What started as a part-time accounting and administration role has turned into a 19 year labour of love for Caroline Barton, today one of the most senior women in Queensland's property industry. In 1986, Ms Barton joined what was then a fledging south east Queensland property development firm, Villa World Limited. As it rapidly expanded throughout the 1990s to become one of the nation's largest developers of homes, land and apartments, so too did Ms Barton's career. She is now Villa World's chief financial officer and company secretary, having been instrumental in the development of more than 12,000 house and land parcels since it started - with 14 projects currently under way in south east Queensland, and others along the eastern seaboard. While others in her field of chartered accountancy moved companies to advance their careers, Ms Barton says she's been fortunate Villa World has given her the opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally. "I've been able to move through a career path, all within one firm," she says. "My role changed over time, predominantly with the growth of the company, but also with my own desire to develop. "Through each growth period, I was charged with supervising an increasing number of staff and functional areas, until my appointment as company secretary in 1993. From there the opportunities kept coming, particularly after being appointed to the management team in 2000." Ms Barton says the company's growth, management changes and the dynamics of working in a constantly changing environment, have ensured her job has always been challenging. Appointed chief financial officer in February this year, she now manages the company's financial planning and reporting, profit forecasting, budget processes, IT and accounting systems. As Villa World is a publicly listed company, Ms Barton says that work requires absolute accountability and transparency. She works closely on the internal processes of Villa World, keeping management aware of the plethora of compliance requirements. "As company secretary on two Villa World board committees, I deal with issues relating to corporate governance. It's an area I enjoy as I like attention to detail and ensuring compliance requirements are met. Of paramount importance is our need to adapt and maintain integrity in what we do," she says. Despite the pressures and commitment that come with a senior management role in a public company, Ms Barton relishes the opportunity to also focus on what she believes is the 'nuts and bolts' of the company - it's staff. In addition to her financial role, Ms Barton manages the administration, legal, IT and finance teams. Part of that job is to assist in formulating and directing the company's People Strategies Programme. "I'm very focused on people strategies, setting performance and incentive programs and developing ongoing reviews, she says. "Our employees are our most important resource and I like working on the development of personnel retention and succession strategies. "We want the people who work here to understand the culture and business that makes Villa World and realise the scope of career opportunities available internally," she says. Ms Barton, who says she once considered herself 'a shy little farm girl from New Zealand', has boosted her confidence by working in a career which has allowed her to blossom in an industry she loves. She says the company's directors have helped her stay committed and focused over the years. "They have given me a fabulous foundation and I've always felt through this support and encouragement that I've grown within Villa World, pushed the boundaries and managed to find new challenges." Ms Barton says when she first started at Villa World - working from an office above Ashmore Plaza Shopping Centre - it was only a small company that needed people who were keen to try something new, be flexible and have a good