A Different Kind of Hero

by Ashley Messick, Social Media Specialist, Supporter of our Troops, and shouter of “Oorah”

When I think of Memorial Day weekend often the images that come to mind are of sunshine, hamburgers, and the first day of pool season. It is a great time to spend with family and friends, and for many of us to get a day off from work! Here at Blood Centers of the Pacific we often talk about our incredible blood donors, whom we consider Everyday Heroes. However, this Memorial Day is a perfect day to remember the Heroes this holiday commemorates, the men and women who died while serving in the American military. 

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, was originally known as Decoration Day, when it originated in the years following the Civil War. It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.Volunteers place American flags on the graves at National Cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 pm, local time, each year. The time was chosen because it is when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday

This Memorial Day we remember those Heroes who have served in our military forces and given their lives. We also thank those who continue to serve our country.

Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day!

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Spotlight’s On: Sue Cleary

an interview with Sue Cleary, Payroll Technician

BCP has many departments and hundreds of employees. Do you know the function of each department? Or the role of many of our staff members? Each month, we’ll spotlight a staff member or department. Last month we interviewed BCP’s Volunteer Program Supervisor, Debbie Bingham. This month, we’d like to introduce you to Sue Cleary!

What’s your job title and what do you do? My current title is Payroll Technician, and I am responsible for ensuring the accuracy of each employee’s payroll, as well as perform some accounts receivable-related duties.

Describe your typical day at Irwin Center: I really don’t have a “typical” day, because I wear many hats depending on what day it is. I handle all aspects of daily payroll, as well as some accounts receivable duties. My payroll-related responsibilities are cyclical and are deadline-oriented. Many of my payroll-related duties are dictated by the particular day in the payroll cycle. For example, every other Monday is “Payroll Monday,” because this is the day that everyone’s Kronos timecards from the prior period are given their final approval and the information is transmitted to ADP for payroll checks to be prepared. A few days prior to payroll Monday, I review the timecards to ensure there are no erroneous pay codes being used. I will also enter any historical edits for prior periods.

Once payroll is completed for a given period, I prepare comparative spreadsheets of overtime and penalty hour information that is sent to each Director for their review. The payroll function encompasses all aspects of your payroll, some of which are: calculating pay, processing retroactive pay adjustments and garnishments.

From an accounts receivable standpoint, I’m responsible for ensuring that all payments are properly posted to each account, and I also have acted as the billing backup. I monitor each account to ensure that they are paying in a timely and accurate manner.

What do you like best/most about your job? The best part of my job is my interaction with my fellow employees. I truly enjoy problem solving and fielding various questions about employees’ pay.

What are the challenges? How do you overcome them? Because I deal with each employee’s individual pay, which is very near and dear to their heart, I take pride in ensuring that each employee’s pay is accurate and complete. I maintain detailed records that are easily retrievable when there’s a need to review the back up paperwork. I also make sure that I get the proper approved documentation before processing any payroll-related actions.

How long have you worked at BCP? I always say since birth, but in actuality I’ve been here over 20 years in many different capacities. For my current position, it’s been 10 years. In any capacity, I truly enjoy working at Blood Centers of the Pacific.

Thank you Sue for your hard work and dedication to all of our BCP employees!