One could argue that every department on a college campus is important, but when payday comes, there's one group that becomes extremely near and dear to all employees – the business office. Payroll is just one of the many responsibilities of the 13 people who are housed in the Philip Spencer House; this is the group that makes sure Hamilton's bills to vendors are paid; that employees who travel receive their expense reimbursements; students who intern in our offices receive their paychecks; and budget spending for every department on campus is monitored.
Around the Hill braved the frigid temperatures and walked down the hill to Philip Spencer House to meet the employees who make up the business office. Following is a list of who does what and who you should call for various budget/payroll/reimbursement issues.
Dan Konstalid, Controller and Director of Budgets: Dan directs all Business Office departments and manages all financial and business transactions for the College. He is responsible for developing operating and capital budgets.
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| Dorothy Hanrahan, Betsy Stewart, Patti Hartnett and Sue Hayes |
Patti Hartnett, Business Office Assistant: Patti is responsible for distributing the monthly budget report that shows how departments are doing in their spending. She also does journal entry data input. Call Patti if you want to reserve the Phillip Spencer House Conference Room. What people don't know about me: "Many may know me as the voice that answers the phone when calling Dan Konstalid, the contoller, or perhaps from seeing me jog around campus with Sharon Britton. I have been referred to as the second Mary Ach of the business office, which by the way is a great compliment. In my life outside of Hamilton I enjoy traveling, biking and gardening, but my greatest joy comes from spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren."
Gilles Lauzon, Assistant Controller: Gilles' responsibilities include administering post award grants, establishing budgets and approving expenditures. He also oversees student accounts such as status, billing, payments and refunds (tuition, r/b, guarantee deposits Gilles is the man for students to see when they need to pay up before they can get their Hamilton diploma. What people don't know about me: "My wife, Carolyn, and I have two boys, David and Christopher. I enjoy collecting books, bookends, diecast cars and trucks, as well as landscaping and home improvements."
Pat Davis, Student Accounts Specialist: Pat's responsibilities include all aspects of student accounts, such as status, billing, payments and refunds. What people don't know about me: "I live in Waterville with my husband. I have two grown children; Greg is married and lives in Waterville, and my daughter, Nicole, lives in Cambridge, Mass. I am in a golf league and I enjoy crocheting."
Ceil Gilbert, Staff Accountant: Ceil is responsible for managing the College's loan programs for current and former students. A number of foundations offer student loans with attractive payment terms. Ceil makes sure they're paid back or sends them to collection if necessary. Call Ceil if you need a Notary Public. What people don't know about me: "I love to spend time in the summer at my place in the Adirondacks. In the winter, I do cross-country skiing and work on crafts."
Colene Burnop, Accounts Receivable Clerk: Colene's responsibilities include retired employees' health insurance, water and trash collection billing. She also oversees delinquent student accounts.
And now for the paycheck people:
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| Debbie Prody, Andrea Brown, Rosie Ingalls, Melissa Cannistra |
Andrea Brown, Disbursements Manager: Andrea's responsibilities include making sure we all get paid every week or month, accounts payable and moving allowances. She also processes employees' personal computer loans. Call Andrea if you need help in figuring out how to fill out your tax withholding form. What people don't know about me: "I spend a LOT of time at Valley Gymnastics where my daughter, Rachel, takes lessons. My free time is devoted to my family: my husband, Tim, son Todd and Rachel."
Rosie Ingalls, Payroll Specialist: Rosie is responsible for all questions regarding faculty, administrative, staff and student payroll, including stipends and grants. Call Rosie if you want to start direct deposit, change banks, change payroll deductions. What people don't know about me: "You really don't want to know what I do outside the Payroll Office. I have a part-time job as a waitress at Dibbles Inn. Also I love to crochet and travel. My most recent trip was to Las Vegas and pulling those slot handles. My favorite trips are on cruises which I have taken four so far."
Debbie Prody, Accounts Payable Clerk: Debbie oversees all vendor payments, printing and distribution of 1099 tax forms and honorarium payments for speakers who visit campus. What people don't know about me: "I live in Clinton and am married with a 16-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son. When I am not helping with homework and giving rides, I enjoy reading and decorating my home."
Melissa Cannistra, Accounts Clerk: Melissa's responsibilities include the daily bank deposit, employee travel reimbursements and reporting back on travel advances. What people don't know about me: "I am very busy with my family -- my husband and three children, Lindsay 8, Damian, 5 and the baby, Gianna, 19-months-old. I hope to go back to school in a couple of years for my master's."
Betsy Stewart, Manager, Accounting and Budget: Betsy is responsible for all accounts and budgets on campus. She prepares the department budget reports and restricted funds, and maintains endowment and plant funds.
Dorothy Hanrahan, Staff Accountant: Dottie's responsibilities include all American Express travel accounts, faculty mortgage balances, stale checks and status of a check. What people don't know about me: I graduated cum laude from Hamilton in 1993 with a degree in art. I went to Utica College for 12 years at night, starting at age 36, while working full-time, then did 12 years at Hamilton. I still play around with art."
Sue Hayes, Staff Accountant: Sue is responsible for establishing new equipment, R&R and start-up fund accounts. She oversees all transfers of funds and departmental account balances and charges.
