Martrice Caldwell

Martrice Caldwell

Controller, Chicago Fire Football Club

The power of community

During a recent conversation, Martrice Caldwell discussed her passions—for sports, math, people, and calendars—and how they all intersect.

Given that you work for a soccer organization, we have to ask: Are you a sports fan?

Yes, definitely. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I often fall asleep with sports news on. I like to say that basketball is my favorite season—because it’s year round. And I appreciate that my role allows me to be in a community around sports a lot. It’s a gift to have access to tickets through my position, and I love to share the opportunity of going to games with other people.

What were your early years like?

I grew up on the south side of Chicago, and I still live there. I’m an only child, but I never felt like one because I was raised with my mom and my grandmother, so three generations living together, and my cousins were always around. I remember playing outside, and lots of pool parties. I was also very involved in my neighborhood community.

Why did you pursue a career in accounting?

As a student, I excelled in math, so initially I thought I’d be a math teacher. But as I grew up, I wasn’t sure I’d want to teach kids. Then, sometime in high school, I came up with this equation that math plus business equals accounting, so I chose that as my major and I liked it.

What drew you to PwC?

The people. When I was a freshman in college, someone suggested I go to a career fair. I printed out 25 copies of my resume and I went, walking around aimlessly, until a partner at PwC started talking to me. That stuck with me. So, about a year later, when I was ready for an internship, I reached out to PwC. I interned there for three summers, and worked there for three years.

Any lasting lessons from the firm?

The project management and organization skills I learned at PwC have helped me throughout my career. I remember using my calendar so much. It helps me meet deadlines and make time to do all of the things I need, and want, to do.

How do those lessons help you now as a leader?

I’m a person you don't have to micromanage, and I’m not a micromanager. I like to help people set goals, agree to objectives, and understand deadlines. Then I trust them to do their work. At the same time, I think it’s important to keep the human in leadership. I always strive to lead with my heart, trying to be empathetic and relational.

What advice can you offer others?

First, be persistent and go after what you want. Accounting is demanding and education programs can be rigid, but you can chart your own path. For example, even though I couldn't study abroad for a full semester, I figured out how to do summer programs in Spain and Cuba. Second, relationships matter, so continue to build and grow them by putting yourself out there and getting involved in things you enjoy.

How have relationships helped you?

I'm a people person. So maybe because of that, and because I like talking with people, I’ve participated in a number of local groups like the Illinois CPA Society's Mentoring Circle. Several years ago, a woman in my group asked if I’d ever considered working in sports. I hadn’t, but once she said it, it sparked excitement—and so I started to build a network in sports. I joined the Chicago chapter of Women in Sports and Events and found CPAs in sports on LinkedIn to conduct informational interviews. I met the CFO of the Chicago Fire at an Illinois CPA Society training years ago. In 2022, someone else in my mentoring circle forwarded me a job opportunity at the Fire, and so I already had a connection in the organization. I wasn’t actively looking for a job at the time, but I knew it was a rare opportunity so I decided to go for it and apply anyway. You don't know what’s possible unless you try.

Reflecting on your accomplishments so far, what makes you feel the most proud?

My CPA credential. When I think about being Black and a CPA, that makes me feel particularly proud. Now, because of that credential, I think I've been introduced to spaces that I probably wouldn't be otherwise.

What’s something about you that might surprise people?

I’m a Lego builder. I recently built a pinata that someone gave me. It even opens up so that things can fall out. I also love salsa dancing and yoga, and I get monthly massages because I’m mindful that I need to take care of myself. I schedule them on my calendar months in advance.