Rethink Everything
My career is focused on helping others succeed. I love what I do! My name is Laura Shahrdar and I am the CEO and business consultant with Shahrdar Enterprises, LLC. My background is in accounting, but I have years of experience with hands on development of business systems and personnel management.
I have been a licensed Certified Public Accountant for 26 years. My career started with the firm of KPMG (formerly Peat Marwick Mitchell & Company), one of the largest accounting firms in the world. This is where I learned that details are key. My experience in the auditing arena lead me to understand the importance of how people interact with systems in their everyday work environment. I mean, if your most important asset cannot relate with the systems is uses, how can the product be its best?
I realized I wanted to work more closely with my clients, so I transitioned to a local accounting firm where I specialized in taxation and audit. This was great! I was able to assist clients from the smallest of tasks to finding solutions for their larger projects. It is extremely satisfying to personally get to know your clients, understand their goals, and be a key player in helping them achieve their goals.
My next venture was in the world of private accounting. I knew I needed more experience in working solely for one company in order to gain the vision and expertise of planning projects long term and growing a company. I also wanted to be involved in management of an organization that believed in giving back to the community. I was the Executive Director and CFO of Live Oak Retirement Community for nine years. Live Oak was the first continuum of care community in Shreveport, Louisiana. Live Oak grew to become one of the largest retirement communities in north Louisiana. Along the way, we had to develop financial, human resources, and operations management systems. This was key to our success.
Founded: 1999