Stories

Christian Spencer, an ACE alum and Seattle native, is the Technical Accounting Manager at Lime, a start-up company founded in January of 2017. Lime, previously known as LimeBike, is a transportation and rental company that enables the sharing of Lime bicycles, scooters, and transit vehicles. As a company, Lime is focused on improving communities and creating a healthier planet by providing a method of transportation that is not only clean but also accessible to all.

Christian, an accounting major, spent the summer of his junior year interning at Deloitte and went on to work at the Deloitte San Jose office in the audit and assurance practice upon graduation.  After spending three years at the San Jose office, working primarily with clients in the technology industry, he moved up to the Deloitte San Francisco office where his focus shifted toward clients in the technology start-up sector.  Approximately three months ago, Christian started his new opportunity at Lime.

One of a handful of people in the accounting department, Christian is primarily focused on implementing various processes that will allow Lime to grow while maintaining function and productivity, simultaneously, at scale.  When asked about his favorite aspect of working at Lime, Christian explained that, both, the company culture as well as the products play a large part in why he enjoys what he does. He describes the daily environment as exciting and energetic and noted that his coworkers are “high-performing, high-caliber, type-A people.”  He also added that at Lime, there is a strong focus on ethical practices while growing the business at the same time. Lime prides itself in putting products out into the marketplace that will help to improve people’s lives. In terms of the products, Christian appreciates the fact that Lime produces products that are tangible and can be enjoyed by his own friends and family.  

Looking back on his experience thus far, Christian offered some advice about career choices and opportunity.  He explained, “It’s kind of cliche to say ‘Do what makes you happy,’ but now looking back, six or seven years after graduation, you realize that certain jobs might be financially great or good opportunities but if you don’t enjoy it, it’s kind of a waste of time.”  He advised students to “find something that you’re passionate about and then seek out opportunities to pursue.” Lastly, he emphasized that it’s important to be vocal about what you want. He explained that it’s necessary to “advocate for yourself and continue to let people know what you want in your career” because “people don’t know what you want unless you tell them.”  

A big thank you to Christian for sharing his time, experience, and advice with the members of ACE.  We sincerely appreciate your continued contribution to the program and wish you the best of luck in all the adventures to come.