aspects of working at the firm. It is one of inclusion and respect that revolves around the idea that everyone brings a unique set of skills to the workplace that is valuable to the overall goal of exceptional client service. Further, MorganFranklin fosters a culture in which everyone can contribute meaningfully to the firm’s future, which I love because it allows me to be involved with decision-making and have a clear understanding of the forward-looking vision for MorganFranklin. 

What is a motto or mantra you live by?

One motto I live by is “work hard, play hard.” I firmly believe that life should balance engaging ourselves in fulfilling and rewarding careers, taking time to be with the ones we love, and pursuing other passions. This balance allows me to avoid burnout, bring my best self to work daily, and provide my clients with quality services. 

Being originally from Maine, what do you miss most about living there?

Growing up in Maine, my family would go ice fishing almost every weekend at one of the many lakes in the state. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get quite cold enough in Virginia for ice fishing, but I try to go at least a few times when I visit Maine in the winter! Virginia has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor activities, but I definitely miss the winters in Maine and the miles and miles of beaches. 

What is your favorite way to unwind after a long day?

After a long day, my favorite thing is to get in a nice workout (I am an avid cyclist!) and then settle in to watch a football game or true crime documentary.