Power Women 2021: Zeynep Vural, CPA, CFA
Accounting and Finance Manager
Southwest Power Pool
What’s your secret to success?
Perseverance and attention to detail.
What attracted you to your career?
I have a business degree and majored in accounting and finance. In high school, I didn’t do well in science but was pretty good in math and social studies therefore I chose to study business; it was more just a pragmatic choice for me than a real attraction.
How did you get started in your field?
After I finished college in my hometown of Ankara, Turkey, I got hired by Deloitte to work on audit clients.
What do you love best about what you do?
As a manager, I love the feeling of having contributed to the growth and success of people on my team.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud?
Within a span of three years, I was able to pass both the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exams, the two most sought-after professional certifications in accounting and finance. I also got my MBA and had a baby during the same time. I’m glad those days are long gone!
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Accept that work comes first during work hours, and family and personal life come first during non-work hours. And do my best not to mix the two. Unless there’s an urgency going on at work, I don’t check my emails on the weekends, in the evenings, and while on vacation to keep myself out of the rabbit hole of work.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. — Shakespeare
