Question: Tell us about your company and what you do.
Answer: I work for Mango Languages in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Mango is a conversationally based language learning software tool that empower those that use it to speak a new language in minutes; it’s really cool stuff! This streaming service is available at public libraries across the nation and is completely free to the end user (that’s you). It’s also available in a free mobile version on your smart phone. Offering over 40 languages, Mango also teaches English in over a dozen languages. Needless to say, this is an awesome product and I am happy to work for a company that offers such an incredible gift, the gift of language. As Charlemagne said, “To have another language is to possess a second soul.”
I work in the finance team at Mango Languages. Since there are only four of us in the Finance and Accounting department, we all work very hard. I deal with the cash inflow side of accounting; I focus on accounts receivables, invoicing, payment processing and taxes payable. I also get to go over financial reports; this is cool because I can catch a snapshot of the company’s financial situation and really learn about how a small business system functions.
Question: Describe an accomplishment or contribution you’ve made at your company.
Answer: Over the past seven months of working here at Mango Languages, I helped streamline the accounts receivable processes to make our data more relevant and accurate. I have also made our invoicing process more efficient by using a single system to control the communication of our sales. Currently, I am learning the tax side of accounting. This is great because I can do my own research and bring something new to the table.
Question: What makes working for your company unique?
Answer: Mango is a really unique place to work. Each employee has a language-learning requirement of studying a foreign language 1.5 hours per week. We get to use the Mango software or we can learn from each other. Since we are also are tasked with teaching a language 4 hours per fiscal quarter, we hold various language clubs so everyone can achieve their required learning. I don’t know any other companies that make you learn a foreign language while you are on the clock.
Question: Why do you enjoy working in the Detroit community?
Answer: I work in the suburbs of Detroit, but Mango Languages is still very much a part of the Detroit community. By connecting with Detroit-based organizations and networking with inner city companies and foundations, Mango strives to make solid ties with the city and those who believe in it. It’s companies like Mango and its constituents that make me proud to work in the greater Detroit community.
Question: What’s the biggest highlight of working at your company?
Answer: The biggest highlight of working at Mango Languages, besides learning about how a small business operates, is getting to spend my workday interacting with all the incredible people that make up this vibrant
company!
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Contributed by fellow Jared Berman