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Newsminders™

Melanie Rutan: Growing Connections

After 12 years as a Bank Examiner with the FDIC, Melanie Rutan needed more flexibility in her career but still wanted growth.

Despite enjoying the professional challenges her position afforded, Melanie wasn’t satisfied with the balance between her work and family commitments. “I wanted to continue my work in accounting without the travel that conflicted with my time at home.” In 2001, with two children under five, Melanie responded to an ad for a part-time accountant at Bookminders. “I sought both flexibility and challenging work. Bookminders was a perfect fit!”

As Melanie’s children aged, she expanded her client portfolio. “I worked extensively with nonprofits, our most complex clients.” Her development continued as Melanie’s prior experience led her into a teaching role at Bookminders. “I led a lot of training at the FDIC so stepping into that role for Bookminders was easy.”

Melanie’s personal and social commitments expanded her accounting connections, further enhancing her career progression. Volunteer work Melanie performed for North Allegheny School District allowed her to develop relationships with CPAs she might not have met otherwise. “I was involved in PTA and boosters for Cheer, Swim and Diving in a variety of capacities. Because I spent so much time working with numbers during the day, I usually selected nonfinancial roles for my volunteer work. But, I always ended up somehow meeting CPAs. I think we just gravitated towards one another!”

The relationships Melanie developed created new opportunities with Bookminders, first as a Business Development Specialist and most recently with her promotion to a full-time management position. “My youngest went to college in 2017 so I was ready for the next challenge. I enjoyed talking about Bookminders and networking, so it was just a natural step. The professional growth I’ve experienced can largely be attributed to relationships I developed. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those connections.”

About Melanie: Melanie Rutan, a graduate of West Virginia State University, is the Business Development Manager for Bookminders Pittsburgh. She serves as Vice-President for the North Allegheny Unified Boosters and recently joined the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus Board as the Treasurer.