Employee Spotlight | Amanda Obenhaus

This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Amanda Obenhaus, our Accounts Receivable Specialist at Watchtower Security! For over 11 years, Amanda has played a key role in fostering our positive culture and supporting the company’s growth. Her attention to detail and dedication to her work make a huge difference, helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes. We’re so lucky to have Amanda as part of the team, and we can’t wait to share more about why she’s such an important part of Watchtower Security.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at the company?  

A: I have been with Watchtower Security for 11 years. My current position is as an accounts receivable specialist. I work with clients to provide them with their invoicing, and insurance, and accept payments. I also work with Lauren in the collections effort when clients stop making their payments. We restrict the portal until the minimum balance is received. In my free time, I like to walk my dog, attend spin classes, hang out with my family and friends, paint, check out the local farmers markets, or see the latest concert. I enjoy anything creative.  

Q: What path did you take to get to your current role?  

A: I was hired originally as a reviewer with the intent to grow the marketing/advertising department when the position was needed. Not very long after being hired I was asked to help in the Finance Department. It was Suzy, Joe, and myself. Over the years I have played many roles in the department and I have helped it grow to what it is now….many many reports later.

Q: Are there any moments or experiences that have shaped your career trajectory?

A: Prior to working at Watchtower I worked for the Jewish Community Center where I worked several roles making me very versatile and always open to learning. I also spent weekends growing up helping my father with admin tasks for his business. This made me familiar with Quickbooks which is one of the main programs the finance team still uses today.

Q: What does your typical day at Watchtower look like?  

A: Normally my day begins with checking emails and responding to clients and colleagues. This is also where I get different notifications to complete tasks in Connectwise and ACH payments. Depending on whether it is the beginning of the month or the end, the second portion of the day normally includes invoicing, taxes, reporting, or collections.

Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your role, and how have you overcome them?  

A: Over the years there have been several changes and updates which at times you could call challenges. Several challenges arise as we grow and problem solving for these challenges is all part of it. I am competitive so I am always up for the challenge whether it be a new way to report numbers or learning how to deal with a new leadership style. Finding ways to prioritize what matters with patience will always get you where you need to be.

Q: Can you share a particularly memorable achievement or project you’re proud to have been a part of?  

A: This may not be the biggest achievement but the first thing that came to my mind was when we all figured out how to “properly” utilize Connectwise and I no longer had to be the person who wrote the requested reviews on the wall with a dry erase marker lol. 

Q: How do you collaborate with other team members or departments to achieve common goals?  

A: Our team talks every day about the tasks at hand or the struggles we are dealing with. The advantage of a small department is that we get to know each others’ strengths and how we can best help one another. We prepare plans and take action to get closer to our goals.

Q: Are there any skills or areas of expertise that you’re currently working to develop or improve?  

A: I am always looking into new ways of presenting numbers or ideas. I also like to work on my formatting of emails and how communication may be perceived. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about the company culture here?  

A: Everyone is very friendly here at Watchtower and we all do our best to make everyone feel welcome. 

Q: Where do you see yourself in your career within the next few years?  

A: Growing the accounts receivable section of the finance department. With growth comes new roles and responsibilities. I see myself working with the team to help manage these responsibilities and tackle what is to come one step at a time.