Rimrock Opera -- Darci Hertz

Darci Hertz

Accountant, Interfaith Hospitality Network,
Financial Officer, Rimrock Opera Company

From the Billings Gazette Posted: Tuesday, February 2, 2010 12:00 am
Not long ago, Darci Hertz was explaining the concept of taxes to her 4-year-old son, Keatin. In an instant, he decided that he would rather give his money to the poor instead of a government bureaucracy. Likewise, her daughter, Kendra, decided to forgo birthday presents, instead asking friends to donate to a family that had been left homeless.

Hertz's family shares her passion for volunteer work, and her professional expertise benefits a variety of nonprofit organizations. She is accountant for the Interfaith Hospitality Network, in which church-based volunteers provide temporary shelter for homeless families.

Hertz also does consulting work and volunteers for several other nonprofit organizations. They include Rimrock Opera Co., American Lutheran Church, Montana Music Institute, Grace Montessori Academy and the Billings Bronc Booster Club. She also serves a number of private clients.

Working from home allows Hertz to balance family time and her career.
Accountants are sometimes characterized as overly cautious and straight-laced. "I guess I'm not your typical accountant. I really like volunteering with all of the organizations," Hertz said.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today.

As a single teenage mom, I made the decision I was not going to be one of those statistics. I earned my MPAcc and CPA and had the goal that I would have a job that allowed me to be home after school with my kids. I had been working full time for 10 years for a nonprofit entity in Billings. While I was volunteering at a fundraising event, I was approached about working from my home as an accountant/consultant.

What's the toughest challenge in your business?

Staying part-time and keeping personal time.

What did you learn from that challenge?

I have set hours that I conduct business and set hours for personal.

If you could make one positive change in Billings, what would it be?

Increase awareness of local nonprofit groups.

Which living person do you most admire?

My husband, Chris.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Raising kids with compassion.

Age: 37
Family: Married, two children
First paid job: Working at the family business, Northern Home Essentials, Havre
Favorite book or publication: The Bible
Liked this movie or show: "The Amazing Race"
Uses this Web site a lot: www.billingsgazette.com
How I relax: Reading.