Jeanne Fortney
Staff Accountant
What is your background?
I graduated from Texas State University (Southwest Texas State University at the time) in 1996 with a degree in Public Relations. So naturally, I embarked on a career in accounting! Actually, I began my career in sales and discovered I was much more inclined to organize the sales department than actually sell, so I became the office manager. Office management introduced me to bookkeeping and accounting and I loved it! Working in accounting feels like solving puzzles on a daily basis, I love the challenge. I’ve been working in accounting for the past 10 years.
What are your responsibilities at (un)Common Logic?
I’m everyone’s favorite person on the 15th and last day of the month because I am responsible for payroll. I also do payables, receivables, expense reports, bank reconciliations, and generally just help out whenever I can. With my background in office management, I can assist there if I am needed. But I would much rather play with numbers!
What’s your favorite thing about working at (un)Common Logic?
The people are great, especially management. The environment is so supportive of individual growth and education and I feel I am constantly learning and improving. I definitely look forward to coming to work and that doesn’t happen at most jobs.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
Month end, but that’s pretty typical for an accountant. It gets especially challenging in December when I go on vacation with my husband’s company. They plan a trip at the same time every year, and it is the WORST time of year for me to be away from the office. Thankfully, we’ve been able to make it work, but it is quite stressful!
What makes Austin special?
I’m a native Texan (Houston) and I am a very proud Texan, but I must say Austin is different. I’ve been here 20 years now and I’m never leaving! I love that there is always something fun going on in this city. My husband and I love going to the festivals, ACL, South by Southwest, Formula One, X Games, we take advantage of it all.
Anything big happening this year outside of work?
My third granddaughter, Evelyn, was born!
What makes you (un)Common?
Apparently, my name! When meeting new people it is always a challenge explaining how to pronounce my name. It looks like “Genie” but it is French, so it’s more “zh-ahh-n.” My first day of kindergarten, I gave my parents a scare. When the bus came by my house at the end of the day and the driver said “Genie,” naturally I didn’t get off the bus. The driver didn’t notice I was still on the bus until she arrived back at the school. I learned that day to answer to many different names. Genie, Gene, Shawn, John, whatever!