Sollio Agriculture team: Meet Christine Wiens

Christine Wiens is the financial manager of our feed subsidiary in Western Canada and describes herself as a “numbers girl.” But it’s the relationships with her colleagues and employees that motivate her on a daily basis.

Question: What does a financial manager actually do?Answer: I prepare income statements and financial results for Western Canada, where we produce feed and provide advisory services for our farmers. I then send that information to head office in Montréal and answer any questions they have. And I manage a team of about 10 employees based in Manitoba and Alberta.

Question: Do you have a responsibility or achievement that you’re particularly proud of?Answer: I wasn’t always a financial manager. I started out as an assistant controller and worked my way up. I think that’s what I’m most proud of: the fact that I’ve got to where I am now.

Question: What motivates you in your career at Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: I love numbers. I’m a numbers girl. I’ve wanted to work in accounting since I finished high school—it’s always been my career goal. So you could say that I love my job! But on a day-to-day basis, my colleagues are what makes all the difference.

Question: Which company value inspires you the most?
Answer: Respect. The fact that Sollio Agriculture treats all its employees with respect and gives them the chance to advance their careers within the company. That’s what I try to do as a manager too. I want to motivate my employees to excel so that they have the opportunity to grow professionally.

Question: Continuing with some rapid-fire questions. What’s something about you that might surprise people?
Answer: I can’t think of anything. I’m a pretty straightforward person! Haha! Outside of work, I take care of my two daughters. They’re 15 and 16 years old, so I’m there for them and… I give them rides!

Question: How would your best friend describe you?Answer: Caring. I’m always there for her, even if we haven’t spoken for months.

Question: If you could do another job for a day, what would it be?
Answer: I would do my best friend’s job: real estate agent.

Question: What was the last book you read?
Answer: Prince Harry’s biography.

Question: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Answer: Man Down by Rihanna.

Question: What’s your dream travel destination?Answer: We rent a condo in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, every year, but I’d say my dream travel destination is Bora Bora in French Polynesia.

Question: What’s your favourite food?
Answer: Grapefruit pie.

Question: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Answer: Don’t think you’re better than anyone else. It’s a matter of respect. If something is important to someone else, act like it’s important to you too.

Question: What advice would you give new employees starting out at Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: Don’t give up. If there are days when you feel like you’re not getting anywhere, don’t be discouraged. You’ll get there. You just have to be open to suggestions and ask questions.