Hello, and welcome to the Employee Spotlight Series! This week, we interviewed Macie Gentry. Macie is an Auditor and has been a part of the SpendMend team for three years. When asked what three words she would use to describe SpendMend, she stated, “Analytical, proactive, and efficient.” Macie is from Spring Lake, MI, and attended Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida, where she studied accounting. She has an MBA with an accounting concentration! When asked why she chose accounting, she said, “I have always loved numbers, the precision it brings, and the overall impact it has on a business.” As an Auditor, Macie is happy to build relationships with vendors! She always looks for ways to provide an update or additional information when requested. In return, she can strengthen communication and trust, which helps her receive statements and copies faster! Read the full interview below to learn more. A fun fact about Macie is that she loves boating! She grew up boating with her family and friends. During the summertime, she spends most of her weekend’s boating! Her favorite boating activities are wake surfing and wakeboarding. A boating trip Macie would like to make in the future is to Chicago! Another hobby that Macie enjoys is snowboarding. She first started in middle school when she joined the ski club! She would love to snowboard out west. In Michigan, her favorite place to ski is Boyne Mountain. Macie thinks finding balance is the most challenging thing when you first start. She says, “Once you get comfortable and find your balance, it comes easy. I would recommend togive it a try!”
Macie does a fantastic job as an Auditor. We asked Josh Hernandez, Audit Supervisor, about Macie, and he said, “Macie is an awesome auditor to work with, very prudent, and takes pride in her work. She is known for sifting through and weeding out bad potential, the killing machine! This doesn’t deter her from looking for solid credits to claim. Which ultimately results in high-quality claims. She is always very pleasant to speak with, making 1:1s a breeze. We are glad she is a member of the orange pod!” Thanks for all that you do, Macie!
Interview with Macie:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Auditor
How long have you been with SpendMend?
Three years!
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Relative-LinkedIn
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Analytical, proactive, efficient
Where are you located/from?
I am located in Spring Lake, MI.
Where did you go for higher education?
I attended PBAU in Florida for my bachelor and Master degrees!
What did you study and why?
I studied accounting and received my MBA with a concentration in accounting. I have always loved numbers, the precision it brings, and the overall impact it has on a business.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
Working with my colleagues! They are always willing to assist and collaborate on ideas to help our clients.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I worked at an athletic center.
What is one fun fact about you?
I love boating!
How did you first get into boating?
I grew up boating and have always loved it! In the summer, we spend nearly every weekend boating with family and friends.
Do you have a favorite boating activity?
My favorite boating activity is wakesurfing or wakeboarding.
Is there a dream boating destination or trip you’d love to take?
I would love to do a trip to Chicago!
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
Country music
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
Wakesurfing, boating, snowboarding.
How did you first get into snowboarding?
I first started snowboarding when I joined the ski club in middle school.
What’s your favorite snowboarding destination?
I would love to eventually go out West to snowboard, but in Michigan, my favorite destination is Boyne Mountain.
What do you find most challenging about snowboarding, and how do you improve your skills?
The most challenging part is finding your balance when you first start. However, once you get comfortable and find your balance, it becomes prettyeasy. I would recommend giving it a try!
Who do you interact with?
Suppliers
Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?
I contacted a vendor regarding duplicate payments & while they were reviewing the request, they asked for assistance on some additional items they have been waiting for updates on. Taking the time and extra step to assist them beyond just my request to provide invoice/payment updates was greatly appreciated, and it allowed us to resolve both of our requests.
What motivated you to go beyond your original request and assist with the vendor’s additional needs?
It built a relationship where the vendor has become very responsive in providing statements/copies and is always willing to assist with any future requests.
What do you think is the most important lesson you learned from this experience?
I’ve learned that providing a simple update or additional details on items the vendor had requested as well, along with a thank you after receiving the requested information, can significantly strengthen relationships with the vendor, and everyone is very appreciative.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
Overall, hearing from the vendors that they appreciate our effort in resolving issues, exceeding the initial request, and building a relationship that makes them more than willing to assist with any future inquiries.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
The best part is the ability to ensure accuracy by identifying discrepancies, which directly improves the quality of care.
If you work at the Grand Rapids headquarters, what is your favorite Recovery Room Activity?
I have not been to the office as of yet. Hoping to check it out soon!
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
I have not been able to attend as of yet, but I think it’s great that SpendMend cares and actively supports the community.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
My supervisor, Josh Hernandez and Patrick VanderBerg! I started initially as an intern meeting with Patrick. He is very knowledgeable and could always help guide me through any questions I would have. Josh has been great to work with! He is always willing to assist. It’s been a great experience learning from him how to become a more effective and efficient auditor.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Don’t hesitate to ask questions as you learn. It may seem overwhelming at first, but everyone is more than happy to assist.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
Submitting larger dollar claims and, overall, the knowledge I have gained being here.
What is something you’re looking forward to in the future at SpendMend?
Continuing to enhance my skills as an auditor.