We would like to introduce you to the manager of the Payroll Department, Jennifer Violet. Driven and mindful of the well-being of her team members, she plays a key role within our institution.
Ms. Violet, can you talk to us about your academic background and how you came to be in your current role?
“In 1999, I graduated with a diploma of college studies in technical administration with a specialization in management from Cégep de Valleyfield. I was introduced to the healthcare sector as part of that program when I interned in the Human Resources Department at Hôpital de Valleyfield. I then enrolled at HEC Montréal, where I earned certificates in human resources, finance and organizational leadership. After taking some additional courses, I was able to graduate with a bachelor’s in management, in 2005.
Then in 2011, I completed an MBA at Université du Québec à Montréal. The title of my dissertation was “Fatigue de compassion chez les intervenants en santé mentale spécialisés dans le traitement auprès de patients atteints du syndrome de stress post-traumatiqueʺ”.
When did you join our organization?
“Since I’m a former Ste. Anne’s Hospital employee, I joined the Montréal West Island CIUSSS on April 1, 2016, when Ste. Anne’s was transferred to the province of Québec. Prior to the transfer, I held a number of positions in that facility, including security commissionaire, administrative officer at the Pain Management Clinic, the Residential Treatment Clinic for Operational Stress Injuries and the Human Resources Directorate.
Shortly after my arrival at the CIUSSS, I secured a position as an administrative technician in the Payroll Department after completing a course through Logibec. In 2017, I worked as a financial management officer then, in July 2022, I became sector manager. A few months later, I was offered the role of Payroll manager, a position I was officially appointed to in January 2023.”
What are your main functions?
“I make sure that payroll is done on time. I support the financial management officers and the administrative technicians, while also coordinating the work of our team members in partnership with the sector manager. I also oversee partner relations, more specifically the managers and employees in charge of labour relations, the health office and pensions.
I’m a problem-solver! Since I’m comfortable with chaos theory, my analytical nature is very useful. I don’t work remotely and that’s by choice. This enables me to provide new team members with the required guidance, while also being able to set clear boundaries between my work and my personal life.”
What are the key challenges you face?
“In the Payroll Department, we must deal with short and inflexible two-week cycles. All 13,400 or so people employed by our CIUSSS must get paid every other Thursday. The enormous task of coding is done over a three-day period and each administrative technician processes approximately 625 files. The work is then validated by a colleague.
This task requires a tremendous amount of concentration and attention to detail. The routine nature of this work can become tiresome. Additionally, our sector is faced with a high turnover rate.”
Ms. Violet kindly agreed to share some aspects of her personal life with us…
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your family?
“I was born in Greenfield Park. My parents are from a town near La Rochelle, in France. I have an older sister, Isabelle, who also works in the health and social services network.”
What are your favourite hobbies?
“I love photography and am drawn to the unusual and the unexpected. I particularly enjoy taking pictures of people without their knowledge and prefer to shoot in black and white.
I also enjoy traveling alone, on my own terms. One of my favourite places is probably San Sebastian, in Spain’s Basque Autonomous Community. Since I’m a city girl, I also really enjoy the energy and vibrancy of cities like Toronto and New York.”
Do you have a hidden talent?
“I’m always happy and willing to cook for friends. As someone who lives with diabetes, I’ve developed quite a talent for desserts. In fact, my cookbook collection is somewhat over the top!”
Very few people know that…
“I’m a romantic who lives in the present and enjoys spontaneity and freedom! While I’m rather reserved, I’m not afraid of people, quite the opposite!”
“I’m very fortunate as I can count on a wonderful team that is very supportive. Since I’ve held every position on my team, I’m able to really understand everyone’s issues”, says Ms. Violet, pictured above with administrative technician Yves-Lyne Cadet.
“I consider myself a second-chance specialist! You know, when I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a chiropractor and going out on the road with bands like Bon Jovi”, admits Ms. Violet with a smile.