Building Careers, Balancing Life: A CFO’s Journey from Public Accounting to Pipeline Construction
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of accountants and auditors will grow by about 6 percent between 2023 and 2033. That growth is fueled by a combination of factors: companies facing increasingly complex regulatory requirements, an expanding economy that requires financial oversight at every level, and ongoing retirements and career shifts that continue to open up positions. It’s a reminder that while opportunities in the field are strong, the profession itself is evolving — and accountants are expected to adapt their skills and leadership approach to stay ahead.
What lessons can finance professionals take from someone who’s successfully pivoted from public accounting into the C-suite of a major construction firm?
Welcome to Beyond the Ledger. In this first episode, host Troy Ashby, President at Benchmark Search, sits down with Joe LaPolla, Chief Financial Officer at Driver Pipeline Company, a Texas-based contractor with over 1,000 employees and a 50-year legacy. Their conversation spans Joe’s early years in public accounting, the leap into industry, and how he leads today at the intersection of finance, operations, and HR.
What You’ll Learn…
- Joe LaPolla’s Career Origins: From Accounting to Construction
- Navigating the Transition from Public Accounting to Industry
- Building Strong Teams and Culture in Construction Finance
- The Power of Networking: Building and Maintaining Relationships
- Key Insights on Career Growth and Strategy