Taylor Hawes.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: Balance Sheet - Microsoft Assistant Corporate Controller

Back in 1991, Taylor Hawes' wife suggested he interview with Microsoft, as she believed his personality fit the company's culture, and that he would thrive. Well, he got a job -- at a lower-level position than he had at the time, and with a $20,000 pay cut. Now, he says the ROI of that deal has been substantial. He says that working at Microsoft is very different from the way it is portrayed in the press. "It's an amazing place, where people are motivated to make decisions and drive results at all levels of the company." Yes, it's aggressive, but it consists of "smart, caring, giving people," and inspirational leadership from Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.

Title: Assistant Corporate Controller

Company: Microsoft Corp.

Born: Victorville, Calif., Nov. 7, 1959

Spouse: Mary Lu

Children: Breanna, 19; Taylor Jr., 9; Alexis, 8

Education: BS Degree, 1987, USC School of Accounting; CPA, 1991

FEI Chapter: Washington State; member, FEI's CFIT Committee

Career Summary: Audit practice of Arthur Andersen's southern Calif. office for 2-1/2 years, and six months in the consulting practice as an outsourced controller for Raleigh Bicycle Corp. Relocated to Seattle to become Raleigh Bicycle's North American Controller. Hired at Microsoft in 1991 as Senior International Accountant; 1992, International Accounting Supervisor; late 1992, started the management reporting group and created the first online management P&Ls. 1994, responsible for the general ledger and participated in implementing SAP; 1995, Director of Corporate Accounting, which included international and acquisition accounting, general ledger and management reporting; 1998, Assistant Corporate controller, responsible for much of the finance center accounting, including forecast, planning and analysis.

Leisure: "As a youngster, I was a pairs figure ice skater and competed in the 1981 U.S. National Pairs Skating Championships. Now, reaching middle age and clinging to youth with a death grip, my younger brother, Grant, and I compete in triathlons. Our objective is to have a great time, share in the activities with our families and purchase all the latest gear. Also, I spend time with family -- soccer games, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, travel. Once you have children, everything basically you...