I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Andrea for years, and her ability to pivot, problem solve, and build genuine relationships never ceases to amaze me. From her early days in onsite HR to her current role in payroll, Andrea brings equal parts precision and heart to everything she touches. I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of her journey with the rest of our Xenium community.
What’s your role at Xenium HR, and how long have you been with the company?
I’m a Senior Payroll Specialist. I joined Xenium in 2014, so it’s been a little over 10 years—five in onsite HR and five in payroll since my transition in 2019.
How did your career progress from HR to payroll?
I began in HR back in 1996 and held a variety of roles at different companies. After five years as an onsite HR professional at Xenium, some personal circumstances and a client change prompted me to rethink my path. A payroll opening appeared at just the right time, and the switch felt like a natural next step.
What’s your favorite part of working for an outsourced HR and payroll provider?
The variety. No two clients—or even two days—look alike. Each payroll run brings new challenges, so the work stays interesting and never feels repetitive.
What major changes have you seen in the field over the years?
When I first moved into payroll, we serviced only one or two states. COVID19 expanded our client footprint to nearly every state, adding countless rules and deadlines. The multistate complexity keeps evolving and reshaping the role.
What challenges do you think our industry will face in the future?
Automation is a double-edged sword. It streamlines tasks but can also diminish the personal touch clients value. Striking the right balance between efficiency and human connection will be critical.
Share a client memory or feedback that’s stuck with you.
I’ve built friendships with several clients. One conversation about drip irrigation lines for my garden turned into a detailed tutorial—and an open invitation for help. Moments like that remind me we’re more than “just payroll” to the people we serve.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in payroll or HR?
Have patience. The learning curve can feel steep, but you’re never alone. If you put in the effort, the team will rally around you and help you succeed.
How do you see your role evolving, and what goals do you have?
Management has never been my dream, but I’d love to become a go to resource—perhaps a lead who supports colleagues with training and troubleshooting rather than formal supervision.
What do you wish more people understood about payroll work?
It’s far more than “plugging in numbers.” Compliance, audits, and analytical problem solving all happen behind the scenes. The layers of regulation and detail are enormous, and getting everything right takes both technical skill and critical thinking.
Thank you, Andrea, for sharing your story and for the dedication you bring to our clients every single day. Your blend of expertise and empathy truly sets the standard for what it means to be part of the Xenium HR team.