Outside of her professional role as Director of Finance and Accounting in Haskell’s Latin America Region, Alejandra Álvarez displays her generous spirit by supporting animal shelters and taking in rescue animals.
Among her favorite recreational activities is hiking in the mountains near Mexico City with her dogs.
“When I get to the top of the mountain, I can perceive freedom and connection with the universe,” Álvarez said. “The mountain heals. When I have had the most difficult crises, it has helped me. Feeling that connection with the animals and the land is, for me, to be able to feel a part of the whole.”
Álvarez has been part of Haskell since 2005, when she joined the Mexico City office as a junior accountant, and with nerve, skill, preparation and the support of colleagues, she steadily climbed the career mountain. In her current role, she leads a multinational team of professionals who manage tasks such as project management, accounts payable, corporate accounting and project accounting.
Her ascent within Haskell is laudable but not unexpected, given the company’s deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. But in the industry she chose and the region where she lives, it is nothing short of scaling a career version of Everest, given that women make up only 10 percent of construction-sector employees and that women in Mexico account for only 10 percent of all executive committee positions. It is further notable that, without any planning, her team comprises four women.
Álvarez credited Haskell for enacting policies that promoted peer respect and job growth regardless of gender and fostering a healthy work environment in which to grow professionally. Training and continuing education have been fundamental to her career.
“Since I joined, Haskell has been a caring company that motivates you to grow, to change your position,” she said. “To dare to say, ‘I want to do it,’ despite not being 100% clear about the responsibilities of the position has helped me to excel at Haskell. My advice to everyone is to believe in themselves. Do not be afraid to accept challenges. Know that time sacrifices are necessary, but they are an investment to grow not only in the company but as a person.”
Preparation and skill always have been vital to her success. Initially, Haskell LATAM used an external accounting service. As the business grew, it brought the financials in-house. With experience as a corporate accountant with another firm, Álvarez knew accounting management, tax matters, financial statements and. That she was bilingual further qualified her.
Her dedication to the Haskell core values of Team, Excellence, Service and Trust also have supported her professional and personal growth. She has taken to heart the lessons learned through Haskell Learning, Development & Education courses, such as Servant Leadership.
“I learned that I am here to make my team grow,” she said, “and that if my team grows, that makes me grow.”
Fellow team members appreciate her approach and her abilities.
“Her understanding of tax and legal requirements in various countries is impressive,” said Renee Harrell, Haskell Vice President and Controller. “Alejandra has a lot of deadlines to meet, but she never complains or shows tension or stress. She is approachable and always able to answer questions, as well as support team meetings.”
Among her most significant contributions have been developing a system linking accounting and project control and her work to unify accounting between the United States and Mexico. “We are making operations simpler so that projects can have reliable, timely and real-time information,” she said.
She is recognized not only for the quality of her work but also for her generosity and willingness to support social benefit causes organized by the company.
“Alejandra's positive outlook and upbeat personality combined with her helpful demeanor makes her a pleasure to work with,” said Molly Keifer, Assistant Controller. “She is truly a highly esteemed member of our team, and I am grateful for the work she does.”
Having overcome obstacles and grown personally and professionally, Álvarez appreciates all she has done and all that’s in the future.
“Fulfilling your dreams is similar to climbing a mountain,” she said, “but once you reach the top, you know that the effort has been worth it.”
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