Continuing our SDP Employee Spotlight series, this month we (virtually!) sat down with Processing Specialist Pam Santos to learn more about her role at Southland Data Processing and the incredible work she contributes to the SDP Team.
1. How long have you been with Southland Data Processing, and what do you do here?
I’ve been at Southland Data Processing for 10 months now as our Processing Specialist. That means I enter data that our wonderful clients send in for payroll and ensure that all companies are processed on time by sending reminders and keeping track of payroll calendars and special requests.
2. How did you first learn about Southland Data Processing?
I first learned about Southland Data Processing through Larissa from the HR Department. We both graduated from UC Santa Barbara and I had reached out to her for general job tips and potential opportunities.
While we were chatting, she shared how Southland is such a wonderful place for folks who want to grow in the workforce. I have definitely grown so much just in the past few months, so thank you, Larissa!
3. Before working at Southland Data Processing, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
The most interesting job I’ve had was an internship in the Philippines called Kaya Co. Seven other colleagues and I were given the opportunity to experience work in the Philippines by connecting with different businesses.
I was fortunate enough to join the marketing team of a fashion company to assist in studying demographics for their consumers. I also got to draft a marketing plan to expand the company globally. It’s an experience that definitely stands out to me the most as I was able to see the differences in culture when it comes to a professional organization.
4. What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me begins with running a report of the companies scheduled to process payroll that day so I know which companies to look out for when receiving payroll information. After that, I send an early morning reminder to those clients and begin my task of reviewing payroll tickets and making sure client payrolls are submitted before our submission deadline.
Throughout that process, I also assist the Accounting Team in running ACH Files to send so the payrolls I process are deposited on time. Apart from that, I also schedule trainings with clients for our SDP Connect platform and assist in answering calls to provide unrivaled service to our valued clients.
5. What is one of your proudest moments you’ve had while working at SDP?
I wouldn’t say there’s necessarily one specific event that I’m most proud of. However, I do think that every day I wake up with more clarity and understanding of everything we do at SDP as well as general payroll and financial knowledge.
Whenever I look back on when I first started, I’m very proud of myself. I can see how much I’ve grown from all of my helpful and knowledgeable co-workers. It’s very gratifying, and makes me thankful to be part of this awesome team!
6. If you could switch jobs with anyone else at SDP, whose job would you choose, and why?
I would have to say Jeanne Huynh, our Partner Success Manager! Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to shadow her on several demos. I’ve loved being able to connect with clients and understand their needs while sharing how our different solutions can help them.
7. What are three words you would use to describe Southland Data Processing?
Happy to help!
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to dive into creative writing when I have free time – poetry, prose, or screenplays. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a very active imagination and I love penciling down any ideas that I get. Writing has always been my favorite hobby because I love entering a world that I’ve built on my own.
9. What are your top 5 Clifton Strengths and what do they say about you?
My top five Clifton strengths are individualization, intellection, relator, restorative, and arranger. I believe in people, and I love creating connections with those I meet because I believe everyone has something special in them. I also have a knack for critical analysis and discovering ways to organize processes and refine ideas to improve efficiency.
10. What was the last book you read?
I am currently reading a book called Twenty-Two by Alison Trowbridge, which is a series of letters from the author to herself from when she was 22 years old. It’s very eye-opening reading into different people’s experiences, especially at around my age.
This book is also pretty perfect for me because I love memoirs. I find them especially captivating because these stories can be so personal.
11. Any random facts you could share with us?
I’m a huge fan of Zendaya – she’s literally my favorite celebrity. I get so proud of her when she accomplishes big milestones. For example, when she was cast for Spider-Man I was so happy because I also love Spider-Man and comics.
12. What is a motto or personal mantra you have?
Love is everything. I think more people, including myself, need to learn more about compassion. Especially during rough times like the past year we’ve been experiencing, people need to treat others with more kindness.
I also believe people need to protect those who are marginalized, those who are suffering, as well as those around them in their personal circles. And I think that all comes from love.
SDP Employee Spotlights: Celebrating Our Team
We hope you enjoyed this month’s employee spotlight! Here at Southland Data Processing, we’re in the people business, and we know that our success is due to our amazing team. What did you think? Is there another employee you’d like to learn more about? Let us know in the comments below!