Sam Jones, Budgeting and Payroll Services
Briefly describe your role.
I am the Associate VP for Budgeting and Payroll Services. I am responsible for the operations of the Budget Office, Position and Assignment Management, and the Payroll Office. Additionally, I act as support to the VP for Fiscal Services and the EVP for Business Affairs, as well as a liaison to the Budget and Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees.
What is the function of your department?
The Budget Office is responsible for managing the projection and allocation of all revenues and expenses for the College. Additionally, we handle the management of all positions (often referred to as lines) and making sure that the funding for the positions is tied to the correct department and accounting information. We also manage the assignment of individual employees to these positions, or, in the case of student and temporary employees, to the appropriate department, enabling all employees to be paid. The Payroll Office is tasked with the actual generation of pay for all employees.
How long have you been working at the College?
In May, it will be 22 years.
What brought you to the College?
I had moved out of public accounting and the private sector, and was working in higher education at The Citadel. A friend told me about a position that had opened at the College and it seemed like a much better fit in terms of environment for me. So, I applied, and the rest is twenty-two years of history.
What do you like most about your job?
The genuine relationships that I’ve been able to make over the years.
What are some of your favorite memories from the College?
My first six months at the College which were spent in the corner of Priscilla’s office; “extra-extra-lumpy-black-and-whites” from Jack’s Café; all of the departmental birthdays and holiday celebrations; watching Budgeting and Payroll Services evolve into the valued, respected and phenomenal team that it is.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love travel, working in my yard, good friends, good food, and good wine. Those are not necessarily listed by order of importance!
What is something that your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
I enjoy cooking for my friends. About once a year I host a formal dinner; something that really isn’t done anymore. Two favorites come to mind. One was on Halloween so while it’s occurring in the formal dining room, with all the trappings, everyone is dressed in the most outrageous costumes. My most elaborate meal was a six-course New Year’s Eve dinner. The place setting included printed menus, six plates, one bowl, one champagne / sorbet saucer, five forks, four knives, two spoons, five glasses, and Venetian masks individually selected to match the personality of each guest. It was a lot of work but a LOT of fun!