As MSU phases in a new payroll system – a huge undertaking for a Big Ten university – employees like Audree Baxter are on the frontlines in helping with the changeover.
Baxter, a budget officer in the Office of the Dean of the Eli Broad College of Business, said the process is multifaceted.
“It entails a whole host of things happening,” she said. “Preparing the college security-wise, because we’re moving form a papered environment to a non-papered environment. Setting up electronic workflow for all of the units, the entire college. Directing the unit managers on how things are going to go (and) guiding the training processes.”
Baxter has been in her current position nearly three years but has been with the university for 17 years. She’s very detail-oriented and likes numbers. In addition to these qualities, a budget officer has to be very organized and have great communication skills, she said.
Baxter budgets the college’s general fund account, which contains tuition dollars and money from the state that is given to the college by the central budget office.
She also answers many phone calls and emails from department representatives, such as directors and department chairs who have questions about policies and procedures. In addition, she sends financial reports to the central budget office.
One of the best parts of her job is working with students in the college.
“You are so close to the students and to the mission of the university,” she said. “I enjoy seeing them do well. We have student workers around us who do well through their college courses and be successful.”
###