25 Years with All That Money and Never a Dull Day

Katy Wichlac, CPP, is Wesleyan’s payroll manager and works in Financial Services.

Q: I’ve heard of a CPA but not a CPP. What does that stand for?

A: A Certified Payroll Professional.

Q: Are you a math person? What skills do you need to work in payroll and what is your educational background?

A:  I graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, Connecticut.  I have a bachelor of arts degree in American Studies and British History from Cardinal Cushing College in Brookline, Massachusetts I am currently taking classes through the Graduate Liberal Studies Program here at Wesleyan.

Q: What courses have you taken?

A: I have taken Irish Music and Dance and International Organization and Evolution of Government: The Rise of the Modern Nation State.

Q: When did you become manager of payroll services?

A: In May 2000, I was new to Wesleyan, but I have been a payroll manager for over 25 years.

Q: You must be a real payroll pro. How would you describe a typical day working in payroll?

A:  Are you kidding? A typical day in payroll? That would be something to see. On a regular day I oversee the payroll staff – Evelyn Harris and Gladys Fountain. We process payroll for all the students and employees of the university. We get a lot of phone calls and e-mails every day. I spend a lot of time on the computer and not as much as I would like getting out to meet with employees. We see many of the students, but I am sorry to say I know most of the employees via phone or e-mail only.

Q: What do you like most about your job as a payroll manager?

A: Every day brings something new, something different. Payroll is never dull or predictable! We all try to have a laugh every day – it helps.

Q: Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

A: I love to travel. I especially love London, and I serve on the board of the New England Payroll Conference. This year I will chair the conference for the third time. I also have spent a lot of years as member of a community theater group, the Windsor Jesters.

Q: Are you a performer? Or do you work behind the scenes?

A: I have been a member of the group and board member. I served as president for several years. Yes, I have been known to get on the stage. I have done a lot of musicals and my last play was “Dangerous Liaisons.”

Q: Do you have any children?

A:  I have two children. My son is Stephen and my daughter is Maria. My first grandchild was born on December 12th. Her name is Hollace Katherine Grace Grove, named after her two grandmothers, and she weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces.