Rebooting the Books
As Member Megan Tooker prepares to return home this month, she discusses the rewards of volunteering with
the Women’s Group.
Megan Tooker ruffles her blonde hair and lets out a sigh as she recalls her introduction to the Women’s Group’s bookkeeping processes at the end of the annual International Bazaar fundraiser.
“It took us forever because we weren’t putting the data into a format that was easy to compare,” she says. “It was mostly manual and labor-intensive.”
Despite the challenge of overhauling the organization’s approach to balancing its books, Tooker, 44, says she found the volunteering experience rewarding. The American decided to become more involved and, for the last two years, she served as treasurer on the Women’s Group board.
During her tenure, she updated and digitalized the group’s accounts, so that what was once a two- to three-day endeavor now takes just two or three hours.
“The behind-the-scenes stuff, that’s what I like to do,” says Tooker, who holds an accounting degree from the University of Illinois. “That is where I found I was more comfortable, where I could use some of [those] skills…and use that part of my brain that had been a bit dormant.”
Tooker, whose subtle Chicago accent is revealed when she pronounces the name of her hometown, was a senior manager with a multinational accounting firm, where she worked for 12 years. She took a less demanding position after the birth of her son.
When the family of three arrived in Tokyo three years ago, she left the workforce altogether.
“It was natural just because we wanted the international experience,” says Tooker. “I also thought it would be a good opportunity to spend some time with my son before he doesn’t think Mom is cool anymore.”
She signed up for the school’s PTA, soon becoming chair, and joined the Women’s Group, in hopes of becoming “an amazing cook.” She found the cooking classes too labor-intensive, but discovered fulfillment managing the Women’s Group’s ¥5 million annual budget.
“Megan worked hard to make sure processes were streamlined, continually looking for improvements in the way we do things and making sure there was thorough overlap and training for all team members,” says Chalice Markowitz, the Women’s Group president. “Her legacy will be clear, concise, easy-to-follow guidelines and procedures.”
Tooker will begin looking for an accounting position when she returns to Chicago this month. She says the opportunity to apply her professional skills at the Club while developing the necessary patience to lead a group of volunteers should spin nicely for recruiters.
“The Club is a really good way to get involved right away and to make the most of your time,” says Tooker, “and really feel like when you leave you’ve maybe left some little mark.”
To learn about volunteering opportunities with the Women’s Group, contact the Women’s Group Office.
Words: Nick Narigon
Image: Enrique Balducci
