A Day in the Life of… the Financial Coordinator

Today we’re giving you a glimpse into the life and times of Julie London, the Financial Coordinator at Northwest Surrogacy Center, LLC.

Julie (along with Georgia, the Financial Assistant—more on her later!) manages all of our surrogate trust accounts and ensures that our surrogates get paid. Here’s Julie, in her own words:

Julie, what brought you to Northwest Surrogacy Center, LLC?

I originally started as the receptionist for our sister law firm, Bouneff & Chally. At the time, I was considering law school, and the office and practice area were so unique and interesting to me. When Northwest Surrogacy Center started to expand, I was super excited at the chance to work more up close with our clientele and become more familiar with the surrogacy process.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I usually check in on emails first thing to prioritize any high importance payments for the day. Then I’ll check in on the bank accounts. Most of my day is spent updating our accounting records, making sure each surrogacy is meeting its financial checkpoints, and corresponding with surrogates and intended parents regarding their trust accounts.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Like everyone else, I assume, the best part is meeting the newborns, or end product!

What’s the most difficult part?

Well, I have a pretty hard time telling anyone “No,” whether it’s for a reimbursement or really any request.

Money can be a sensitive topic, especially in such an intimate process, and you’re the person who helps navigate the financial relationship between surrogates and intended families. If you could give intended parents one piece of advice when it comes to how they approach the financial side of the process, what would it be?

We are here to take on the stress of handling the daily management and distribution of your surrogate’s funds. I have seen a lot of parents try to micromanage their trust accounts, which I completely understand—but I do think it opens them up to a lot of stress and potential strain on the relationship with their surrogate. In addition, a small token of appreciation to your surrogate like a massage or a nice dinner can help to keep your relationship personal and show that you value her beyond the terms of your contract.

What about one piece of advice for surrogates?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your reimbursements and whether something can be reimbursed. It happens all too often that surrogates take on costs that they’re not expected to cover.

In a cage match between the NWSC financial team and the case managers, who do you think would win, and why?

Well, Georgia and I are not very competitive, but I can imagine a scenario where the case managers tire themselves out with all their high-energy tactics. At that point, Georgia and I would surprise-attack for the win.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’m going to go eat three cheese bagel with sun dried tomato hummus now. Shout out to Marsee Baking.

Learn more about all of the staff of Northwest Surrogacy Center at our About Us page!