Karen Miller Hartje
About Karen Miller Hartje
Karen Miller Hartje serves as the CFO of Sezzle and is a board member of Conn's. With extensive experience in finance, she has held various leadership roles in multiple financial institutions over several decades.
Current Role at Sezzle
Karen Miller Hartje has served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Sezzle since 2018. In this role, she oversees financial operations and strategy, leveraging her extensive background in finance to guide the company's growth. Her expertise in financial planning and analysis, treasury, and accounting supports Sezzle's objectives in the rapidly evolving financial technology sector. Hartje's leadership is instrumental in navigating the complexities of the business environment, ensuring that Sezzle maintains its competitive edge.
Previous Experience in Finance
Prior to her role at Sezzle, Hartje held several significant positions in the finance sector. She was the Vice President of Finance and Credit at Bluestem Brands, Inc. from 2002 to 2016, where she contributed to financial strategy and operations for 14 years. Additionally, she worked as Partner and CFO at Lenders Trust, LLC for one year, and served as Senior Vice President of the Retail Branch Group at US Bank for 15 years. Her career began as a Senior Accountant at TCF Bank, followed by a role as Senior Auditor at KPMG.
Education and Expertise
Karen Miller Hartje earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Minnesota. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her career in finance. Hartje possesses expertise in financial planning and analysis, treasury, and accounting, which are critical components of her responsibilities as CFO at Sezzle. This combination of education and practical experience enables her to effectively manage financial operations and contribute to strategic decision-making.
Board Membership at Conn's
In addition to her role at Sezzle, Hartje serves on the board of Conn's, a specialty retailer that offers furniture, mattresses, home appliances, and consumer electronics. Her involvement with Conn's allows her to apply her financial expertise in a retail context, contributing to the company's governance and strategic direction. This board position complements her extensive experience in finance and enhances her understanding of the retail sector.
Leadership and Impact
Throughout her career, Karen Miller Hartje has demonstrated strong leadership skills in high-growth and fast-paced environments. Her unique combination of entrepreneurial and public company experience in finance, credit, strategic planning, and business modeling has allowed her to make immediate impacts in her roles. Hartje's ability to navigate complex financial landscapes contributes to the value and success of the organizations she works with.