Translating Financial Expertise into Research Aid
Anderson reflects on growth, support, and steady progress in her role as a Financial Assistant
Jackie Anderson exemplifies that success does not always come from having all the answers upfront; rather, learning to ask the right questions and staying open to change has been paramount to her personal and professional development. What began as a career in nursing led to work in cybersecurity and project management. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes to support clinical trials at Northwestern University’s Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute.
“I help manage the financial side of clinical trials and research studies; everything from preparing reports and handling invoices to maintaining clinical trial databases and helping reconcile budgets at the end of a study,” Anderson says. “I also provide support to our finance team and regularly collaborate with research teams across the university.”
Each of Anderson’s tasks are part of a larger goal to advance research — and support the teams who conduct it. Her versatile prior experience, combined with an internship in finance and accounting at a manufacturing technology company, gave her the confidence to step into her role at NUCATS. She’s also currently advancing her education.
“I’m proud to have just graduated with an associate degree in Arts from City Colleges of Chicago,” Anderson says. “I’ll be continuing my education at the University of Illinois where I will work to earn my bachelor's in Communications.”
I genuinely love my team because we communicate well and support each other, which creates a positive work environment.”
A typical day as a financial assistant is directed by whatever deadlines are upcoming. “I usually start by checking emails and following up on anything outstanding. If it’s early in the month, I start updating financial summaries and budgets for the studies I support. Some days are more focused on data and systems work; other days involve more coordination with other teams,” Anderson says. “I consider it a successful day when I’ve made progress on my key tasks and cleared out my inbox. An empty inbox gives me peace of mind.”
Anderson excels in environments where clarity and collaboration go hand in hand, making NUCATS a favorable setting for her success. “I really enjoy that I understand the work I’m doing and the terminology used. It makes a big difference to feel confident and competent,” she says. “I also genuinely love my team because we communicate well and support each other, which creates a positive work environment.”
For others just starting their careers, Anderson’s advice centers on trusting the process and the people around you: “Be patient with yourself. When I started, I wanted to know everything right away. But I found that taking the time to learn things in sections helped me retain more and feel less overwhelmed.”
Still, patience remains an ongoing challenge. “I tend to want things done quickly and perfectly, but in finance, attention to detail matters more than speed,” Anderson says.
Concerning the nuances of her job, she reflects on the variable nature of the finance industry and the collective support of the NUCATS team. “I wish more people knew that finance isn’t the same across every department, each area has its own systems and processes,” she says. “I also want people to know how collaborative the NUCATS team is. We work together and support one another, and that makes a huge difference.”
A lifelong Chicagoan, Anderson loves to celebrate her city. “What I love most is how versatile the city is. You can find almost anything with a little digging,” she says. “And I have to say it: we have the best downtown and skyline in the country.”
This summer, she’s focusing on what makes her happy. “I’m planning to enjoy myself and take in more theatre and Broadway in Chicago shows. I’ve been getting into musicals lately,” Anderson says. “I also play video games when I have the time and spend weekends hanging out with friends and family.”
Written by Alex Miranda
