Bonnie Van Etten is Group Accounting Officer at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
As group accounting officer for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Van Etten is responsible for overseeing the company’s accounting, reporting, and internal controls. She was named to the position in March 2017 and is based in Auburn Hills, MI. Prior to her current role, she was the vice president-chief accounting officer for NAFTA and FCA US LLC.
Van Etten has handled a number of financial responsibilities within the company, including serving as head of global technical accounting and accounting research for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and FCA US. She joined the Company in December 2010 from American Express, where she served as vice president, regulatory reporting. She received her Bachelor in Finance from Anderson University in Indiana.
WOC: What tips do you have for young people?
BVE: The auto industry is just as high tech, exciting, and dynamic as many other industries. There is a lot of research, investment, and focus on the next generation of technology to go into vehicles, including autonomous driving, electric/hybrid powertrains, and innovative engineering solutions to meet the emissions and other regulations in the global markets. The market spans the globe in terms of opportunity to excel and advance in your career. Besides, being part of an industry that has remade itself many times over successfully is exciting!
WOC: How should young people prepare for accounting jobs in the auto industry?
BVE: My advice is applicable to accounting jobs in any industry. Accounting is the language of business, and understanding the basic accounting concepts is critical to success in the auto industry—or any industry.
