A Q&A with Haley Whitfield – Corporate Controller – United Franchise Group

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I’m Haley Whitfield, born and raised in Newton, North Carolina. After high school, I pursued dual majors in Accounting and Business Management at Anderson University and managed to graduate a semester early. During that last semester, my life took a beautiful turn—on our first wedding anniversary, my husband and I welcomed our daughter. She even came to a few of my classes with me, reminding me that life’s biggest lessons aren’t always found in textbooks.

In 2014, I returned to North Carolina and began my career as a staff accountant at a local grain and flour mill. About a year and a half later, a cold call from United Franchise Group opened an unexpected door. Since 2016, I’ve grown from staff accountant to accounting manager in 2021, and then to corporate controller in 2022. Along the way, I earned my master’s in accounting from Purdue Global, proving that hard work, persistence, and embracing challenges truly pay off.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about numbers or titles—it’s about people, perseverance, and taking initiative. I strive to lead by example, showing my team that challenges are opportunities to grow, that mistakes are lessons, and that the greatest accomplishments come when we step up, support one another, and never give up. Balancing family, education, and career taught me resilience, and today, I aim to inspire others to approach life and work with the same courage, determination, and heart.

Haley Whitfield, Corporate Controller, United Franchise Group

Haley Whitfield M.S.A. United Franchise Group

“I believe the most crucial initiatives for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women start with simple, genuine support for one another.” – Haley Whitfield M.S.A.

We’d love to hear more about your inspiring story and how you got to where you are today.

I always make sure that everything I do is done to the best of my ability. I carry with me the words my mom often said: “If you’re not going to do it right, don’t do it at all.”That lesson has driven me to give 110% effort in every task, especially when my name is attached to it.

I’m also a strong advocate of understanding the “why” behind every task or project. Knowing why something matters helps me anticipate what’s needed in the future, and it allows me to learn the thought processes of those I work with or for. It’s this combination of dedication and curiosity that helps me deliver work that’s not only done right, but done thoughtfully and strategically.

What is a typical day like for you?

As an accountant, I would bore you to death. I will spare your time on this one 😊

If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?

It’s important to advocate for yourself, without a doubt, but it’s just as important that your work speaks for you. You can talk the talk all day, but at the end of the day, you must be able to walk the walk. Excellence in action will always make a stronger impression than words alone.

Does your company help the community where it is located?

Yes. On October 3^rd, we commemorated our annual Founder’s Day with a series of impactful community service projects across Palm Beach County, Florida. Employees from UFG headquarters came together to support local organizations, demonstrating the company’s unwavering commitment to giving back. Remote employees and our office in North Carolina had an opportunity to support Soldiers’ Angels by writing cards to service members, making no-sew blankets, creating candy goodie bags, and more. 

How do you prioritize self-care and well-being while managing the demands of your business?

As a wife and mother of two, there is not a lot of downtime for myself; however, I have the privilege of coaching my daughter’s softball team. I love being able to pour into the girls—showing them that with hard work, they can achieve anything. Supporting them, cheering them on in their successes, and helping them rise after failures is incredibly rewarding.

I also believe that self-care and well-being are rooted in mindset. It’s about shifting from an “I have to” mentality to an “I get to” mentality—especially when life’s demands feel overwhelming. Which happens often! By focusing on what we get to do rather than what we have to do, we can find gratitude, purpose, and energy even in the busiest seasons of life.

What would you consider your biggest accomplishment and why?

My biggest accomplishment outside of my marriage and children has been reaching my goal of becoming a corporate controller. To get there, I had to step far outside my comfort zone—presenting to the board of directors, leading financial review meetings, and taking on responsibilities that once intimidated me. Naturally, I prefer to be more of a wallflower, but I thought of my daughter and knew I had to push myself. I wanted to show her that with determination and courage, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

We all face challenges. Looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and obstacles you’ve had to navigate?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is not always being taken seriously. I have a typical North Carolina accent, and sometimes that leads people to underestimate my intelligence or question my expertise. Early on, I encountered situations where others acted as if I didn’t know what I was talking about. Through consistent hard work, persistence, and actively participating in corporate meetings, I’ve been able to overcome that challenge and prove my capabilities. It has taught me the value of resilience and letting your work and your voice speak for themselves.

What challenges have you faced in the workplace, especially your experience in male-dominated environments?

Unfortunately, there are times when women are overlooked for certain roles because of the perception that we cannot control our emotions. While this stereotype certainly doesn’t reflect reality, it can make it harder to earn a seat at the table. For me, this challenge has become a motivator to lead with both confidence and composure, to demonstrate that emotional intelligence is a strength, and to show through my work and actions that capability and judgment matter more than outdated assumptions. I hope to set an example that opens doors not just for myself, but for other women striving to lead.

Can you share some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your successes and failures in business?

Not everything is going to go according to plan, and you have to be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice. I’ve learned that even the best-laid plans can be disrupted by unexpected forces, and the key is keeping your head up and figuring it out. Thinking quickly and creatively, outside the box, is essential to making things happen. When people are relying on you, you can’t just sit back and wait for someone else to take action. Taking initiative will take you much further in life. Don’t wait for direction; be proactive. And this ties back to understanding the “why” behind what you’re doing: when you know the purpose, you can anticipate needs, make smarter decisions, and take confident action.

What initiatives or actions do you believe are crucial for fostering a more supportive and inclusive business environment for women?

I believe the most crucial initiatives for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women start with simple, genuine support for one another. If you notice a colleague is having a rough day, take the time to engage, ask if she wants to talk, or even take a walk together. Women wear many hats in both their personal and professional lives, and having a positive, honest support system can make all the difference. Everyone needs someone to cheer for them, encourage them, and push them toward their full potential. Be that person. Small acts of support and encouragement can create a ripple effect that strengthens the entire workplace.

What advice would you give to a new business owner? Or to your younger self?

Keep pushing forward. Every day is a new day the Lord has given us, full of opportunities and lessons. Be grateful for both the ups and downs, because every challenge teaches you something valuable, whether it’s for your own journey or to help someone else along the way.

What are the three most important habits to be a successful high performer or leader?

First is Emotional intelligence because everything begins and ends with people. 

Second would be leading by example. If you want a team full of people with a true “teammate” mentality, you must live it yourself. Great leaders don’t just give directions; they show they’re willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with their team. Sometimes that means rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. When your people see you step in, it sends a powerful message: they are not alone, and together there is nothing the team can’t achieve.

Third is taking initiative. Initiative is courage in action. Fail fast, learn faster, try again.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?

1 Corinthians 10:31 guides my leadership: “Do everything for the glory of God.” Every project, every meeting, every decision, I strive to lead with integrity, purpose, and effort, inspiring my team to give their best and recognize the impact of their work.

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