Financial Reporting Manager Jessica Hardy has always been good with numbers, management, and financial reporting, but her ambitions and values are rooted in connection and compassion.
When she enrolled at East Carolina University, she was pursuing a nursing career with a focus on midwifery. To her, midwifery meant supporting new mothers during some of the most trying and joyous times. However, once she experienced what the health field was like for nurses, she changed course to health care management.
“I wanted to be a midwife but between the chemistry classes and my grandmother being hospitalized and seeing what the health field was like from the nurse’s standpoint, I realized that it wasn’t for me,” she said.
She graduated from ECU with a bachelor’s degree in health services management and worked at Physician’s East for several years before deciding to pursue her master’s in accounting.
“My proudest career accomplishment was working full time while returning back to school and earning my master’s degree,” she said.
Jessica said she learned her work ethic and the value of independence from her parents and has applied those principles to every aspect of her life. “I have always been very independent, and I have always wanted to earn my own money,” she said.
Jessica is no stranger to hard work. Ever since she was able, she had a job, whether it was helping a family member in her business or overseeing the closing shift for a big box retail store.
“I helped my aunt in her cleaning business. I loved seeing all the fancy houses on Lake Norman,” Jessica said. “My very first official job was at Best Buy. While attending ECU, I also worked at the Garden Center at Lowe’s.”
She began working at Best Buy at the age of 16, and in only two years was given the responsibility of closing the store alone, which meant accounting for all the money that came in that day.
“I’ve been good with managing money for a long time,” she said with a smile.
Upon graduating with her master’s in accounting, she became an auditor for a private accounting firm in town. After four years as an auditor, the long hours and travel requirements became too demanding. Wanting to spend more time with her husband and eventually start a family, she decided it was time for a change.
Jessica was hired at GUC in June of 2022. “I wanted more work-life balance and to focus on my family, and I knew opportunities in the Finance Department don’t come around often. They took a chance on me, and I took a chance on them,” she said. “It ended up being the right fit. I really enjoy working at GUC.”
As the Financial Reporting Manager, she executes internal reporting and monthly financial statements, oversees third party financial reporting, tracks capital project expenditures, manages cash and investments, ensures payments to debt services are made, and coordinates the yearly financial statement audit.
“Financial reports help guide decisions and future expectations for the Commission,” she said. “Our Revenue and Expenditure Reports show us where we are and help to answer the question of ‘Are we on track for this time of the year?’ They’re also a valuable tool for Commissioners and other staff who may not have a financial background. The report shows growth in customer connections and highlights how the weather affected our financial position that month, and tracks expected and unexpected expenditures. They’re also a helpful resource for department leaders.”
It is the sharing of information and the teaching aspect of her work that she finds most fulfilling.
“I enjoy training and teaching people,” she said. Her training style is rooted in grace and compassion. She encourages enthusiasm for learning new skills and also being willing to learn the lessons that can only come from making mistakes. She especially enjoys helping people connect the dots and understand the “why” behind what they do.
“One thing that is important is to be teachable and learn the most you can,” she said.
“It is also OK to make mistakes, but you have to take accountability and learn from them.”
FUN FACT: Most people don’t know that I took a cross-country road trip from North Carolina to Las Vegas with just my grandma. It was an unforgettable adventure filled with great memories—and even a little excitement when we encountered a tornado and had to take cover along the way!
What would you like us to know about your family (spouse, kids, pets, geographical locations, etc.)?
My husband, Michael, and I have been married for seven years. We have a four-year-old daughter, Charlotte, and a twelve-year-old cocker spaniel, Bailey.
What is your favorite family or holiday tradition?
I love the holiday season, especially Christmas. There are so many special traditions that it's hard to choose just one, but my favorite is our annual Christmas Eve party. We take turns hosting each year, and everyone brings their favorite appetizer to share. It's a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends that we don't get to see often, catch up on life, enjoy delicious food, watch Christmas movies, and listen to our favorite holiday music. It's a tradition I look forward to every year.
Have you ever had a nickname?
Jessica was a very popular name in the 90s, and I went to school with several other Jessicas. To avoid confusion, my friends started calling me JB (my initials), and the nickname stuck over the years. I’m rarely called Jessica outside of work!
Who is your favorite band or singer?
I love all kinds of music, but a few of my favorites are Brooks & Dunn, Matchbox Twenty, Elton John, and Jimmy Buffett.
What have been your favorite travel destinations?
I love going to the NC coast, but I have also enjoyed trips to Chicago, Florida, Las Vegas, Nashville, and NYC.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would donate a portion of it to a local children’s hospital. As a mother, I can’t imagine the heartache and challenges families face when their children are sick. If I had the opportunity to help ease any of that burden and provide support during such a difficult time, that would be something very meaningful to me.
Is there a celebrity you’d like to meet?
Dolly Parton. She’s a true southern belle, an icon, and someone who has brought so much joy to the world. I’d love the chance to meet her and hear her stories.
Do you collect anything or have any hobbies?
I enjoy reading, jogging, baking, shopping, spending time outdoors, selfcare, and traveling whenever I get the chance.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I am definitely a morning person. Most days I am up by 5am.
Any advice on turning a bad day into a good day?
I always try to stay optimistic and remind myself that tomorrow is a new day. It also helps to keep things in perspective and remember that there are people facing much bigger challenges. Focusing on gratitude and the positives, even on tough days, helps me reset and move forward.
Which apps do you use the most?
100% Excel! It’s an essential tool for any accountant and something I use every day.
What’s your favorite thing to do when not at work?
Spend time with family and friends.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
I want to go on a cruise to Alaska and visit Hawaii!
What’s your favorite season of the year?
While I love summer, there's just something about fall that I love even more. The crisp air, colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, bonfires, and football season all make it my favorite time of year. It's the perfect mix of cozy and fun.
What’s your favorite snack?
Popcorn.
Do you have a favorite sports team?
ECU Pirates.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
La Rancherita or Ninos.
What is your favorite movie?
I can’t pick just one. Some of my favorites are Sweet Home Alabama, Clueless, Pretty Woman, The Holiday, and The Bodyguard.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who are rude. You never know what someone might be going through, and a little kindness can make all the difference. I believe treating others with respect costs nothing but can mean a lot.
What’s your favorite quote?
“The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that matters.” Audrey Hepburn
What is one thing that instantly makes your day better?
An iced coffee or any caffeine treat. It's the perfect little pick-me-up and always puts me in a good mood.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to the opportunities ahead—both professionally and personally. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a leader, supporting my team, and finding new opportunities to improve the way we work together and serve our community.
What are your favorite things about life right now?
I’m enjoying the balance of a fulfilling career, spending time with family and friends, and making time for the things I love. I appreciate the little moments—whether it’s being outdoors, traveling, enjoying a good book, or simply making memories with the people who matter most.
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to worry less about what others think and focus more on being true to myself. It’s important to be kind and considerate of others, but it’s equally important to make time for my own happiness, growth, and goals.
What is your favorite memory from childhood?
Every summer, we would buy season passes to Carowinds, an amusement park in Charlotte. We tried to go as often as possible each summer, and it was always so much fun.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I have a really good memory! I’m good at remembering details, whether it’s important work information, conversations, birthdays, or little things that help me connect with others.
Do you prefer to make plans or be spontaneous?
I’m definitely a planner, but I like to be spontaneous at times!
