Accountant Spotlight: Karl Pawlik at Escalon

Our Accounting Spotlights highlight inspirational leaders in the profession who are making a difference for their clients and community. Know someone who deserves to be featured? Submit a nomination. ‍

In our latest Accountant Spotlight Series, we're thrilled to introduce Karl Pawlik, CFO and Head of Technology and Life Sciences at Escalon. His story is one defined by a desire to learn, build community, and make meaning.

Turning big business lessons into small business success

From corporate finance to small business empowerment, Karl Pawlik’s career has been defined by curiosity, community, and the drive to create meaningful change. Beginning in Applied Materials’ New College graduate program, he gained a foundation in rigorous financial training, amongst a collaborative culture that set the tone for what was to come. Over the next decade at St. Jude Medical, Karl transitioned from finance to strategy, market analytics, and business development. “That was my first jump into life sciences and it was amazing,” he reflects.

Playing a key role in developing the company’s first emerging markets strategy, and supporting major acquisitions like Nanostim and CardioMEMS, his time there left a lasting impact. When consulting called, however, Karl answered, recognizing the opportunity to bring that same strategic expertise to growing startups and small businesses. Now, after five years with Escalon, Karl continues to thrive in a culture built on teamwork, client care, and shared success.

Enabling innovators to build, heal, and grow

In addition to serving as one of Escalon’s consulting CFOs, Karl leads two powerhouse teams: Hardware-Enabled Technology and Life Sciences, each tackling industries that are redefining the future. “Technology is awesome,” he asserts. “Energy tech, space tech, robotics—these things are changing our everyday lives and making AI physical.” Equally inspiring is the life sciences side, where innovations are improving and saving lives through breakthroughs in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, AI-driven diagnostics and analytics, and supporting medical practices

Despite the unique differences intrinsic to each of the sectors, Escalon’s mission remains: empowering clients to focus on growth. With an intimate knowledge of the firm’s client base, Karl has come to identify some of the more complex problems that often require intervention, directly addressing such challenges with targeted services. When it comes to finances, Escalon’s team of experts serve as a trusted partner in preparing clients or pitches, ensuring due diligence, and facilitating investor introductions. And with relationships extending across technology, regulatory, clinical, and legal fields, the firm’s diverse network helps to advance its clients’ partnerships.

Behind the scenes, strict adherence to the highest compliance standards, as well as data-driven advisory and actionable insights, keeps clients moving forward. By streamlining essential tasks with tools such as Ramp, Escalon keeps operations seamless and secure. “My team loves that Ramp covers standard invoices and travel expenses in one platform,” Karl adds. “And I like the controls we can provide to clients on card activity—it just makes everything easier.”

The results speak for themselves. Whether it’s guiding a client through FDA approval, celebrating a first energy contract, or closing a transformative funding round, Karl and the team at Escalon take pride in being part of defining moments. “We focus on the back office so clients can focus on the science, or whatever their magic might be,” he says.

Finding power in diversity of thought

When it comes to the future of the field, Karl sees AI as the defining force shaping the next era of finance and operations. “More than anything, we’re adopting tools that are AI-enabled. Honestly, I don’t think we’d bring on a new platform that isn’t,” he says. “There are just too many efficiencies to be had.”

Beyond technology, Karl values connection, both within and outside his field. Meeting with other CFOs in informal, more casual settings allows for the exchange of candid insight. By broadening his mind to the opinions of diverse voices, including those from entirely different industries, Karl finds the biggest opportunity for innovation is to be had. “If you look at one person, you miss the full picture,” he observes. “If we don’t look outside our industry, we’ll miss amazing processes and applications.”

Lately, he’s been closely watching economic patterns that vary dramatically across regions. “In some places, hiring can’t keep up with demand, while others are slowing fast,” he observes. “It makes me wonder if cities like Houston, Miami, and Dallas are our next true innovation hubs.” With AI reducing transactional workloads and enabling deeper analytical capabilities, one thing is for sure—Karl is optimistic about what the future holds: more time to think strategically, innovate boldly, and help clients navigate an ever-evolving landscape.

Where expertise meets empathy

As an expert in the businesses that he supports, Karl possesses a specialist mindset that extends to all areas of his work. Rather than taking a generalist approach, Escalon’s industry model connects startups and growing enterprises with a trusted, dedicated partners that are industry experts. From accounting to strategy to operations, the team’s deep expertise ensures that clients succeed.

Bringing this same mindset and approach to his personal life, Karl’s outgoing and vivacious nature benefits all those who surround him. “I love to hang with my family, coach competitive water polo, and play pickleball,” he shares. Whether it’s clients, his team, or the missionaries he supports in the Dominican Republic, Karl’s commitment to improving the lives of others rings true. We’re proud to have him featured in this spotlight and as a Ramp Accounting Partner.

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