REGENESIS Employee Spotlight: Andrew Stajduhar

As the Manager of Financial Reporting and Analysis at REGENESIS, Andrew Stajduhar enjoys “putting a story behind numbers” when he can. And with responsibilities that include accounting, financial reporting, budget development, and other aspects of finance, Andrew indeed has plenty of numbers to work with as he assists company executives by providing accurate, up to date financial information, which is mission critical for key decision making.

In addition to managing the Financial Reporting and Analysis department, he also heads up the company’s IT unit, and admits that leading two departments can be challenging. “Managing two departments means I deal with all of the company’s managers and executives.  And although, based on the information I present, getting all of the stake holders to buy into change can be challenging at times, I think we do a good job of communicating to the various teams so they can make the best decisions.”

Andrew’s Background

Prior to joining REGENESIS a little over three years ago, Andrew was a Sr. Accountant at The Irvine Company, one of California’s premier real estate development companies, and one that has a reputation for world renowned master planning and thoughtful stewardship along California’s coast. Before joining The Irvine Company, he was a Financial Systems Project Manager at WNC & Associates, a national investor in real estate and community renewal initiatives, located in Irvine. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from the George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management, Pepperdine University.

When asked how working at REGENESIS has changed his thinking about our planet, Andrew responds by saying he has a much greater sense of awareness. “My experience at REGENESIS has made me very aware of all the issues revolving around pollution, conserving our natural resources, and the need to clean up our environment.  I believe that, as individuals, we need to be more aware of the choices we make that impact our environment.”  He continues, “Living in Southern California, I have learned not to take water for granted, especially now with the severity of the drought. With over 20 million people in southern California, the water situation is very serious and it impacts all of us.”  Although his work in finance and accounting may seem somewhat removed from the day-to-day, on-site remediation efforts of the company, he still appreciates that he works with a team that is dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment.  “It makes me happy that I get to work with such a wonderful, experienced team of smart people who are focused on the job of cleaning up the environment. Everyone I work with is extremely professional and always wanting to improve. That focus of staying on the leading edge is very inspiring to me.”

Following the Japanese Business Philosophy

Staying on that “leading edge” also plays a role within Andrew’s financial analysis and IT departments, in part, because of recent advancements in accounting software, coupled with philosophical best-practices.  Shares Andrew, “Finance, Accounting, & IT have really seen automation become a large part of our job. We are always looking towards the Japanese business philosophy “Kaizen” (a philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices, personal efficiency, etc.).  Managing our efforts to focus on the front end of the business to get better information (what’s behind the data) to front line managers and key decision makers makes a big difference. I strive to go beyond the “bean counter” image that’s focused on the historical numbers, which is still important, by spending more time looking forward to what can drive the business long term.”

Married with two boys, Andrew and his family live in Anaheim Hills, located just south of Yorba Linda, in Orange County. In his spare time, he enjoys a variety of activities that include listening to Jazz and Blues, weight lifting, hiking, and attending his sons’ sports activities.

When asked how he would encourage others to join his field of study, he responds by saying, “If they have an attention for detail, enjoy numbers, and have an entrepreneurial spirit, I suggest Finance or Accounting may be just what they are looking for.”

REGENESIS is pleased to have Andrew Stajduhar as Manager of Financial Reporting & Analysis and IT, where his keen attention to detail and acumen in finance help shape many of the decisions that lead to  successful remediation outcomes for REGENESIS and its clients.