MARIETTA - Work does not get boring for Pamela Jackson, fiscal officer for the Village of Beverly.
In her role, Jackson manages the village finances, prepares statements, conducts audits, looks into grants and handles employee payroll.
However, her duties do not stop with the city finances. She also serves as council clerk, manages the mayor's office, acts as a human resources agent and provides a liaison between the village and agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Question: How long have you been fiscal officer for the Village of Beverly? What did you do before that?
Answer: Well, I worked at Broughton Foods for 20 years. I ended there in accounts receivable credit management. I also worked for the American Legion Auxiliary state headquarters for eight years in Zanesville.
I started here in 2009, so it has been a little over three years with the village.
Q: What does your role as fiscal officer entail?
A: Clerk and treasurer pretty much describe it. I wear many hats, you might say. Finances are my top priority. I am responsible for statements, audits, accounts payable, accounts receivable and grants. Then I also wear the hat of human resources. I am in charge of payroll, employee benefits, retirement, insurance, workers compensation. Then I am the council clerk. I am responsible for writing the legislation, minutes, correspondence. I am responsible for overseeing the public records.
And in general, I hold the position of administrator here as office manager and the supervisor for the income tax and water and sewer department. I work with various agencies like FEMA and EPA, and ODNR. I work with county agencies like the health department, Children Services, and of course the auditor. I kind of oversee the cemeteries and the swimming pool. I help the police and fire departments. I work with contractors and engineers. It kind of encompasses it all. It is a very diverse position.
Q: What is your average day like?
A: Today I had the FEMA guy in and we finalized our claim for some storm damage that happened this summer. I worked on a building permit on the flood plain which require several permits and applications. I worked on paying some bills today. I'm going to be working on payroll this afternoon. We just received notice today from the Marietta Community Foundation that we received a $2,000 grant for some work in our park and I've been working on that.
Q: What is the hardest aspect of your job?
A: The hardest part is trying to get everything done in the time frame, meeting deadlines. It is a challenge sometimes to get everything done by deadline.
Q: What's your favorite part of serving the Village of Beverly?
A: Just being a part of the many challenges and successes of providing services to the residents and businesses in Beverly. You know you receive grants and things for like the new sidewalks being built and the repairs to the park and the swimming pool. It is just nice to be able to see the accomplishments that we make.
Q: Do you have any favorite memories of your time in Beverly?
A: I've been here almost three and a half years. I think I just enjoy working with the employees. The employees here are so dedicated. It is such a team effort and it is nice to be a part of that.
Q: What do you like to do when you are not at work?
A: I have a Jack Russell terrier dog that I love spending time with. And just spending time with friends and family. The American Legion Auxiliary is a big part of my life. I am a 45-year member of the auxiliary. I was Americanism Chairman for many years. I served on the Buckeye Girls State Board of Directors. I'm on the National Internal Audit Committee. So I've held positions with them as a volunteer on the local, state and national levels.
Jasmine Rogers conducted this interview.
