This month, we’re proud to spotlight Michael Chapa, who currently serves as Finance Manager in our Austin, Texas office. Since joining Giving Home during a pivotal growth phase just over three years ago, Michael has played an important role in building and strengthening the financial systems that support our organization.
Michael came to Giving Home with a background in group home healthcare, where he handled financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and supported a small finance team focused on state-specific Medicaid programs in Tennessee. This foundational FP&A experience made him an ideal fit when a recruiter connected him to Stephanie Troyer (VP of Accounting), Gary Beckham (VP of Finance), and Stefanie Cavanaugh (Chief Financial Officer). Giving Home was expanding quickly and looking to hire its first finance team member. When Michael joined as a Senior Analyst in early 2023, he played a key role in implementing the new budgeting, planning, and forecasting software, while also supporting the groundwork needed for a successful launch. Those contributions – along with an eye for detail and a strong commitment to excellence – led to his promotion to Finance Manager earlier this year.
Michael’s day-to-day centers around corporate finance, monthly forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting. He works closely with the accounting team during month-end close providing the reporting and presentations shared with our ELT and board of our current financial performance. He, along with fellow team members, leads the monthly forecasting and annual budget process that culminates in a year end presentation to the board for approval. This approved budget will be the measuring stick of financial success for Giving Home in the next year. No two days look exactly alike, as the finance team supports a wide range of reporting and data needs to help drive the business forward. But no matter what his day brings, Michael appreciates having the freedom to tackle projects independently while being part of a highly collaborative team. “I like to say, ‘Just tell me what you need and I’ll go do it,'” he says.
One of Michael’s favorite aspects of his work is the software implementation itself. “It’s what I was hired to come in and do,” he shares, “and I’ve gotten a lot of experience over the last few years while learning and getting it set up.” Michael enjoys building things and tinkering with details, which makes the technical side of implementing these tools right up his alley. All the foundational work he’s done has created efficiencies not just for himself, but for our company as a whole.
Despite coming in with significant experience, Michael credits his teammates for helping him continue to grow professionally. Through his work with the finance and accounting teams, he has expanded his knowledge of financial modeling, cash flow management, balance sheet analysis, and other key areas of corporate finance. Michael appreciates his department’s collaborative nature and the fact that help is always accessible. “If I need something, they’re always willing to stop what they’re doing and say, ‘hey, I can do that for you real quick.’ There’s no ego, and I never feel intimidated to go back and ask questions when needed.” That same spirit also extends throughout the company. “The culture here has been great,” he shares. “You see the way leadership interacts with people, and it makes you want to engage with others in a similar way.”
Outside of work, Michael has rediscovered a passion for tennis, a sport he first picked up in middle school, and now plays on a local league team every Sunday afternoon. When he’s not on the court, he enjoys movies at Alamo Drafthouse, watching TV, playing computer games, and consuming visual media. True to his love of building and tinkering, Michael also spends time assembling and customizing computers for himself and friends.
Thank you, Michael, for your expertise, dedication, and commitment to building systems and reporting that drive our business forward. We’re proud you’re part of the Giving Home family!
