Kathryn Bethel: The “why” behind the numbers
As 2Life’s Assistant Controller and Manager of Budget, Audit, and Reporting, Kathryn Bethel is what you would call a “numbers person.” But since joining 2Life in 2021, her vision has expanded.
“As a CPA, a lot of times you’re looking at spreadsheets or numbers all day. Here, our office is in one of the residential buildings. When you come into work you're seeing residents go about their day-to-day. You might have a small conversation in the hallway, peek into a classroom, or see the residents’ paintings and realize how amazingly talented they are. You see the impact your work is having on people’s lives. It reminds you of the ‘why’.”
For Kathryn, the “why” was a desire to be part of a mission she believed in. After having built a successful career at one of the nation’s leading accounting firms, Kathryn heard about an opening at 2Life, and was intrigued by the idea of working for a mission-driven nonprofit. “Being able to help seniors live in wonderful communities is a much better way to spend your day than doing something for the for-profit side.”
There are many practical accounting requirements and deadlines that 2Life must meet to operate effectively—for example, the preparation and reporting of consolidated financial statements. It’s a complicated process because beneath the 2Life Communities parent structure are numerous separate 501(c)(3) corporations, as well as limited liability corporations and for-profit corporations. Meeting their individual requirements is a critical part of Kathryn’s job.
Diane Leeming, 2Life’s Director of Finance and Controller, says that Kathryn has been instrumental in streamlining these functions. “Whether it’s from an audit perspective or a budget perspective, Kathryn is phenomenal with tying things up with accuracy, and her technical abilities are great.”
Beyond the balance sheets, Kathryn finds balance in her own life by doing yoga, and spending time outdoors. You can often find her paddleboarding on the Charles River in Newton. “It's so calming. You don't have to paddle very far to feel like you are someplace much farther away.”
Perhaps that balanced perspective helps Kathryn remain easygoing, approachable, and ready to embrace any challenge. Diane Leeming appreciates that “Kathryn’s growth mindset is helping to set us up for the future.” For Kathryn, it’s about focusing on the big picture. “We have to meet our deliverables and deadlines so we can continue to provide services. But it's never about the tasks themselves. It has to be about growth, because the need is so great.”
