ROOTS MVP OF THE MONTH
In the Roots Finance Department, the numbers all add up to some pretty impressive statements. Just like the people behind them, such as Anna DiNella. 
July 2006

One Like with any business, numbers play a key role at Roots. All kinds of numbers. It’s no secret that to succeed in business, you've got to make sure certain numbers are big, and others small. Someone of course has to stay on top of the numbers and also draw the right conclusions, or else. Ultimately, the numbers tell the story.

At Roots, some of the most important numbers relate to the retail side of the business. Every day of the week, the 130 Roots stores in Canada and the United States generate a plethora of numbers. Gross sales numbers, net sales numbers, gift card numbers, shrink numbers. Numbers galore.

Fortunately, for Roots, Anna DiNella is on the case. As the Retail Accounting Supervisor, Anna -- with help from her three Retail Accounting Associates -- is responsible for all the financial accounts of the stores. That includes sales audit functions, store balances, petty cash, credit cards and inventory control. Anna also sets up the banking requirements for each store, does the month-end closing and reporting as well as oversee the Roots gift card operation.

It’s a tall order but Anna seems to take it in her stride. “When you enjoy your work and the people you’re working with, the challenges are much more manageable,” says Anna, 32. “My biggest challenge is when the $15 gift card promotions are about to launch and I have to make sure all the stores are well stocked for the event.”

Anna joined Roots in 2000 as an Inventory Controller, after working at Dylex in a similar position. Born and raised in Toronto, she now lives in the suburb of Mississauga. Her parents are from Portugal and moved to Canada in 1964.

Anna is nothing if not a team player who thrives on being part of the Roots Finance Department. “The most gratifying aspect of my job is working in a team environment,” says Anna, who was instrumental in the launch of the Roots gift card program last fall. “Helping others as well as others helping me gives me great satisfaction. When someone says the words ‘Thanks for your help,’ it means the world to me.”

It’s that kind of spirit that reigns among the numbers people at Roots. “The Finance Department often does not get the recognition it deserves but Michael and I know how vital its role is in the everyday running of the business,” says Roots Co-Founder Don Green. “We’re fortunate to have people of the calibre of Anna who is a master of the financial side of Roots stores. She has shown us repeatedly that we can rely on her for the kind of accurate information that is critical to our success. Anna is an exemplary team player and the kind of person we love having at Roots.”

Not surprisingly, Anna is especially appreciated in her department. “Anna is always willing to lend a helping hand to everyone, by rolling up her sleeves and digging in,” says Barb Palmegiani, Vice-President, Finance. “In addition to being a great team player, Anna always has a positive attitude, and is highly dedicated to the success of her team and Roots overall.”

Anna was typically modest when told she’d been selected as MVP of the Month. “I truly appreciate the recognition,” says Anna, “but I would never have earned this honour without the enormous help I get every day from the rest of the financial team. I really enjoy working with them. They have such a positive attitude, they’re extremely warm and friendly and have great personalities. Because of them, Roots is my second home.”

Anna and her colleagues in the Finance Department may be far from the spotlight but they’re indispensable to the business. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, Roots is on sound footing when it comes to the numbers. There are those pesky, inescapable numbers again.

These figures are critical to the success of Roots. They must be accurate, organized, analyzed and presented in a way to allow Roots Co-Founders Don Green and Michael Budman and their senior team members to be able to better plan the future.

The number of numbers Anna deals within a day is staggering. It’s a wonder she doesn’t get dizzy from her work. “Dealing with so many numbers is sometimes challenging, even overwhelming,” says Anna. “My husband has told me that some nights I reconcile numbers in my sleep.” - R.S.


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