Over the past year, Purifoy LLC of Livonia, Michigan, has combined a number of positions in an effort to improve the bottom line. The most recent, on September 1, was the appointment of Tom Talbert to Chief Financial Electrician. Hired as an electrician in 2012, he’ll now also be in charge of all company financial matters. Here’s a brief interview with Mr. Talbert, edited for clarity.
CF: Why do you suppose Purifoy combined the two positions?
Warren: I believe they were combined because the CFO (Wanda Wallis) was making too much money and they wanted to get rid of her.
CF: Are you allowed to say that?
Warren: Beats me. My old job never required me to know what I wasn’t allowed to say.
CF: But you think this is the case.
Warren: From what I’m told she was making $350 grand a year. I’m making $47,000. Their story was that she was leaving to seek “other opportunities.” Yeah, right.
CF: Can you talk about your added responsibilities?
Warren: What I’m told is that I will now be responsible for overseeing all financial activities, maintaining and reporting, as well as compliance with tax regulations and state and federal laws.
CF: Do you have any previous experience in corporate finance?
Warren: No, but I am planning to take a class.
CF: Do you have concerns you’ll have difficulty fulfilling the financial responsibilities of such a large corporation?
Warren: Well, I may miss a thing here or there. But I guess the money we save on that big salary is going to be a lot more than what we might have to pay in fines because I missed a deadline or two. I’m sure there’ll be other things I’ll miss, too.
CF: And what about your electrical responsibilities?
Warren: I will continue to be responsible for ensuring that all lights remain in working condition.
CF: How will you find time to juggle both responsibilities?
Warren: A lot of this new job is about going to meetings. So I’ll be spending a lot of time walking the hallways, and sitting in different rooms. If I see a light bulb that’s burned out, I’ll just change it on the spot. I’ll always have a couple with me.
CF: Any other concerns?
Warren: As long as I keep the bills paid and the lights on, we’ll be fine.
