Sue Ellen Harrison started her accounting career in 1978, working with Kuhlke Construction and R.W. Alien & Associates. In 1985, she moved from construction accounting to governmental accounting when she accepted a position with Pan Am World Services, which was later acquired by Johnson Controls. She held positions from Project accountant at Fort Gordon to Manager of Division Finance based in Cape Canaveral, FI. and was the first female project manager in the company. In 1995, once again changing jobs and industries, Sue Ellen became the Controller for International Paper, Augusta Lumber Mill - a lumber manufacturing facility in Augusta.