Most employees see the paycheck. They rarely see everything it takes to make it happen.
For Mary Mossad, payroll manager at Prince, a FlatironDragados subsidiary, the work behind every paycheck has also become a career she never expected to pursue.
Mossad has spent more than 10 years with Prince, holding several positions that allowed her to learn different parts of the business. Her career took a new direction when Prince’s payroll administrator retired and Mossad was offered an opportunity to step into payroll as a payroll accountant.
“What began as a new challenge quickly became a rewarding career path that has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally,” Mossad said.
“What has kept me in payroll is the opportunity to support our employees by ensuring they are paid accurately and on time,” she said. “Payroll plays an important role in people's lives, and I take that responsibility seriously.”
That responsibility comes with work most employees never see.
“I wish more people understood that payroll is much more than simply pushing a button,” Mossad said.
Behind each paycheck, payroll professionals verify employee information, review time records, process taxes and deductions, maintain financial records and navigate federal and state requirements. It is detailed work where accuracy matters, but it also requires the ability to adapt and solve problems.
“I also enjoy that every week brings new challenges,” Mossad said. “Whether it's resolving a complex issue, navigating compliance requirements, or improving a process, payroll continually provides opportunities to learn, grow and develop new skills.”
That willingness to keep learning has shaped Mossad’s career. She has taken on opportunities that have introduced her to new processes and technologies and allowed her to collaborate with colleagues across the U.S. and Canada.
“The experience expanded my knowledge, strengthened my confidence, and pushed me beyond my comfort zone,” Mossad said.
Today, she leads the payroll function at Prince, a role she views as both a responsibility and a position of trust.
“Leading payroll at Prince means being a trusted resource for both our employees and the company,” Mossad said. “It means taking ownership of a critical function that directly impacts every employee while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and accountability in everything we do.”
“Mary represents what makes our payroll professionals so valuable to our organization. She understands that behind every paycheck is an employee who is counting on us to get it right. Her expertise, willingness to keep learning and commitment to supporting our people reflect the care and accountability our payroll teams bring to their work every day,” said Christine Denio, vice president of Shared Services, Accounts Payable and Payroll.
More than a decade after joining Prince, Mossad’s journey has taken her from an unexpected opportunity to a career where she continues to learn, solve problems and support others.
Her advice to someone considering the profession reflects the approach she has taken throughout her own career.
“Be patient, stay detail-oriented, and never stop learning,” Mossad said. “Payroll requires accuracy, problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing regulations and business needs.”
And when challenges come, Mossad encourages others to see the opportunity in them.
“Don't be discouraged by challenges; instead, view them as opportunities to gain experience and build confidence. Every issue you solve adds to your knowledge and helps you grow into a stronger payroll professional.”