Leslie Ward

Senior Client Service Manager, Accord Financial

Leslie Ward is a senior client service manager at Accord Financial’s US Asset Based Finance unit. With 20 years of professional experience in accounting and customer service, Leslie plays a vital role in the success of the client service team at Accord.  

Leslie reviews the daily clients funding and processes the client’s wires/ach transaction. Her duties include daily AR verification, establishing and restating credit for existing and new debtors with clients, client collections, establishing field exam and review reporting, assists with client account audits, and the onboarding of new clients which consists of AR verification, Initial funding, and Client web training.  

In addition to her core duties, Leslie is an essential team member in conducting a comprehensive procedure review to identify key operations, then facilitate the design and implementation of those systems and processes to simplify our clients’ access to capital. While working at Accord and raising two boys, Leslie earned a BA in business administration and management and a master’s in management and leadership from Webster University.  

“Leslie’s drive for growth and excellence is evident in the workplace every day, and by her personal achievements of earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree while raising teenage boys and working full-time.  Her ‘grit’ exemplifies our core values of Raising the Bar and Staying Curious,” stated Accord US ABL president, Terry Keating. 

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry? 

Always be eager and ready to learn new tasks. Be open, no matter how big or small the job is. Focus on your strengths and don’t be afraid to display your talents.

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career? 

Don’t be scared to speak up. No question or topic is too small. Don’t be a pushover, but also be willing to accept criticism as this is an opportunity to help you grow.

What role has mentoring played in your career? 

I have had great mentors that led, guided, and mentored me throughout the years. They supported and inspired me through the years, all while passing along valuable lessons and information.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I truly enjoy my daily client interactions. I am able to build a rapport and gain their trust. They feel cared for and valued.

How do you balance work/personal time? 

I try to prioritize my time and task. Work on the most time-consuming tasks first and solicit help if needed. I know it’s hard to stick to set work hours but set a cutoff time and stick to it. Take small breaks throughout the day just to breathe. 

How can commercial finance organizations attract and retain more women?

Since many women are working mothers, a strong work life balance is a must. Set a strict cut off time if work hours are extended. Proper training and continuing education are a must. Lastly, compensative and comparative wages to their male counterparts.

What effect, if any, has working remotely had on your career and/or your industry? What have been the challenges and how have you worked to overcome them? 

Working remotely hasn’t affected my industry at all. We are able to perform the same tasks and duties as normal.

What do you think work will look like in the post-pandemic world? 

With the COVID vaccine made readily available to the public, I believe the world will start opening/operating as normal. Travel bans will lift, schools will reopen, restaurants will lessen their restrictions, etc. and slowly but surely the world will go back to normal. Until everyone has received the vaccine and the numbers are semi-high, companies will work remotely to ensure the safety of their employees. However, I believe by the end of 1st Quarter 2022, everyone will be back in the office working as normal.