Vanessa Ramalho Mane, Payroll Manager

Learn more about Vanessa’s role at Indeed Flex

Describe the environment at Indeed Flex in three words

Fast-paced, collaborative, and challenging.

Can you tell us a little bit more about your day-to-day role?

In my dynamic and ever-evolving role, no two days are alike. Each day, I prioritize team well-being and ensure they have the necessary support. I also review and monitor daily and weekly KPIs to track performance and ensure our goals are met.

A significant portion of my day is dedicated to reviewing KPIs, leading strategic meetings focused on system improvement and development, and handling routine administrative duties while maintaining strong alignment and relationships with business partners.

What is the favorite part of your typical workday?

Being a part of a very friendly and collaborative team. I have worked in a few finance teams before, and they are definitely not as lively as my current one.

How do you feel your role contributes to the company’s overall success?

I work in payroll, which is arguably what matters most to employees—their pay. My top priority is making sure that our workers and the team supporting them are paid accurately and on time. I take pride in minimizing any friction when concerns arise, and quickly finding solutions that keep our workers satisfied. It’s a part of the job I truly enjoy.

My work significantly impacts both Indeed Flex and our workers by ensuring payroll processes run smoothly and efficiently, which builds trust and reliability. By refining payroll systems, I help provide workers with more control over their earnings, enhancing worker satisfaction and retention. For our team, a seamless payroll experience allows them to focus on their core operations without pay-related concerns, reflected in the low number of payroll tickets that come through customer service. At the end of the day, I feel accomplished knowing my contributions improve processes and positively impact both clients and their workforce.

Can you share some examples of how our company culture is reflected in your daily work?

We foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, whether it’s reaching out to a senior leader or a specialist in a specific field. In my team, we live by the rule that “no question is a dumb question.” We have an open-door policy, encouraging team members to come to us for clarification or to share knowledge whenever needed. The usual hierarchies found in corporate settings don’t apply here—everyone is approachable, and collaboration is key to our success.

What are some unique or interesting aspects of your role that potential candidates might not expect?

My role is pretty diverse since we work in the HR Tech sector, so a lot of my strategic work focuses on tech developments. Day to day, I collaborate with cross-functional teams like engineering, design, and operations to prioritize and refine product features, manage project timelines, and make sure we’re compliant with payroll regulations. I also gather user feedback to improve the product experience, analyze performance metrics, and work closely with stakeholders to keep the payroll product roadmap aligned with our business goals. On top of that, I handle customer issues, drive innovation, and make sure payroll processing runs smoothly for our users.

What are some things you enjoy about the working environment?

I actually go to the office more often than the rest of my team. There are a few reasons for this—I mean, who doesn’t love the free office lunch, right? Plus, I like keeping a clear line between my work and personal life, and working from home can sometimes feel overwhelming when trying to balance both. I also take advantage of lunchtime fitness classes with my colleagues. Being in the office has also improved the quality of work I see from my team since it’s much easier to communicate with each other in person rather than waiting around for Slack replies all day.

Do you feel supported and valued by your colleagues and managers?

Absolutely! I have had the best managers at Indeed Flex in my entire career.

My direct managers have always ensured that I keep my personal development as a priority and even convinced me to do a CIMA apprenticeship. They have been pivotal in my success in the company thus far. I have a great relationship with all my colleagues, and they feel comfortable approaching me whether it’s for a project, giving or receiving feedback, or just for a genuine mental health release, and I pride myself on that.

What are some company perks or benefits that you find particularly valuable?

Free LUNCH! Hah! But definitely, our private dental and medical healthcare has been an absolute game changer in gaining access to therapists, quick dentists, and dentist appointments faster. You cannot forget Perkbox for regular discounts and free cinema tickets!

Does your role offer opportunities to learn and grow professionally?

As I previously mentioned, I’m currently completing an apprenticeship at CIMA ( Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). I am given time off work to complete my apprenticeship and also given guidance by my colleagues to reinforce my learnings. The company also has mentorship and coaching programs which many of my direct reports take part in. In fact, I’m a mentor myself.

What advice would you give to someone considering this role/team?

Always consider what else you can develop for your workers and how to support your team. Remember, this job is all about supporting our workers and doing the best for them. Having that critical mind, challenging the status quo, and knowing when to make healthy arguments are essential. You are the subject matter expert in your field.

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