In this employee spotlight, we sat down with Jenn Bass, a Payroll Supervisor at Xenium, and about her career, processing payroll, and what life outside of work is like.
What made you want to work in payroll?
It started as just a job. I worked in real estate before, and the market crashed in my area. Luckily, a friend’s dad needed a payroll assistant and I applied for the position. He knew I was smart and caught on quickly, so I got hired.
I kept taking on more responsibilities at that company, learning about HR and payroll. I stayed with them for six and a half years.
Then, I was ready for a bigger challenge. Payroll is more interesting with a larger company. In smaller companies, you only work a few days a week and have to find things to do. But with Xenium and multiple clients, there’s always something to do, and I’m never bored. I love not being bored. I enjoy researching and finding solutions to challenges.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an actor or a marine biologist.
What’s something from your Xenium Career that you’re proud of?
Working with our largest client, we’ve made many process improvements over the years. I’ve also been able to progress in my career. In payroll, there aren’t usually many opportunities for promotions. You can only go so far. But at Xenium, there have been growth and career development opportunities that you don’t usually find at other companies.
What was the thing that surprised you most about doing payroll at Xenium?
At first, I was only working with our one large client, which was similar to everything I had done before. I was used to processing around 4,000 employees, so chaos was a daily occurrence. But what’s different about doing payroll at Xenium is that you work with a whole team of people. If I ever don’t know an answer to a question, I can ask the group or a supervisor. I can even ask HR-related questions to the HR team. Everybody is open and willing to help each other. I love that.
You’re currently in school; how are you balancing being a student with working full-time in a leadership role?
The good thing is that I moved during the pandemic, so I only know a few people outside of work. I have a lot of stuff going on with my fiancé, like house renovations and yard work. But for the most part, I work, go to school, and do housework. Sometimes I go out and enjoy activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, or concerts. It’s a lot of long days and nights, but I find time to relax and enjoy myself.
When will you be done with school?
It depends. I’ve been cutting back to halftime for a few terms because work has been busier. But I’ll be done by the end of 2024 if I don’t cut back much more.
What degree are you working towards?
I’m working towards a bachelor’s degree in human resource management.
What are some of the most important skills or qualities necessary for someone to succeed in payroll processing?
A high level of attention to detail and the ability to explain complex things easily to others. Paying attention to detail helps prevent mistakes that could impact clients and employees. Everyone is sensitive about their pay, so it’s important to be thorough. If you make a mistake, have humility and take ownership and responsibility. Correct it as soon as possible, and apologize.
What is your favorite aspect of working at Xenium?
Number one is the people. You can work anywhere and do payroll, but I’ve never found a group of people who genuinely care about each other like they do at Xenium.
When I first joined the company, I didn’t know anybody, and everybody worked remotely. But when I met the president, Anne, she knew my name and asked how I was doing. I didn’t expect the president to know I existed. Everyone at Xenium is approachable and genuinely cares. The career development opportunities are also amazing. I can talk to my managers and Suzi about moving into different departments or how to achieve my career goals. The support is unparalleled.
What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see Xenium fitting into that?
Xenium offers plenty of opportunities if you’re looking to grow in the HR and payroll field.
I’m studying HR, and I love working in payroll. I have a passion for both. HR has more gray areas that require best practices and navigating through them excites me. Now that I’m a supervisor with more HR tasks, I enjoy developing my employees and helping them grow. Ultimately, I would love to stay with Xenium and move into an HR generalist or HRBP position. I’ve also considered a full-time position where I can work in payroll and HR. But for now, I’m focused on being the best supervisor I can be and learning from other leaders at the company.
What’s your favorite memory of working at Xenium?
Last Halloween was super fun. Our team dressed up as the cast of Stranger Things, and we decorated the office like the upside down. We even had Vena in the office!
What’s your favorite book?
Without Merit by Colleen Hoover.
Favorite hobby?
Kayaking.
I know you like hiking and spending time outdoors. What are some of your favorite places around here to go hiking?
Silver Falls State Park is a favorite. The Trail of 10 Falls is amazing, and I want to go again this summer. We also often go to Lacamas Lake, which has a nice boat launch for paddleboards and kayaks. Round Lake has more hilly areas and some waterfalls to hike to. Lacamas Lake has a three-mile heritage trail that I enjoy walking.
Favorite vacation spot?
California, Alaska, and Ireland.
Favorite Food?
Indian Food.
Favorite movie?
The Twilight movies.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Go for a walk with my dog, hang out with my fiancé, and then read a book.
Last one…any words of wisdom for fellow Xenium employees on how to be successful?
Keep asking questions. There’s no wrong question to ask. That’s how I learn. Keep learning and never stop. It’s an ongoing journey, and even at higher levels, there’s always something new to learn.
