I am Hedieh Daeila, a seasoned professional specializing in payroll and accounting with over twenty years of experience. With a background that combines education, technical expertise, and leadership, my career has been dedicated to excellence in managing complex payroll systems in various high-volume, multi-state environments.
Before the USA: Teaching in Iran for the Bahai Faith
My professional journey began under unique circumstances in Tehran, Iran, where from 1995 to 1999, I dedicated myself to tutoring. This was driven by a significant need within my community; as a member of the Bahai Faith, I was part of a group that was systematically denied access to further education in Iran. By teaching subjects like mathematics, algebra, calculus, and art, I aimed to provide educational opportunities to those who were otherwise excluded, ensuring they received the knowledge and tools essential for their personal and professional development. This role was not just a job but a commitment to supporting my community in the face of adversity.
I later came to the United States of America seeking refuge – fortunately before much of the persecution of the Bahai Faith in the 2000s – to become an accomplished Persian woman with an education.
Stepping into Payroll and Accounting
In 2000, I embarked on my payroll career with Washington Mutual in Seattle, where I processed payroll for many employees nationwide. My responsibilities included managing garnishments, reconciling general ledgers, and facilitating transitions to more advanced payroll systems. This role underscored my capacity to handle large-scale operations and compliance with meticulous accuracy.
Moving on to Aegis Living in 2006 as a Senior Payroll Specialist, I took on activities related to multi-state payroll processing. My role was critical during the company’s transition from outsourcing to in-house payroll management, setting up new systems, and ensuring compliance across all operations.
Becoming a Payroll Manager
In 2008, I was entrusted with a Payroll Manager position at HR Novations, Inc., a testament to my capabilities and potential. Despite having an accent, which often poses unexpected challenges in professional settings, I was appointed as the Payroll Team Lead. Over the next two years, I not only embraced but thrived in this role. I supervised payroll specialists, significantly enhanced our payroll operations, and streamlined processes to bolster efficiency. My responsibilities also extended to client management, where I adeptly resolved complex issues and was instrumental in fostering a culture of excellent customer service. This period was a profound affirmation of my leadership skills and ability to achieve high standards in all aspects of my work, demonstrating that effective communication and strong professional acumen transcend linguistic differences.
In 2010, I accepted an offer from Era Living LLC for a Payroll Manager position. At ERA Living, LLC, where I managed payroll until 2013, I took full ownership of the payroll module, regularly conducting audits, and ensuring training materials were up-to-date. I later migrated to SanMar Corporation in Issaquah where I stayed a Payroll Manager for 10 years.
Tenure at SanMar Corporation
My decade-long tenure at San Mar Corporation, from 2013 to 2023, stands as one of the most impactful chapters of my professional life. As Manager of Payroll, I was responsible for overseeing the daily activities of a payroll team that managed operations across 44 states. This role required an exceptional level of organizational skill and a deep understanding of payroll systems to ensure everything ran smoothly and compliantly.
During my time at San Mar, I led my team through numerous system upgrades and the adoption of new payroll and timekeeping systems, a crucial step for scaling our operations with the company’s growth.
I was instrumental in enhancing communication and collaboration among the payroll, HR, Accounting, and IT departments, ensuring seamless integration of regulatory changes and payroll deadlines. My proactive management ensured compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, maintaining the company’s integrity and avoiding penalties.
Reflecting on my years at San Mar, this period was crucial in solidifying my expertise in payroll management and strengthening my leadership capabilities in a dynamic business environment.