Dataprise Women in Technology: Meet Katya L.

This month for our Women in Technology, we are spotlighting Katya L., our Accounts Payable Team Lead! Read about her story and how she started in technology.

Tell us your story on how you got into technology.

I sort of fell into tech. I have been in finance for my whole career and joined PEI specifically for a finance role. I am so happy the cards fell where they did because I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Did you always know that working in technology was what you wanted to do?

I did not, when I took this position, I had multiple offers on the table and ultimately decided to join PEI for the culture. I realized in my first interview that these were my people and felt a strong sense of belonging immediately.

How long have you been with Dataprise?

I have now been with the company for 3 years and hope to be here for a long time.

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

I work in accounts payable. A typical day consists of a booking transaction to make sure our accounting is accurate, receiving emails internally and externally to help expedite payment of vendors, and reviewing expense reports. Concur is a big portion of my job and has given me the opportunity to speak with most people within the organization.

What advice would you give to women considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?

Apply for the job you want. I think there are a lot of women who will wait until they meet ALL qualifications for a job posting when that is a wish list. If you are close to meeting those qualifications but are willing to learn and excited to do the job, you might just be the perfect fit. Being your own advocate and striving for growth and knowledge can get you very far in this industry.

Why do you think it’s important for more women to join the tech industry? How can the broader community support women in tech?

I can say that the women I get to work with are some of the best people I have ever known in my life. There is such a great group of women here and in tech in general. It feels like I joined a club of the smartest and most interesting women around. The community can support women by acknowledging that we are a big part of what makes tech a great industry to work in.

What is it that you enjoy most about your current job at Dataprise?

I really appreciate having great mentors. We have a finance team made up of super stars and I love to learn from everyone around me.  I consider them all friends and we all support each other to get the job done during our close cycle.

What is the best professional advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have received professionally is to let others know what your plans are for your career. Whether you would like to stay where you are, focus on a specific challenge, or would like to be promoted, unless you tell the people around you no one will know. It isn’t fair to expect someone to know what you want to focus on, but having a clear outline of your goals and vocalizing them will help you achieve them.

Where do you see yourself going from here?

I would like to continue growing my career through Dataprise. As we grow, I hope to mentor my team to improve and succeed.