Breaking Barriers: Tatiana Parsons Shares Her Journey in Construction Accounting

When you think of construction careers, what comes to mind? Hard hats, heavy machinery and dusty job sites? Then meet Tatiana Parsons, a Project Accountant who breaks stereotypes and finds unexpected joy in the construction industry.  

With a background in social work rather than finance, Tatiana stumbled into construction during the pandemic—and discovered her people skills were exactly what the industry needed. In this candid interview, she reveals how she navigates the financial side of building projects, overcomes challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field and finds daily satisfaction in what she calls "doing puzzles while helping people." Her fresh perspective might just change how you view careers in construction! 

You are a Project Accountant, what does that mean? What does a day in the life look like? 

I'm a Project Accountant at Carbon Six Construction. In our small company, I wear many hats since I handle all the money coming in and going out. I process payments, work with our database systems and make sure our costs stay on track. I'm the intermediary between subcontractors, project managers and owners. I check that the subs bill correctly and help them get paid and prepare billings for owners. My job is making sure everyone gets paid while protecting all parties. It's like doing puzzles every day while helping people! 

Can you point to a specific thing that drew you to the construction industry? 

I fell into construction by accident! My background is in social work and higher education. During the pandemic, I was just looking for work and started covering the front desk at a construction company. I met the accounting team and realized my people skills, problem-solving abilities and organizational talents fit perfectly with construction accounting. What started as temporary work became a career I love! 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in the construction industry for you? 

The most rewarding part is helping people with things they find challenging. Not everyone loves math or accounting! I can support both big construction companies and small family businesses through the billing process. I especially love helping smaller subcontractors understand paperwork, so they get paid more quickly. It's like teaching them to fish - I'm not just helping them with our project but setting them up for success in future work too. Being that connector between all parts of a project feels meaningful. 

Looking back – What would you say to someone with no experience in construction? 

Construction isn't just what you see driving in work zones! There are so many distinct roles beyond what most people think of. It's very team-focused and collaborative. Every person brings unique skills that others don't have. My customer service, education and people skills transferred perfectly to construction accounting. You might work outside getting dirty, or you might sit at a computer all day like me. Don't dismiss the entire industry based on what you think it is. Ask yourself: What do I like doing? What am I good at? There's probably a place for those skills in construction! 

Talk about challenges you've faced as a woman in this male-dominated field. How did you overcome them? 

The "boys club" aspect of construction is a challenge. I've been underpaid, undervalued and not taken seriously as a professional. But finding the right people makes all the difference! Having women supervisors and colleagues has been wonderful - seeing that representation matters so much. Instead of leaving when I faced problems, I tried to provide education. Sometimes men don't realize they're putting women down or not taking us seriously. I believe in knowing your worth and not letting others take that away. If nothing changes after speaking up, then it might be time to find a more supportive workplace. 

Have you seen changes for women in construction? How can the industry better support women? 

Since I've only been in construction for three years, I can't speak about changes over a longer period. But companies can better support women through continuing education about respect and inclusion. They should spotlight women for their valuable work, not just because they're women. Having proper HR departments and clear processes for handling issues is crucial. Safety isn't just hard hats - it's knowing that if something happens, there's someone you can talk to who will act. Some construction companies don't have HR departments at all, which was the reason I left one job. 

What unique perspectives do women bring to construction? What advice would you give someone starting out? 

Women often bring effective communication skills, problem-solving abilities and teaching skills that might be overlooked. My background in social work and higher education makes me good at understanding people's needs and explaining complex information. Don't let a lack of traditional experience stop you - be teachable! Learn how all the pieces fit together in this industry. Most importantly, don't let something that hasn't even happened yet stop you from joining a cool industry. Take each day as it comes, be comfortable being uncomfortable and lean into the experience. 

How do you hope to inspire future generations of women in construction? 

I believe in women supporting women. I want to show that I know what I'm doing with finances while also treating everyone like a person. I hope to inspire women to come in as they are - I'm a creative person in an analytical field, and that's a strength! Ten years ago, I would have run from math, but now I see it like doing fun puzzles every day. I want to inspire women to take ownership of their unique experiences and find ways to feed their passion in whatever work they do. You'll do your best when you're having fun and feeling supported. Sometimes being the first to offer support helps you get that support back. 

Why is diversity important in construction? How can companies create inclusive environments? 

Different perspectives make everything better! Project failure often happens when things are done the same way they've always been done. Diversity means you catch things others might miss. Companies should provide education about respectful behavior and recognize that some policies might affect people differently. In male-dominated spaces, "boy talk" can make women uncomfortable. Companies need safety processes beyond hard hats - they need clear ways to address problems when they happen. Spotlighting diverse talents based on their contributions, not just their gender, creates a culture where everyone feels valued for what they bring to the table. 

What would you say to young women in West Michigan about construction careers? 

See it! Be it! I have so much fun at my job, and there isn't just one type of person who belongs in construction. I want to see more people like me - silly, creative, supportive people doing magnificent work in this industry. You belong here if you want to learn, do good work, and collaborate with others. Don't knock on it until you've tried it! Construction needs your unique perspective and talents. There are many ways to be part of building our world - find the one that makes you excited to come to work every day.