Operations finance manager at Sam’s Club

Jenny Zhou

Education: Tianjin University of Commerce, Accounting and Tourism Management, 2005. Missouri State, Masters in Accounting, December 2007

Growing up in China, Jenny Zhou wanted a career in business or retail. Even though the rest of her family worked in education, they supported her decision to study accounting in college. Zhou went on to graduate school in Missouri, where she researched Walmart, and even wanted to take a spring break trip to the small town of Bentonville, Arkansas to learn about the company. Because of its history and the attention given to employees, Zhou ultimately decided Walmart was the right place to start her career.

How did you become interested in Walmart? 
When I was in Missouri State, I shopped at Walmart every week. At the same time, I learned a lot about Walmart from my accounting and finance classes. The more research I did, the more I liked the company. Walmart is the largest retailer in the world, but it’s amazing to know they started in a tiny town in Arkansas. I applied for the Accounting Finance Development Program (ADFP), which allowed me to work in four different finance departments, and choose one to work in permanently.

What was your first day like?
I was a little nervous. I didn’t know where to start or what to say to new people. But I had a sponsor who was very nice and helpful. She met me in the office that morning and showed me my desk. When I got there, there were welcome cards and office supplies waiting for me. My sponsor also showed me around the office and introduced me to my new colleagues. I felt very comfortable.

What surprised you the most when you started?
The great leadership. Everybody is very approachable; when I see Susan Chambers, the chief HR officer, or Mike Duke, the CEO, in the hallway, they smile and say hi. Also during different events and meetings, associates have a lot of interactions with the management. It surprised me how nice and accessible they were.

What’s the most fun project you’ve worked on?
Helping with our annual shareholders’ meeting. It takes place every year at the University of Arkansas, and it’s a weeklong event that involves associates from all over the world. During the meeting, we talk with investors and analysts about the future of the company.

Why do you think your company was ranked as a top employer?
Walmart cares about its associates. We’re a big company, but management realizes that associates are just as valuable as customers. The company encourages our professional development through training classes and development plans. Without this attention to associates, Walmart couldn’t have gone as far as it has.

What’s something about Walmart that others may not know?
When Sam Walton started Walmart over 40 years ago, no one thought it would work. But now it’s an international company with over 7,000 stores. Another thing people may not know: the best-selling item at Sam’s Club is two-pound cartons of strawberries.