Have You Met Christopher Edgar?
by activpayroll
Get to know the new Vice President of activpayroll’s Americas Region.
What do you do in your role at activpayroll?
I manage the Americas Region for activpayroll from our new Venice, Florida office in the USA, which includes both ongoing payroll operations and new implementation activities.
What key skills do you bring to activpayroll?
I’ve been working in the Payroll world for more than 20 years (the last twelve in the global arena) and have held many roles across functions, both in leadership and individual contributor capacities. The combination of that experience has given me a very holistic view of the process and the ability to quickly assess what works best and what can sometimes make things more challenging!
What gives you the most satisfaction about your job?
I’d have to say helping customers get the most from their experience with activpayroll. This includes helping them solve the challenges they face as a global company, coaching them on best practices, and building long-term positive relationships with the people and customers that I get to work with.
How did you get into the Payroll industry and why?
Many years ago I was working in HR as a Compensation Manager and was chosen to run a project to move to a new HR/Payroll system. I learned a lot about system and process design and how technology can be used to improve operational efficiency and the employee experience. After the success of that project I looked for an opportunity to continue to do that type of work and eventually found a role doing implementations for a global payroll company that served multinationals - and the rest is history…
What has been the most challenging project you’ve worked on at activpayroll? Why?
Getting the new US office boot-strapped and off the ground! From finding a great office location and outfitting it to recruiting and training a top-notch team from scratch has been an incredible (and rewarding!) experience. PLUS - I am so proud to be part of the continued global expansion of activpayroll!
What company value means the most to you and why?
Well they all ring true for me, but I’d have to say Committed to Service Excellence. I always try to think of things in terms of how our customers actually experience working with us and what we can do to make that feel as positive as possible. It goes beyond delivering timely and accurate payrolls, it is also about HOW we work together to achieve our goals and how that ultimately builds a strong foundation of confidence, mutual respect and partnership.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement outside of activpayroll?
I am most proud of my family. My wife Kelly and I have been married for 30 years and have known each other for more than 40. We have two terrific grown children, both married to great spouses…and off the local payroll of mom and dad!
Do you have any hobbies/ what do you like to do in your free time?
Living in Florida, when I get some free time and the weather is good you’ll likely find me out on the water with Kelly enjoying the sunshine and beaches or trying to land that next big fish (literally)! When the weather is not so good, I enjoy reading historical fiction and smart stories from witty writers.
Who is your professional role model and why?
Over the course of my career I’ve had the good fortune to have had some great mentors who took a keen interest in me and my personal development. If I’d have to pick one – and this may sound corny, but I’d have to say it’s my dad. Through his example he taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and how to always treat people the right way. I try to live by his example, pay it forward, and pass on what knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years to customers and colleagues.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
That would have to be Mark Twain (aka Samuel Clemens) from my hometown of Hartford, Connecticut (see witty writers above) and one of my favorites for his simple, pure perspective on life. This quote attributed to him always makes me smile: "Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." Well said, Sam. Well said.