We love celebrating our team members here at Wingstop, so every quarter we highlight one exceptional individual. Most recently, we recognized senior accountant Carla McKinney as Team Member of the Quarter. Carla is the first ever team member from accounting to receive this honor, and we couldn’t be more proud! Her dedication to her team and our mission to Serve the World Flavor are just a few of the many reasons Carla has earned this honor.
See what one of her team members had to say about her below.
“She is incredibly helpful and is always willing to make the time to sit and help you understand whatever it is you are dealing with. I’m sure team members from other departments who have the pleasure of working with Carla on a regular basis can attest to just how helpful, dedicated, and willing she is to go the extra mile. Carla is undeniably an extremely important asset to this team, and I am very fortunate and grateful to work alongside her.”
We had the opportunity to catch up with Carla and ask her a few questions about her recent achievement.
1) How did you develop an interest in accounting and when did you know it was what you wanted to pursue in your career?
My aunt had a huge impact on my career selection at a very young age. She was a VP of accounting at a local bank, and I always admired her conversations and intelligence to the point that I figured whatever she does, I wanted to do it too. During my first year in college, I came to the realization that accounting is essential to the success of any business and pretty much is the language of businesses worldwide; that was intriguing enough to me as you can imagine. So with my love for numbers, having a niche for problem-solving, topped off with my aunt’s influence, I stepped into accounting and never looked back!
2) What does being the first team member from accounting to receive this honor mean to you?
It means a great deal to me being the first TMOQ from accounting, ever! Our department is full of hardworking and committed individuals who showcase these aspects daily, so to be selected out of the bunch is indescribable. I dedicate numerous hours out of my week here at the office ensuring I’ve fully contributed my piece to the puzzle. I make a promise to myself daily to make a vital impact, whether that be with my positivity, my willingness to help, or simply leading by example. To know that this hasn’t gone unnoticed is truly appreciated.
3) What do you believe has made you successful in your career?
Remaining a student on a day-to-day basis and having the will to understand not just my role in accounting, but how my role interacts with all departments, which enables me to understand the company as a whole from all aspects. I’ve also truly believed that once you’re comfortable with being uncomfortable, your growth is limitless.
4) What is your favorite part of your role?
I really enjoy the cross-functioning abilities that my role provides on a day-to-day basis, which is slightly unusual for a typical accounting role. I have the privilege of working with several departments in some form or fashion several times throughout my week. Whether it be marketing, international, IT, finance, legal, HR, or construction, we are able to collaborate on different tasks for the betterment of the business. This alone provides me with a wealth of knowledge that I enjoy and also contributes to my success here at Wingstop.
5) What do you attribute as your most valuable accomplishment at Wingstop?
Being selected as Team Member of the Quarter is hands down my most valuable accomplishment while working for Wingstop over the past three years. It provides acknowledgment of the contributions that I’ve made from team members that work with me on a daily basis and that alone is priceless.
6) How do you Serve the World Flavor in your role?
I Serve the World Flavor by always attempting to make myself available when needed; whether that be a brand partner giving me a call with questions and requests, a team member needing a hand, or staying at the office late to get on a call with an international partner to take advantage of one-on-one interactions that develop stronger relationships. If I’m available, you can count on me to assist where needed, and if I’m not, I’m willing to direct you to the best place to help move the business forward.
7) Lastly, what’s your favorite wing flavor?
That’s easy – bone-in lemon pepper wings with a cup of ranch on the side for dipping!
Want to join the Wingstop family? Check out our careers page.
