How did this happen? We were just auditing the New Year’s Benefits and all the sudden we are now auditing the W2 code DD and all the transactions we have processed for the year. In a blink of an eye, another year end is upon us. Year end is always our profession’s time of year to shine. We work hard all year to make that W2 processing as seamless as it can be.
My 1st year end many moons ago – I was scared out of my mind. I did not know there were so many pieces to the payroll machine that I had to fit together to make it run smooth. The challenge was exciting because it fit my “fixer” personality to a tee. I developed check lists for my teams so we could process smoothly. I decided my Outlook was my best “To Do list”, instead of having the colorful notes all over my monitor and wall and phone. I learned to give myself and my team’s goals and timelines to complete our tasks. It is so empowering to complete a goal/task and move on to the next one.
And then there is the internal “Auditors” and processing pay and the external “Auditors” and processing pay and the benefit “Auditors” – how do we do it all? I am proud to say I had some fantastic mentors who told me to breathe and ask the ever important question: “When do you need it by?” That simple question communicated to the groups who needed payroll information from me, has saved my life from being too over stressed. Also, a nice cup of tea and having an amazing group of chapter members who help my mind to calm down. I appreciate each and every one of them and their great perspectives on their own payroll experiences.
During this Holiday season I want to wish all my fellow payroll professionals a season of joy, laughter, and abundance. May you all have the joy and success life can give you. Remember we are just an email away if you need any payroll help, insight, or even a person to vent to. Nothing of great success can happen on our own. We need each other in this profession and I am proud to know you all.
There will be more stories and we will spotlight some of our amazing chapter members in the coming year. Until then – tata for now.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Laurice – Fox Valley President
