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In our StartYourCareer@NORMA series, former trainees, working students and interns all talk about how they got their career start at NORMA Group and the changes that come with being offered a permanent position.
In this interview, Kendall Wright describes the path she has taken at NORMA Group – a path that began with an internship in the finance department and which resulted in her landing a permanent position in the company. She talks about the support provided by the NORMA Cares scholarship and her involvement in the NORMA Cares Committee.
Kendall, you started as an intern in General Ledger Accounting at NORMA Group in October 2022. What were your tasks at that time?
They basically included the preparation of monthly financial statements, liquidity planning and, in particular, the reconciling of accounts. Reconciliations involve comparing transactions and balances and checking to identify and correct any discrepancies.
My biggest project was optimizing this coordination process: I took over the monthly account reconciliations for the site in Auburn Hills and developed a new template that is now used by all locations in the Americas region. In 2023, I had the opportunity to present the template at the Regional Finance Controllers Conference of NORMA Group.
“Over the course of my internship, I gradually took on more responsibility, for example in posting monthly financial statements, payroll accounting and compiling data for various reports.”
You were still at university during your internship – what were you studying?
I was in my third year of an accounting program at Eastern Michigan University. At the same time of the internship, I was also taking the “Intermediate Accounting” course, which was very demanding. But it really helped me to apply what I had learned directly at work and to ask questions.
What was your job after the internship?
After graduating in December 2023, I was hired as the first participant of NORMA Group’s new Finance Rotation Program in Auburn Hills. The program offers participants the opportunity to familiarize themselves with different areas of accounting.
As a Finance Rotation Associate, I am currently getting to know the processes involved in the month-end closing. Among other things, I take care of the monthly depreciation and amortization for two subsidiaries. Also, I document processes and check account reconciliations for the Americas region. I work with a number of different internal systems: I close the books at the end of the month, enter postings and check the accounts for accuracy.
I also support other locations as required – for example with depreciation and amortization or preparing weekly reports.
What made you want to stay with NORMA Group after your internship?
I had the feeling that I could really develop at NORMA Group. I have learned a lot and have always been motivated to reach my full potential. As an intern, I felt very comfortable in the team and in the finance department of the Americas region.
In addition, the position in the rotation program was exactly what I was looking for. I knew that these two years would provide me with significant insight into different areas of accounting and allow me to take a giant step forward in my career. It was an easy decision for me – and today I know that it was the right decision!
What inspired you to choose this career path?
I decided to become an accountant because I realized how important financial education is – and how often it is sadly lacking.
“In my personal life, I have seen the impact of people who do not have any access to knowledge on topics such as money management, wealth creation or investing – and I promised myself that I would work to change that.”
After successfully completing my studies, I have taken every opportunity to further my education and share my knowledge with others.
You are a member of the NORMA Cares committee. What is the goal of the program?
NORMA Cares is a program through which we support our local communities and at the same time make NORMA Group employees visible. The initiatives include food donations, support for families during the Christmas season, campaigns to clean up the city and the annual awarding of scholarships.
The goal is to bring about tangible change in the regions in which we operate and to encourage our employees to become socially involved.
You received a NORMA Cares scholarship yourself. How did it help you?
I come from a family that couldn’t afford to send me to university, so I had to rely on scholarships. When I received the NORMA Cares scholarship, I was in my third year of university – and at that stage there are often only limited funding opportunities, because a lot of scholarships are only awarded to first-year students.
I was all the more grateful that a company like NORMA Group also supports students in advanced semesters. I would not have been able to complete my degree without this help.
What is it like for you to be part of the NORMA Cares committee today?
It is a very fulfilling feeling to now be involved in the committee myself – especially because I have benefited from this support. Today, I can contribute my own experience when it comes to planning new projects.
“I am grateful to be part of a team that is committed to making a positive difference in society.”
What are your goals for the future?
My long-term goal is to become a certified accounting specialist. Shortly after I graduated, companies approached me and asked me to help them with their accounting.
I turned them down at the time because I wanted to gain more experience. At some point I would like to work in this area: advising small companies and supporting them with my expertise.
