If there’s one thing you quickly learn working with Sarah Short, it’s that payroll is deeply human work. Sarah brings precision, calm leadership, and genuine care to a function that directly impacts people’s lives. As Payroll Supervisor, she leads with empathy and high standards, making sure both clients and employees feel supported when it matters most.
What’s your role at Xenium, and what does your work focus on day to day?
Payroll Supervisor. I work with a team of highly skilled payroll specialists and oversee end-to-end payroll processing while helping ensure our work meets the highest standards of accuracy and compliance. I started out on the client side working with some of Xenium’s best, which was a great experience. When I found myself meeting with Xenium during the pandemic, I jumped at the opportunity to join the payroll team and have enjoyed it ever since. The thing that really energizes me is the impact this work has on the people I work for and with. I’m most energized when I can solve a client’s problem and make their day easier. When someone says, “Thank you, I truly appreciate your support, it made a difference,” it reminds me why I do this work.
What changes or shifts in HR and payroll have shaped you the most?
Over my four years with Xenium, the biggest shift that has shaped me is seeing just how essential true teamwork is. Watching people consistently step in, support one another, and collaborate across roles has shown me that real success at every level comes from working together.
What trends or challenges should clients be paying attention to now and in the years ahead?
Since the pandemic, many companies have shifted to remote hiring. Because of that, I’ve seen a big increase in payroll teams having to manage multi-state tax rules and varying compliance requirements. While AI can be incredibly beneficial, it’s essential to verify the accuracy of its outputs. You still need to double-check the information it provides, especially regarding compliance. Human oversight is indispensable in this process.
What’s a project or moment you’re especially proud of?
A moment I’m especially proud of was a recent project where I helped coordinate and roll out a new way for our team to track opportunities to improve payroll processes. We focused on using clear data points to guide decisions, which made it easier to identify where we could streamline and work more efficiently. What made it meaningful wasn’t just the improvements themselves, but how the process brought everyone together. Seeing data translate into real change, collaborating on solutions, and watching the team feel more confident and connected to the work we do every day for our clients has been incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to see that progress continue into the new year.
What advice would you give someone just entering this industry?
Ask questions early and often. No one in payroll knows everything, and there’s real strength in seeking clarity. The people who excel are the ones who lean on their team, stay curious, and build their knowledge step by step.
Can you share a client experience that really stayed with you?
One experience that really stuck with me happened when a client reached out in a panic because their regular specialist was out on PTO. One of their employees hadn’t been paid, and the client was traveling with limited access, so they were scrambling. After confirming what the employee was owed, I told the client I’d handle it directly and reach out to the employee myself to ensure they received their paycheck. When I connected with the employee, they were very emotional. They were dealing with a family emergency and desperately needed that paycheck. They kept thanking me, and in that moment, it really hit how much this work matters. Making sure people get paid on time and accurately isn’t just a task. It affects lives, stability, and peace of mind. That experience reaffirmed exactly why I care so much about what I do.
How do you hope your role or expertise continues to grow?
I’m excited to keep growing by leaning further into the cross-functional side of payroll. With my accounting background, I already understand much of the financial impact behind payroll decisions, and I want to keep building on that. The more I work with HR, finance, benefits, and operations, the more I see how connected everything is. I enjoy being the person who can translate between teams and help things run smoothly. What excites me most is blending all of that together. Using my accounting mindset in payroll helps me spot issues, improve processes, and support larger projects in a way that feels natural. There’s a lot of room to grow into a role that not only manages payroll but also helps shape how teams collaborate and make decisions.
What’s something coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?
For about four years, I worked as a flower delivery driver. It was one of the most unexpectedly meaningful jobs I’ve ever had. Getting to bring a little joy to someone’s day was incredibly rewarding, and I truly loved it.
How would you describe your work style in three words?
Reliable, encouraging, and collaborative.