Hello everyone! Welcome to the Employee Spotlight Series. This week we interviewed Janay Woodward. Janay is an Auditor and has been a part of the SpendMend team for two years! When asked why she looks forward to coming to work, she said, “I look forward to the daily challenges that help me further my skills as an Auditor.” Janay is originally from Grand Rapids, MI but currently resides in Charlotte, NC. She received her Bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University for Accounting. She decided to study Accountancy because she loves dealing with numbers and problem-solving! A fun fact about Janay is that she is older than her six half-siblings but the shortest! Janay states, “They are all taller than me, so I am the little big sister!” Be sure to read the full interview to learn why Janay loves being the oldest sister. Outside of work, Janay enjoys cooking! She is always looking up new Tiktok recipes to try. She started cooking with she moved to North Carolina because she didn’t have family around, so she had to learn! Her favorite recipe she has made is stuffed chicken breast of mashed potatoes and broccoli. When SpendMend has its next potluck, we hope Janay makes the trip to Grand Rapids! Another hobby that Janay enjoys is dancing! Janay has been a dancer for as long as she remembers. She and her cousin grew up making dance routines together! Janay’s favorite type of dance is hip-hop. Her favorite part about dancing is it’s all for fun!
Janay is a valued member of the SpendMend team and we appreciate her! Eric Florance, Audit Manager, said, “Janay is an extremely valuable member of our team; she puts forth great effort each and every day and never losses her positive attitude. She continues to challenge herself each day to find the best possible resolutions for our clients.” We are grateful to have Janay on the team!
Interview with Janay:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Auditor
How long have you been with SpendMend?
2 years
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Job fair at Western Michigan University in the Fall of 2018. Became an Intern in the Summer of 2018. I then reached back out to SpendMend in 2021 for an Auditor position.
What 3 words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Flexible, Supportive, Rewarding
Where are you located/from?
I am from Grand Rapids, MI, but I am located in Charlotte, NC.
Where did you go for higher education?
I got my Bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University.
What did you study and why?
I studied Accountancy because I love dealing with numbers and problem
solving.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I look forward to the daily challenges that help me further my skills as an Auditor.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I worked at the Roskam factory and I had to clean the machines that made Hershey chocolate.
What is one fun fact about you?
I am the oldest out of my siblings, but I am the smallest. So I’m the little big sister.
How many siblings do you have and what are their names?
I have six half-siblings. Three on my mother’s side and three on my father’s side.
Did you grow up close in age?
We did grow close in age except for my last 3 brothers who are 18, 14, and 10.
What is the best thing about being the oldest sibling?
I can use everyone’s login information for Hulu, Netflix, and other TV programs lol but the real best part is watching them grow and being able to teach them about things that I’ve already learned.
Any fun stories you can share about you and your siblings? They are all taller than me, so I am the little big sister lol
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
I listen to a variety of music. My favorite podcast currently is Getting Grown.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
I work out, cook (always looking at new Tiktok recipes), dance, and I love doing my hair in different styles.
When did you start cooking as a hobby?
I started when I moved to NC because I have no close family there, so I had to eventually learn how to cook.
What are your favorite types of food to cook?
It actually depends on what type of mood I am in or if I see something that looks really good on Tik Tok lol
A favorite recipe you have made?
Stuffed chicken breast of mashed potatoes and broccoli.
When did you start dancing and why?
I’ve always been a dancer. My favorite cousin and I used to do dance routines when we were younger. Plus my mom was a dancer in her younger years as well.
Did you start in a school program or through a studio? – I was not in any dance program, unfortunately, it is all for fun.
What types of dances do you enjoy doing?
I would say hip hop dancing.
Favorite dance style and least favorite? I will try any type of dancing just for fun. I don’t really have a least favorite
Do you interact with
Suppliers
Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?
As I was working with Penn State Health Cardinal Health Value Ink, I was able to provide them with remits for open invoices as they provided me with credit memo copies.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
We definitely appreciate your help!
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Being able to help clients/suppliers improve their cost and quality of Healthcare.
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
Being that I am working from home out of State, I have not experienced a community service event. But I look forward to attending one in the future.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
I want to shout out Kajal Kumar for being a great trainer and Gray POD for working together as a team!
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
My proudest accomplishment has been me being able to rederive large credits at the end of the month to help my POD reach its goals.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
I look forward to expanding my knowledge as an Auditor and eventually working my way up to the Supervisor role.