Karla Lara Otero
About Karla Lara Otero
Karla Lara's Professional Background
Karla Lara currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer at the Amazon Conservation Team. With over 21 years of experience, she has accumulated extensive knowledge in accounting, administration, auditing, financial and operational management, and strategic planning. Her career is distinguished by a focus on the nonprofit sector. Karla has previously held a prominent role at the Inter-American Dialogue, a U.S.-based think tank specializing in international affairs. Additionally, she has experience in the professional services industry through her four-year tenure with the audit division of Ernst & Young.
Karla Lara's Education and Certifications
Karla Lara holds a bachelor's degree in public accounting from the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, Venezuela. Further enhancing her expertise, she earned a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. This educational background has provided her with a solid foundation to support her extensive career in accounting and financial management, especially within the nonprofit sector.
Early Life of Karla Lara
Karla Lara was born in Oakland, California, but she spent her formative years in Caracas, Venezuela. Her upbringing in Caracas significantly influenced her educational and professional trajectory, leading her to pursue higher education and a successful career in accounting and financial management.
Karla Lara's Work at Ernst & Young
Karla Lara spent four years working with the audit division of Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional services. During her time there, she gained valuable experience in auditing and other critical areas of financial management. This period was instrumental in shaping her skills and expertise, particularly in high-stakes financial environments.
Experience at Inter-American Dialogue
Before joining the Amazon Conservation Team, Karla Lara worked at the Inter-American Dialogue, a U.S.-based think tank in the field of international affairs. Her role at the Inter-American Dialogue further honed her skills in financial and operational management within the nonprofit sector. This experience contributed to her comprehensive understanding of global nonprofit financial strategies.