Two payroll professionals who’ve displayed outstanding leadership and who have continually gone above and beyond to help other payroll professionals were honored today during PayrollOrg’s 43rd Annual Payroll Congress.

Abbey Moran, CPP, and Jeffrey Jacob, CPA, CPP, each received PayrollOrg’s Special Recognition Award for their exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication through their volunteer efforts over their many years as PayrollOrg members and mentors.

Moran, the Senior Leader, Global Payroll and Labor Accounting for Booz Allen Hamilton, has been in the payroll profession for more than 20 years. She earned her Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation in 2010 and became a PayrollOrg member in 2016.

“I was so surprised! It’s not often that I’m at a loss for words, but this was definitely one of those times,” said Moran. “There are so many wonderful volunteers throughout the PayrollOrg community. I never think about my own contributions in that way. It’s a huge honor to be recognized among so many talented payroll professionals.”

Over the course of her career, she has held positions that included Payroll Manager at Champps, Treasury and Human Resources Sr. Manager at Nestlink Wireless LLLC, and Manager of Payroll and Timekeeping at Navy Federal Credit Union.

She is an accomplished payroll professional with a successful track record directing payroll teams through daily activity and large-scale projects who is adept at managing system implementations and updates. She has a successful history of improving efficiency and productivity through process enhancements and driving growth by identifying business opportunities.

Her volunteer service includes the Strategic Payroll Leadership Task Force (SPLTF) Best Practices Subcommittee; Government Relations Task Force (GRTF) Child Support, Garnishments, and State and Local Topics Subcommittees; Certification Item Development Task Force (CIDTF); Ask an Expert Committee; and National Speakers Bureau.

In 2016, she received PayrollOrg’s Meritorious Service Award.

“When I embarked on my journey with PAYO, I admired the ‘payroll celebrities’ like Nora Daly, CPP, or Stephanie Salavejus, CPP. I never dreamt that one day I might achieve similar accomplishments myself,” she said. “I don’t volunteer in the payroll community to win awards like these, I do it because I have a passion for the hard work that PAYO committees put in to make every payroll professional better.

“Call me crazy, but it’s fun to ask a difficult garnishment question or write an item that may one day be on the CPP exam. The things I’ve learned, the new experiences I’ve tried, and the friends I’ve made along the way have been worth more than the time spent volunteering. I am beyond grateful for everyone who has believed in me, and I am appreciative of Dan Maddux and the PAYO leadership for gifting me with these opportunities to serve our payroll profession.”

Jacob, who is the Assistant Comptroller for Illinois State University, has spent much of his career at the university where he has held numerous positions including Tax Specialist, Payroll/Accounting Lead for HCM Implementation, and Payroll Manager.

“Being recognized at Payroll Congress is an exciting moment and a significant milestone for me, both professionally and personally,” Jacob said. “It is a moment of celebration and reflection.  A true testament to the guidance, knowledge, and support provided to me by my family, friends, and colleagues. Without their contributions and encouragement, none of us would be here.” 

He received his master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Missouri in 1996 and earned his Certified Public Accountant (C-2PA) designation from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in 2000.

He has more than 20 years of payroll experience. He earned his CPP designation and became a PayrollOrg member in 2016.

In 2023, Jacob received PayrollOrg’s Meritorious Service Award.

His volunteer service includes the SPLTF Best Practices and Educational Institutions Subcommittee, as well as was one of the SPLTF Co-Chairs.

“The recognition is incredibly rewarding. It reflects the passion and effort invested in my work and brings a sense of accomplishment and pride,” Jacob said.  “It is a reminder that our contributions are valued and impactful, motivating me to continually strive for excellence, share, and be a lifelong learner.  It strengthens my resolve to mentor and support others in the community, share knowledge and experiences to help them and myself, and be a continual learner to achieve our personal and professional goals.

“Thank you to PayrollOrg for acknowledging and recognizing my work and dedication to the payroll profession.”

Bryan Kirk is the Senior Writer and Editor of Membership Publications for PayrollOrg.