Jill Parady, payroll accounting assistant, says she landed at George Mason University in 2015 because she had heard it was a community-oriented place to work and because she was already part of the Mason family.
Parady graduated from Mason in 1983 with a degree in decision science. Her son Jeff graduated in 2009 with a degree in biology.
“I had seen Mason grow since I graduated and I also heard that it was a nice community in which to work,” Parady said. “I thought this would be good place to land, and I was right. Also, it’s close to home, and I didn’t want a long commute.”
Whatever the reasons for Parady’s decision to come to Mason, her co-workers are grateful she began working in Human Resources & Payroll. Parady, selected as May Employee of the Month, is responsible for generating payments to internal and external vendors. Her job requires her to work closely with different departments and vendors.
“Jill’s understanding of vendor payments is unparalleled, and she is always willing to lend a helping hand,” said Mira Halilovic, data support and reconciliation supervisor in Human Resources & Payroll. “She is helpful, caring and resourceful.”
Her co-workers say that her dedication to work makes her an exemplary employee.
Parady’s “commitment to service is one of her greatest strengths,” said Catalina Wheat, payroll operations supervisor. “She’s willing to work extra hours and odd schedules to fulfill her duties or help others.”
Parady says that she is “probably in the right job” since she’s “meticulous and organized.”
“This is the kind of job where it is important to get things right,” said Parady, adding that she’s humbled by the honor of Employee of the Month. “I’m grateful for my co-workers. We are a tight-knit team, and that helps make things easier.”
How she got to Mason:
I was looking for a change and had several friends who worked at Mason and liked the community and work environment. As I live close to the campus and I’m an alum, I’ve had the opportunity to watch the campus grow and change over the last 35 years and decided I might enjoy working in the Mason community as well. I heard about the job posting thru an existing employee and applied. Seven years later, I’m very happy I did.
Best day on the job:
I enjoy my job so I’m not sure I can pick out any certain day. Because I spend a great deal of time working solo, I do enjoy volunteering for some of the HR & Payroll functions to get out and about on the campus.
What you like best about working at Mason:
I like the Mason community. There are always interesting activities going on around campus with a diverse group of people. From the robotics to sporting events and musical shows, there is a wealth of things to experience at Mason. I also like the well-being programs and the strive for work-life balance.
What you do when you are not working:
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like hosting dinners for our extended family. I love spending time at Lake Anna splashing in the water with my kids and grandkids. I also enjoy a beautiful afternoon at any of Virginia’s wonderful wineries.