Central Texas has a distinct and growing beer culture and women are not only present in every aspect of it from brewers, distributors to consumers; they are also well-respected leaders shaping the craft beer culture. Our Women in Beer series highlights the women in our community shaping the beer scene including members of the Austin chapter of the Pink Boots Society. This edition features Vivian Boza of Bantu Consulting.
Describe your average week. What are you responsible for?
I work as a Beer Bookkeeper/ beer flow controller.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Crunching numbers and seeing the creative process get rewarded with profitability and sustainability.
What challenges have you faced in this or previous roles in the beer industry?
The beer industry tends to have a medium to long cash flow cycle if distribution is involved. This means you have to be on top of your customers for paying on time so we can continue to bring in new inventory. Eliminating handshake deals to more structured contracts has helped.
How long have you been working in the beer industry? What did you do before this role?
Three years. Accounting for construction businesses
If someone asked you to describe the current state of today’s craft beer climate what would you say?
The current climate is of survival. Craft beer makers have to adapt to the current challenges. There is a full demand for flexibility, creativity, and resilience. We still need to keep pouring beer. The question is how to make it flow in a safe, profitable, and sustainable manner.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you, your company, and/or the industry as a whole?
I am passionate about brewing as a craft and business and love seeing craft beer businesses survive and thrive. I lead with education to make sure the creativity and passion for brewing is well rewarded. Support your local breweries!
Has Pink Boots played a role in your career? If so, how?
Yes, the community has been amazing. I didn’t realize how many women were in the industry. I was also able to get a 20% discount on a certificate with the University of Vermont studying how to set up Brewery Accounting Systems. This course has tremendously helped me land 2 more brewery clients and help them get more clarity on their operations and how to stay profitable.
