Cindy Wrecza
From audit trails to airport terminals
August 8, 2025
Cindy Wrecza’s day began like many others — navigating the layered logistics of airport life.
She parked her car at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport’s Terminal 2 at 7:02 a.m., hopped on the light rail to Terminal 1, passed through TSA security and arrived at one of Aero Service Group’s restaurants, Lake Wine, by 7:36 a.m. In just 34 minutes, she had traversed a complex system of transportation, security and hospitality operations before most people had their morning coffee.
This commute isn’t just a one-off experience; it’s emblematic of the world Wrecza works in every day. As a CPA leading financial operations for Aero, a company that runs restaurants in airports across the country, she’s at the intersection of accounting, logistics and hospitality.
Her journey from traditional public accounting to this fast-paced, high-security environment is a testament to the versatility of the CPA designation and the unexpected places it can take you.
‘Get your CPA license’
Wrecza’s journey began with a simple but powerful message from her college professors: “Get your CPA license. It will differentiate you. It will open doors.”
Though she didn’t yet know what those doors would be, she trusted their advice. That trust laid the foundation for a career that would blend technical expertise with creative problem-solving in one of the most complex and fast-paced industries: Airport hospitality.
Her first taste in accounting came during a summer internship at Valleyfair, where she worked as an internal auditor.
“By the end of the summer, the management team nicknamed the two of us ‘Over’ and ‘Short’ due to our stealthy cash audit findings and our visual height difference,” Wrecza recalled.
After 13 busy seasons in public accounting, Wrecza made a leap into unfamiliar territory: the restaurant industry.
The opportunity came unexpectedly through a daycare drop-off conversation with the CEO of Aero Service Group.
“He said he had ‘an accounting question,’ and I very seriously responded, ‘Should I bring a tax professional?’” she said. “No one calls auditors with ‘an accounting question.’”
That question turned into a job offer, and 10 years later, she’s still with Aero, navigating the unique challenges of operating restaurants in airports across the country.
Thriving on complexity
Working in airport hospitality requires more than just financial acumen. It demands logistical finesse, regulatory knowledge and a deep understanding of human behavior. From coordinating payroll deliveries through TSA checkpoints to managing staffing delays caused by Homeland Security background checks, Wrecza’s role is anything but routine.
“Each and every day, our team members are faced with providing exceptional service to a diverse world, under stressful travel and security conditions,” she said. “And yet, we find a way to encourage hospitality experts to serve our guests with the highest of standards.”
What keeps her going? The thrill of creative problem-solving and the power of communication.
Whether it’s rerouting payroll checks through a third-party logistics provider or adapting to changing consumer trends — like launching a hybrid full-service/food truck concept in Nashville — Wrecza thrives on complexity.
“Ten years ago, we were phasing out of quick-serve restaurants,” she said. “Today, we’re phasing back in. The world is changing, and so are we.”
Choose your own adventure
For aspiring CPAs, Wrecza’s story is a testament to the versatility of the credential.
“The CPA designation is one of the greatest recognitions, and for good reason,” she said. “It challenges your intelligence and leadership skills throughout your career.”
Wrecza emphasizes that becoming a CPA is more than passing exams — it’s a lifelong commitment to learning, ethics and public trust.
Now well into her career, Wrecza sees her role as not just a financial leader, but a mentor and advocate for the profession. For her, she knows the CPA credential was the correct destination for her.
But more than that, Wrecza’s focused on advancing the profession and paying it forward.
“I’m not the first, nor will I be the last, to thank the CPA profession for an amazing career. The best is yet to come.”
Topics: Member Profiles
Corey Butler
Corey Butler is the MNCPA communications manager, working to enhance the professional reputations of members through content, media relations and public affairs. He's been with the MNCPA since 2013. Corey keeps busy outside of the MNCPA spending time with his wife and children, serving on his local school board, volunteering in his community and catching up on long-lost hobbies. Corey enjoys the works of John Steinbeck and Rankin/Bass Productions, and Paul Bunyan, Robin Hood and Santa Claus lore. You may reach him at 952-885-5530 or cbutler@mncpa.org.
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