Accounting

In-House Accountant

Lowther Johnson

Cathy Kendrick left a banking career to join Lowther Johnson in 1988. During that time, the Springfield firm has grown from fewer than 20 employees to more than 60. While the firm more than tripled in size, Kendrick has been responsible for bookkeeping, executing payroll and working with outside accountants to assure compliance. “I am often approached by third-parties about whether the firm would be better served by taking those responsibilities outside the firm,” wrote nominator Michael Miller, the firm’s managing member. “I shut those inquiries down immediately because I know how good of a job Cathy does and how much I can trust that she looks out for the firm first.”

What led you to choose a career in the legal field?

The early part of my career had been in the banking industry. I was ready to make a move and challenge myself in a different field. The perfect opportunity came open at Lowther Johnson.

What is the best part of your job?

Developing relationships with clients. It is so important for them to trust their contact in accounting. I enjoy problem-solving, coming up with solutions to what some might think is a difficult task.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

One of my managers told me to always be honest, hard working, loyal to yourself and your employer and open to learning.

What is your favorite thing to do away from work?

My husband and I love to travel and watch our Kansas City Chiefs and San Antonio Spurs play ball. We have been Chiefs’ season ticket holders since the mid-1990s.

What is something that would surprise people about you?

I grew up in a small town during the ‘60s and ‘70s and did not have access to a tennis court. My love for tennis grew as a young adult and very few people know that I would have loved being a pro tennis player.

Anything else you want people to know?

I am thankful to my current and former employers that have given me the opportunity to grow as an employee and as a person.

Director of Finance

Simmons Hanly Conroy

 Accountants are known for their organization and analytical skills, but Jo Lee Siener has also demonstrated compassion with Simmons Hanly Conroy’s clients, and her work has made their lives appreciably better. Siener oversees the firm’s 13-member accounts payable and receivable department, managing billions of dollars in settlements, overseeing the firm’s accounting department and creating efficiencies for complex processes. When she joined the firm 13 years ago, the accounting department took a month to disburse settlement checks to clients. As a result of her efficiency, that lag time has been reduced to 24 hours, a crucial matter for many clients who have unpaid bills due to mesothelioma and other health conditions.

What led you to choose a career in the legal field?

I honestly knew I wanted to be an accountant in fourth grade. After working for a few food manufacturing corporations, I found myself at Simmons Hanly Conroy. It has been an interesting and rewarding journey.

What is the best part of your job?

The people… co-workers and clients. The environment that has been created at the firm is family oriented and extremely positive. Working with such caring and kind people makes it easy to come to work each day. The relationships that I have developed with clients and their families have enriched my life.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

My mom told me to stay true to myself and my values. I believe that one cannot go wrong if they remain true to themselves.

What is your favorite thing to do away from work?

Baseball is my favorite pastime… whether watching the Cardinals or my children… it is my happy place.

What is something that would surprise people about you?

I grew up surrounded by boys. I have six brothers, and then got married and have three sons. I’m nothing but a tomboy.