You can have the best data and most sophisticated tools, but it doesn’t mean anything without great people. Fortunately, at Catalyst, we have no shortage of great people. From Search Associates to Search Directors, and from Project Managers to Managing Partners, each member of the Catalyst team is committed to maximizing client business results and making Catalyst a world-class agency. Read our Employee Spotlight series to meet some of the team members responsible for making Catalyst an all-star agency partner and a great place to work.
MEET LI
Name: Li Fong
Title: Partner, Client Finance Director
How long have you worked at Catalyst: I have been at Catalyst for over 6 years
How long have you worked in media agency? I’ve worked at various media agencies for over 15 years. My first position in the media industry was as an accountant with a GroupM agency called Mediaedge (currently known as Wavemaker). After a few years, I transferred to the GroupM Centralized Accounting Department where I led the intercompany group and then moved to the general accounting team to manage financial reporting for several agencies. Subsequently, I was then offered the opportunity to join the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) group at Catalyst, where I currently lead Client Finance Reporting.
How did you get your start in Accounting & Finance? Believe it or not, accounting was not the direction that I intended to go in. My first exposure to accounting was working for an entertainment company where I handled artists’ billings, which gave me exposure to accounting & finance. That’s when I noticed that my attention to detail would be the perfect fit and that’s where I wanted to focus my career.
What do you like most about working at Catalyst? Everyone here is supportive and willing to lend a hand when needed. I get to work with a variety of intelligent and hardworking individuals across the Client Account and Finance teams. We are offered many benefits, including trainings.
What has been your greatest achievement at Catalyst? My greatest achievements are transitioning from accounting to the finance client side and progressing to new roles with increased responsibilities.
If you had to give one recommendation to an advertiser who wants to use search or social marketing to achieve business results, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas. Be open, be bold and test new ideas while being socially responsible. The digital world is constantly evolving, and more consumers are focusing on digital platforms to research all their needs.
Share a fun fact about yourself I love hiking with my family. Taking a break from the busy city life and exploring nature is refreshing and reenergizing. We always visit state parks during summertime.
