When Emily Harrison began her career, she didn’t picture herself in construction. With a degree in Finance from Washington State University, she was drawn to numbers, problem-solving, and connecting details to the bigger picture.

 “I always knew I wanted a career that used my love for math and problem-solving,” she says. “I didn’t originally plan to go into construction, but once I got into the industry, I realized how rewarding it is to see your work tied directly to something being built in the real world.”

Emily’s first role out of college was at a small manufacturing company in Carnation, Washington—an experience she describes as “a crash course in how all the pieces of finance connect.” As a one-person finance department, she handled everything from payroll and cost accounting to financial statements and even helped set up a union contract.

“That job taught me to be adaptable and to learn by doing,” she says.

Her path to construction began when she joined a general contractor in payroll. The exposure to project accounting and the fast-paced nature of construction quickly drew her in.

“I was always asking questions,” Emily recalls. “I wanted to understand not just what we were doing, but why. That curiosity helped me connect the financial details to the bigger picture of how projects succeed.”

Over time, Emily took on more responsibility, moving from payroll into project accounting, learning from project managers, senior leaders, and other accountants along the way. Today, she’s a Senior Project Accountant at Hermanson Company, where she serves as a bridge between Finance and Operations.

“No two days are the same,” Emily says. “Early in the month, I focus on month-end close and reporting; mid-month, it’s billings and collections. In between, I’m helping project teams troubleshoot and make sure the financial side supports their goals.”

What she values most is the balance of technical and human connection her role provides. “I enjoy being service-minded,” Emily says. “Helping project managers understand the financial side so they can focus on running their jobs is really rewarding. I also love mentoring newer accountants and seeing them grow.”

For those interested in starting a career in construction or finance, Emily’s advice is simple: stay curious and build relationships. “The more people you connect with, the more you’ll learn,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most people are happy to share what they know. Every role and project can teach you something valuable if you stay open to it.”