Meet Edwardo Soto! He's Tablespoon's Staff Accountant. October marks a year since joining the Tablespoon team! We are excited to celebrate this milestone with Edwardo and tell you more about him and why he loves working at Tablespoon.
I'm originally from Lubbock, Texas, a city in West Texas. In 2010, I moved from Lubbock to Austin, Texas. In 2020, I moved to Denton, Texas. I like Denton because it kind of blends a little bit of that “Keep Austin Weird” vibe with the small-town feel I remember from my youth. Plus, since it’s so close to Dallas, we still have access to those things that are normally only found in larger cities.
As a staff accountant, I am responsible for the daily work that goes into keeping our client's records, which includes daily bank reconciliations, journal entries, invoices, payments, sales tax calculations, and reconciling credit card payments and payroll entries - - - to name a few things! I also communicate with and set up new vendors as needed in Sage Intacct. My job also includes a lot of communication back and forth with Tablespoon's clients.
My background is in restaurant operations. Before 2020, I spent 20+ years running restaurants and kitchens. When the pandemic hit, I wanted to find something outside of running restaurants but still in the industry. I was always good with numbers and a growing interest in managing restaurant finances, so I went back to school for accounting.
My goal was to find something related to the restaurant industry so that I could still use all my restaurant experience but apply another skill set. I envisioned myself helping and developing restaurant operations without being tied down by the details of managing one or multiple locations. Tablespoon was a unique opportunity to do just that!
I am deeply passionate about the restaurant industry and want to help restaurant groups grow and succeed. By continuing my education in accounting and joining Tablespoon, I can bridge my passions. I can help the back-office keep the day-to-day running by working at Tablespoon. Working in the restaurant industry during the pandemic gave me a unique perspective that motivates me to give back.
My restaurant experience comes in handy every day. I can easily recognize invoice items and know how things should be coded in Sage Intacct. I also have a keen understanding of restaurant industry priorities and perspectives. Having worked with various owners, managers, and staff, I know how and when to ask for things.
Since I'm still in school, it has been great to meet so many people with similar backgrounds who share a passion for accounting and restaurants. Tablespoon specializes in the restaurant industry, so almost all my team members have worked in restaurants or the industry at some point.
I have received tremendous support from Tablespoon during my journey from restaurant operator to accountant, and the team has been incredibly supportive. During our recent company retreat, we were asked to read Unreasonable Hospitality. The book is all about seeking out, creating, and celebrating moments. That is something that Tablespoon is great at doing for their team.
My wife and I really enjoy travelling. One of our favorite restaurants when we visit Las Vegas is Bavette's Steakhouse. It's a great modern take on an old-school swanky steakhouse. We love getting dressed up and treating ourselves to a night of steak and lobster.