PATRICIA G. McCORMICK
Austin,TX
Summary
Proven record of leadership ability. Excel at leading top-performing payroll customer service teams, managing research efforts, and identifying areas for improvement. Consistent history of reducing workload backlogs, production times and labor costs. Excellent problem solving and program management skills. Highly adept at directing financial management and analysis, data analysis, and payment tracking and processing within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Special expertise in payroll systems, procedures, and program analysis with emphasis on customer service. Extensive background within the VA’s Financial Services Center Financial Payroll Service and Nationwide Vendor File Division, including along the legislation, policies, and procedures relating to payroll and other payment types. Recognized subject-matter expert (SME) for Family and Medical Leave Act, proprietary government financial management, invoice payment processing, document management, automated vendor input, vendor management, and vendor inquiry systems. Highly knowledgeable in critical regulations and standards, including Public Law 111-163 OMB Circulars A-127 Financial Management Systems, A-134 Financial Accounting Principles & Standards, A-136 Financial Reporting Requirements, and 5-CFR Part 1315 Prompt Pay Regulations.
Experienced analyst prepared for this role with strong focus on data interpretation, financial modeling, and strategic planning. Known for collaboration and delivering results, adaptable to changing needs, and reliable. Skilled in data visualization, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication. Employers value analytical mindset, teamwork, and consistent performance.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Systems & Procedures Analyst, Financial Payroll Service
Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2021 - 11.2022
- Lead Payroll Fields Operations Customer Service Team consisting of GS-7/9 analysts serving a customer base of approximately 140,000 VA employees in processing customer requests and inquiries in the CPM portal, including Debt Waivers, Fund Control Point and FEHB updates, numerous leave categories, timekeeper inquiries, special pays, union dues, and pay and leave audits. Manage 10-member team and oversee daily distribution of workload. Monitor each analysts’ workbaskets for progress. Conduct daily meetings with the team to ensure compliance with ABC, TMS and to ensure clear communication and team cohesiveness. Identify potential production hinderances and develop solutions for management approval. Maintain knowledge of each analysts’ strengths for best team efficiency. Provide individual and team training for constant improvement. Collaborated with other teams and their leads to ensure project success. Provide daily status updates to supervisor as well as make recommendations for process improvements as weak areas are identified. Participate in routine Supervisor and Lead meetings in order to stay abreast of Financial Payroll Service developments and report on my team’s status.
- Accomplishments:
- Performed acting supervisory duties at the direction of Section Chief and Division Chief in the absence of our supervisor from May 2022 to August 2022. This included participating senior management meetings, staying abreast of any developments within the division, providing team status reports and making recommendations for improvements.
- Guided team through a complex divisional realignment which required us to assume responsibility for Debt Waiver requests. This process was entirely new to both myself and my team. We were immediately responsible for the backlog of debt cases we inherited from the team that previously handled debt cases. Due to unavoidable circumstances, we were unable to call upon any outside assistance for learning the new process. I was able to conduct extensive research to learn Debt Waivers and train my team on the process as well. We have successfully resolved over 370 complex Debt Waiver cases and have over 170 cases in process. During this time, each of my team members has become subject matter experts for Debt Waivers. I believe this is my proudest accomplishment.
- Oversaw team operations single-handedly, adapting to a structure meant for dual leadership.
- Earned FSC’s PEER Award for May 2022.
- Identified training needs and delivered targeted training sessions, enhancing team competencies and performance.
- Identified process inefficiencies, reported findings to supervisor, and recommended actionable solutions for improvement.
- Upon supervisors’ approval, implemented these solutions in the teams’ processes.
- Achieved immediate increase in individual & team productivity by up to 50%
- Reduced the average daily workbasket count from approximately 850 tickets to an average of approximately 100.
Lead Systems & Procedures Analyst, Financial Payroll Service
Department of Veterans Affairs
11.2022 - 02.2022
- Provide technical supervision on a team of 10 analysts necessary for completing the duties of the team. Run reports for the entire team daily and assign work as determined by staff availability and workload. Complete weekly Leads Report for Section Chief. Complete bi-weekly Special Pay Report and Default TL Report for Section Chief. Perform daily reviews of analysts completed work for accuracy and complete Quality Control Report for Section Chief. Conduct routine meetings with the team to ensure compliance with ABC, TMS and to ensure clear communication and team cohesiveness. Identify potential production hinderances and develop solutions for management approval. Maintain knowledge of each analyst’s strengths for best team efficiency. Provide individual and team training for constant improvement. Supported other teams and their leads. Provide daily status updates to supervisor as well as make recommendations for process improvements as weak areas are identified. Participate in routine Supervisor and Lead meetings in order to stay abreast of Financial Payroll Service developments and report on the team’s status. Analyze new or novel problems, evaluate unique approaches and solutions and respond to diverse needs of customers in arriving at final solution. Provide analysis and technical expertise on design and adaptation of automated financial systems, internal controls, process improvement, establishing and monitoring key performance indicators. Analyze and interpret reports and data to prepare statistical reports for final presentation to supervisor. Provide daily status reports of work accomplished and interaction with customers. Maintain knowledge of and use guidelines in accordance with agency policies and regulations as well as OPM directives, IRS regulations, Treasury regulations and Comptroller General decisions. Daily handle extremely complex problems utilizing multiple payroll and related systems that may involve multiple internal and external agencies such as OIG, OPM, SSA and various VA Central Offices. Analyze trends to make recommendations for improving procedures or system changes. Evaluate problems within our process and make recommendations to correct.
- Accomplishments:
- Developed training plans for two team members and provided regular progress updates.
- Earned the trust and respect of team members
- Identified and reported process inefficiencies to supervisor, recommending actionable solutions.
- Facilitate mentorship to improve staff performance and efficiency. in more efficient research methods.
Systems & Procedures Analyst, Financial Payroll Service
Department of Veterans Affairs
09.2020 - 12.2021
- Analyze new or novel problems, evaluate unique approaches and solutions and respond to diverse needs of customers in arriving at final solution. Provide analysis and technical expertise on design and adaptation of automated financial systems, internal controls, process improvement, establishing and monitoring key performance indicators. Analyze and interpret reports and data to prepare statistical reports for final presentation to supervisor. Provide daily status reports of work accomplished and interaction with customers. Maintained knowledge of agency policies and regulations, including OPM directives and IRS regulations. Daily handle extremely complex problems utilizing multiple payroll and related systems that may involve multiple internal and external agencies such as OIG, OPM, SSA and various VA Central Offices. Analyze trends to make recommendations for improving procedures or system changes. Evaluate problems within our process and make recommendations to correct. Contributed as a key member of the Transition & Legacy team and the Payroll Management Resolution team. Research and process Public Law 111-163 and Post Quimby claims. Process customer requests and inquiries in the CPM portal, including Fund Control Point and FEHB updates, special pays, union dues, and pay and leave audits. Run and process daily and weekly payroll, invalid transactions, SDA missing time, conversion of hours, and retro reports. Serve as primary timekeeper for 55 employees. Train co-workers and supervisors on timekeeper procedures regarding proxy leave, premium pay, and tour of duty requests. Provide payroll support for up to 130,000 employees at the tier 1 level. Perform as an analyst for major projects, including system upgrades and deployments. Utilize a wide range of systems. Resolve system issues. Identify issues for escalation. Participate in root cause analysis of software defects. Conduct software testing. Research and recommend payroll/financial operations innovations. Train employees and customers. Validate training materials.
- Achieved significant accomplishments such as:
- Assumed Timekeeper role, researched processes to identify efficiency improvements, and created first SOPs, reducing time sheet correction requests.
- Contributed to team efforts that eliminated backlog of 30-day outstanding requests.
- Completed 30-35 requests daily with a 100% error-free completion rate.
- Recognized for rapid onboarding quality and superior performance.
Financial Management Specialist, Nationwide Vendor File Maintenance Div.
Department of Veterans Affairs
09.2013 - 09.2020
- Managed the research of issues relating to the VA’s payment and vendor systems. Identified and resolved issues, corrected payments, and recommended policy and procedure changes. Managed timekeeping duties for Nationwide Vendor File Section. Acted as Coordinator and supervised a team of up to 20 individuals. Maintained and updated vendor database. Provided critical support for hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments per month. Subject-matter expert (SME) for legislation, statutes, regulations, and policies, along with financial service center operations and Treasury, IRS, and VA contracting and payment regulations. Created performance specifications and standards for specific programs. Prepared and delivered executive-level presentations and recommendations. Designed and conducted training classes.
- Accomplishments:
- Executed comprehensive timekeeping tasks for the Nationwide Vendor File Maintenance Section.
- Earned recognition from multiple customers, and internal and external executives, for superior service.
- Played a major role in meeting the workload and quality demands of processing more than 350,000 requests (25% increase YoY) from veterans and healthcare providers following the implementation of the Veterans Access Choice & Accountability Act.
- Reduced the VA’s 2011 tax liability payment 97.3% by auditing payments made and identifying incorrect vendor and budget object codes, resulting in $11M in erroneous payments eliminated.
- Collaborated with FSC Region 2 Payment Team to identify unrecognized invoices, reducing the volume and costs of incorrect or late payments.
- Improved efficiency, reduced late payment penalties, and achieved faster payment processing by consolidating vendor into a single central payment file.
- Minimized labor costs, late payment fees, and duplicate EFT rejects by managing the improvement of the EFT reject handling process. Implemented a procedure that produced immediate results.
- Contributed to a project team that designed new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Nationwide Vendor File Division. These covered EFT rejects, FEE, IFCAP, and more.
- Contributed to developing a streamlined procedure for vendors and VA facilities to request additions and updates for FMS vendor records.
- Coordinated updates to DMS central website, designing layout and format, and implementing changes in collaboration with Systems and Procedures Analyst.
- Recognized for leading the team that surpassed previous years’ 1099 processing, completing more than 5,000 adjustments and reprints with superior accuracy.
Accounting Technician, Nationwide Vendor File Maintenance Div.
Department of Veterans Affairs
06.2001 - 09.2013
- Maintained over 2 million vendor records, ensuring compliance while evaluating, writing, and updating SOPs to enhance operational consistency. Supported the facilitation of payments to individuals, companies, and government agencies. Tracked attendance and hours for team members. Evaluated escalated research and production issues, routing potential problem documents to appropriate personnel to expedite resolution. Carried out special project management. Maintained compliance with the Debt Collection Improvement Act. Researched and processed annual IRS Form 1099 adjustment requests. Responded to queries from internal and external customers regarding financial issues. Conducted training sessions for staff, enhancing team knowledge and operational efficiency. Served on the Awards Committee to formulate and implement new incentive programs.
- Accomplishments:
- Managed all timekeeping tasks for the team, including tracking hours and ensuring accurate payroll.
- Streamlined the payment process by implementing central remit files for large vendors.
- Reduced check printing 75% by implementing electronic payment programs.
- Streamlined EFT reject processing time by migrating from a paper-based filing and tracking system to an electronic process, which also reduced late penalties and customer inquiries.
- Enhanced efficiency by creating a monthly EFT non-compliant vendor report that identified non-compliant vendors, payment types, and number of payments.
- Personally reviewed 15,000 non-EFT compliant vendor records and updated the CCR and FMS records.
- Lowered interest penalties for late payments and improved payment processing speed by working with MillBill to eliminate a backlog of more than 3,000 pending invoices.
Education
Diploma -
Sidney Lanier Senior High School
Austin, TX01-1984
Skills
- Computer Skills: MS Office, Access, VA Financial Management System (FMS), Invoice Payment Processing System (IPPS), Document Management System (DMS), Automated Vendor Input System (AVIS), IFCAP, FEE Basis, Vendor Management System (VMS), Vendor Inquiry System (VIS), Federal System for Awards Management (SAM), DCPS, OFMR, VISTA, VATAS, HR Smart, Remedy
- Microsoft office
- Analytical thinking
- MS Excel
- Process improvement
- Time management
Certification
- Project Management
- Program Management
- Federal Acquisition Contracting
- Risk Management
- Total Ownership Cost
- Life Cycle Cost
- Product Support
- Leadership
- Capital Asset Management
- Earned Value Management
- Proper Use of Government Charge Cards
- Entry-Level FAC-P/PM Resident Course
- Managerial Cost Accounting
- US Standard General Ledger
- Managing Projects & Priorities
- FMS I
- Customer Service
- Timekeeper Training
- REG CAPPS Training
- Advanced Customer Service
Timeline
Lead Systems & Procedures Analyst, Financial Payroll Service
Department of Veterans Affairs
11.2022 - 02.2022
Lead Systems & Procedures Analyst, Financial Payroll Service
Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2021 - 11.2022
Systems & Procedures Analyst, Financial Payroll Service
Department of Veterans Affairs
09.2020 - 12.2021
Financial Management Specialist, Nationwide Vendor File Maintenance Div.
Department of Veterans Affairs
09.2013 - 09.2020
Accounting Technician, Nationwide Vendor File Maintenance Div.
Department of Veterans Affairs
06.2001 - 09.2013
Diploma -
Sidney Lanier Senior High School