This is a series introducing LVA employees and exploring what they do day-to-day. If you are interested in what goes on behind the scenes entries in this series are collected under the tag 7 Questions. Other entries discussing the internal work of the Library of Virginia are filed under our new category “The Stacks”.
Wendy Hupp
What is your background?
I am from the small town of South Boston, VA, and like many people from the area, I set out for Richmond as soon as I could. I started at VCU with a psychology degree and when I went back to school for an MBA, I discovered my love of accounting. I went on to get an accounting degree as well and then I transferred from marketing into the finance department at my first state agency, the Science Museum of Virginia.
How do you explain what you do to others?
Well, because eyes glaze over at the first mention of accounting, I usually just say that I am the Financial Manager at the Library of Virginia. The Library gets much better reactions than the subject of accounting!
Have you held other positions at the Library? If so, what?
I have held several finance positions at other state agencies, but this is the only position I have held at the Library. But I can say with certainty that it is my favorite job, with my favorite team.
How has technology affected your current job?
We have disposed of the abacus! And also accounting software has certainly made things easier and quicker for us, especially for state accountants once the Commonwealth implemented the Cardinal Financial System in 2014. It has been a big upgrade from the outdated CARS system.
Describe your best day at the Library of Virginia.
During our Prohibition exhibit, I attended the event “Goodbye, Booze: The Music of Prohibition (with a beer chaser).” It was a wonderful event, with some wonderful music, and the beer wasn’t bad either.
What was your first paid job?
My first job was at the World of Sports Skating Rink in South Boston (apparently roller skating was considered a sport there in the late 80’s). I worked in every position at various times and sometimes several at once. I was a terrible DJ but a fabulous skate guard, and I’m sure quite annoying with my whistle.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I have 3 cats. I don’t know how this happened, it wasn’t intentional…
