In this month’s employee spotlight, we sat down with Marine Tulakyan, a Senior Payroll Specialist at Xenium HR, to dive into her unique journey in the world of payroll and her valuable insights into the evolving industry. From her experiences working with diverse clients to her unwavering commitment to building lasting relationships, Marine shares her perspective on the present and future of payroll, shedding light on what sets Xenium HR apart in delivering exceptional service.
What is your current role at Xenium HR and how long have you worked here?
I am a Senior Payroll Specialist, and this is my second term with the company. The first time I was here lasted five years before I took a break for five years when I had kids, and then came back as a remote employee, and it’s been almost four years. Almost a decade here at the company!
How has the remote position provided flexibility?
Well, I feel like before remote work existed for most people, I was already a remote employee. Initially, when our family decided to move out of Oregon, Xenium allowed me to work from home, which was amazing and unheard of then. So, I had already worked remotely for almost a year back then. Then I took time off to have kids. When I was ready to return to the workforce, I was initially looking for local opportunities. Still, my husband suggested reaching out to my friends, and that’s when I reached out to Xenium again. Xenium worked with me on the hours and flexibility, which I truly appreciated. I didn’t want to work 40 hours at that time because my kids were little, so Xenium accommodated that. Xenium has been very flexible for me, no matter what has come up.
Your clients value you a lot. What would your clients say about you, and what’s it like to work with Marine?
My clients would describe me as responsive and relationship-oriented, with high accuracy and quality in my work. I’m also a natural collaborator and involve HR, benefits, and other teams when needed to solve client problems. I genuinely care about my clients, and I want to make sure their matters are handled promptly and with integrity.
You’ve primarily worked in multi-client environments. What do you think is the value of working with someone like you who handles payroll for multiple companies compared to an in-house payroll person?
Working with someone like me who handles payroll for multiple companies offers clients a broader perspective and knowledge. We have the opportunity to learn different approaches and best practices from various clients, which can lead to more efficient and effective payroll management. In-house payroll personnel may not have the same exposure to different ways of doing things.
What’s a typical day like for you, and what kinds of things do you typically support clients with?
My typical day involves a variety of tasks. First and foremost, payroll processing. I also handle requests for reports, which is something clients often need. However, the nature of my work has changed over the years. Nowadays, many clients are more self-sufficient and can generate their own reports. Still, I continue to assist many clients with their specific needs. I also spend significant time managing emails and being responsive to my clients. I want to ensure that every client’s request is acknowledged and addressed promptly.
Do you have any memorable experiences working with clients or specific clients you are particularly connected to?
Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with many clients. One memorable experience is working with Traeger Pellet Grills, where I had a great relationship with their CEO. He would even call me late in the evening because I stayed at work longer than usual to ensure everything was done correctly. I genuinely care about my clients and often think about their well-being, even when I’m out of the office.
What is it about working at Xenium HR that made you come back?
The primary reason I returned to Xenium HR is the relationships. I value the connections I have with my coworkers and clients. While I did consider leaving to spend more time with my family, I couldn’t ignore the importance of these relationships. I genuinely care about my clients and enjoy the extra layer of knowledge and care that Xenium HR provides. It’s not just about pushing buttons; it’s about building strong, lasting relationships.
What do you see for the future of payroll? What changes or trends do you predict in the industry?
The future of payroll is leaning towards clients wanting more self-sufficiency. They want control over their data and processes. However, I believe that maintaining a strong client and Payroll Specialist relationship will always be crucial. We add value by offering guidance, expertise, and a personal touch that clients can’t get from simply pushing buttons. As long as we continue to prioritize these relationships and provide exceptional service, our role in payroll will remain essential.