International Association of Women Recognizes Andrea Vardaro as a 2019-2020 Influencer
Andrea Vardaro, Vice President of Finance, UBM Americas, joins networking organization
Chicago, January 30, 2019 (Newswire.com) - The International Association of Women (IAW) recognizes Andrea Vardaro as a 2019-2020 Influencer. She is acknowledged as a leader in Finance. The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online networking platform with nearly one million members, 1000+ in person and virtual events, over 100 Local US based Chapters and International Chapters in several cities in China.
“I’m pleased to welcome Andrea into this exceptional group of professional women,” said IPDN President and IAW Spokesperson Star Jones. “Her knowledge and experience in her industry are valuable assets to her company and community.”
My ability to plan and problem solve has been important, especially as I've experienced organizations that required significant transformation in order to function more efficiently and effectively.
Andrea Vardaro, Vice President of Finance, UBM Americas
Andrea Vardaro was inspired to pursue a career in business early in her education. “My high school had a very strong business program with great teachers who had real-world experience that provided me with perspective into the business world,” she said.
After graduating from Lehigh University with a degree in both accounting and marketing, her first role was in public accounting. As Andrea’s career progressed she eventually migrated into a finance function working with cross-functional business partners to help develop business strategies for optimizing profitability and streamlining processes for optimal efficiencies throughout the finance organization. Andrea has since worked in a number of industries, including consumer products, technology startups and events/exhibitions. “Working in different industries and cultures is what continues to make my work interesting and exciting,” she said.
Three years ago, Andrea, who is a Certified Public Accountant, joined UBM Americas, a global events company, as Vice President of Finance. “In my initial year at UBM, I was responsible for transforming the Americas divisional finance organization (US, Brazil and Mexico), including development and ongoing oversight of financial planning and analysis, business partnering and reporting functions,” she said.
Today, her responsibilities also include serving as business partner to the Americas executive leadership team, managing trends in the various industries and markets in which the company operates, and strategic planning through finance business partnering. Andrea uses her skills in communication, collaborating cross functionally and problem solving as she leads a team of professionals through example. “My ability to plan and problem solve has been important, especially as I’ve experienced organizations that required significant transformation in order to function more efficiently and effectively. This, coupled with the passion to drive change, has enabled me to be successful in achieving some significant goals throughout my career,” she said.
Andrea’s work as a highly successful change agent was recently highlighted in an article in Profile Magazine. Despite her many successes, though, Andrea said she has faced some challenges in her career as a woman holding leadership roles in finance. But that has inspired her to not only persevere but to offer guidance and advice to those just starting out. “Mentorship has been important in my career – both being a mentor and a mentee,” she said. “I’ve used advice I received from both female and male mentors to develop and grow both professionally and personally. I’ve learned the value of ‘paying it forward’ and helping to shape the careers of those seeking guidance and/or with high potential for future growth.”
As she continues to forge ahead in her finance career, Andrea has a future goal in mind. “Ultimately, I’d love to move into more of an operational role, utilizing the financial skill set and commercial acumen I’ve acquired throughout my career thus far,” she said.
Awards & Accomplishments: Bachelor of Science, Lehigh University, Business and Economics; Certified Public Accountant; Certified in New York State with CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) designation
About IAW
The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online professional networking platform that provides nearly one million women the forum, professional development and services needed to thrive in an interconnected world. Through 100+ local chapters, International Chapters in several cities in China and 1000+ in person and virtual events, members cultivate valuable connections, develop professionally, and promote themselves and their businesses. Founded in Chicago in 2017, IAW is a division of Professional Diversity Network, Inc., an online network tailored to provide diverse professionals in the United States with access to employment opportunities.
Source: International Association of Professional Women