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Project Team Feature: Simonne Vance

We are excited to highlight the project team members who are making the transformative change from Banner to Workday a reality. Without their talent and dedication, this project would not be possible. 

Simonne Vance

Director, Payroll & Tax Services Simonne Vance

What are some of your duties?

I oversee all aspects of payroll processing and related tax compliance, ensuring accurate and timely pay for all university employees. My role also includes addressing and providing oversight on tax-related matters across the university, such as non-resident alien taxation, sales and use tax, and unrelated business income tax. Additionally, I provide guidance and support to campus departments to ensure compliance with evolving tax laws and regulations while working to improve payroll-related processes and efficiencies. My role also involves addressing compliance audits, managing system integrations, and supporting the team in adopting best practices to streamline payroll and tax processes.

What is your role in the Workday project?

I am the Functional Lead for Payroll implementation, working to ensure the new system meets both operational and compliance needs for the university.

What are you looking forward to following the adoption of Workday?

I am excited to have a system where all areas operate on the same foundation, sharing accurate and consistent information. The efficiencies Workday promises will enable the Payroll team to elevate customer service and compliance, while modernizing processes that were previously constrained by Banner’s limitations. This implementation is a chance to revisit current practices, identify areas for improvement, and replace outdated, manual processes with best practices that align with Workday's capabilities.

On a personal level, I value the opportunity to be involved in this implementation from the ground up. It’s exciting to be part of such a transformative process and to apply my experience at William & Mary and in payroll/tax compliance to ensure we maximize the benefits Workday has to offer.

What is something you would like the W&M community to know about the project that they might not know?

This project is more than just a system upgrade—it’s a university-wide effort to modernize and streamline how we operate. Workday’s integration will break down silos between departments, creating a more collaborative environment where information flows seamlessly. While the transition may come with challenges, the end result will be a system that supports innovation, simplifies processes, and ultimately enhances the experience for faculty, staff, and students. It’s an exciting step forward for the university!