Behind the Scenes at a Financial Public Relations Firm

It takes a village to run most companies, and here at JCPR, everyone plays an important role in producing top level results for our clients.

We recently had a conversation with Carol Anne Harves, JCPR’s CFO and finalist for the NJBIZ 2014 CFO of the Year Award.  We wanted to learn more about her background, career challenges and how her passion for numbers has everything to do with her love of baseball. Here is Carol Anne’s story, told in her own words.

Wizard behind the Curtain

The saying, “out of sight, out of mind” does not apply to me and my role at JCPR. I’m the one behind the scenes responsible for not only the firm’s financial activities, but all the research that goes into finding new opportunities for providing the best work environment. These range from employer sponsored opportunities, healthcare programs, employee benefits and systems and processes—all of which improve JCPR’s competitive advantage in the public relations and communications industry.

My mantra has always been to simplify business. A well-organized business with a simplified approach is able to react quickly to changes in the marketplace.

I am always available to the JCPR team and it is my goal to provide employees with the tools and resources they need to service our clients to the best of their abilities.

The Company Whisperer

Prior to working at JCPR, I worked with businesses facing financial crises and turned them around. It can take several years to help companies get back on their feet, but it has been a very satisfying challenge over the span of my career. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my view and approach in my role as the CFO.

When JCPR approached me, it was a different kind of challenge. At the time, JCPR was a young business striving for growth rather than struggling for survival. In four years we have grown from a firm of 15 employees to 50+ employees and counting.  My network of bankers, lawyers and insurance companies throughout the country, has been a crucial component in the successful growth management here at JCPR.  I am very happy to be part of an outstanding company like JCPR.

For the Love of Numbers (and the Game)

You may not know this but I am a baseball fanatic and season ticket holder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. My passion stems from watching my son play baseball until he was 23 years old. Someone once said to me that the reason why I love baseball is because it’s a game of numbers. It’s true that I am an avid baseball fan as well as a fan of numbers, so I couldn’t ask for anything more when it comes to loving what I do.