Judy McShane

Sees challenges as opportunities. Process improve-er. Team player with a ‘fix-it’ attitude.

When it comes to working through challenges, no matter how difficult they may be, Judy McShane, Payroll Manager, says, “I’m no quitter!”

With over 40 years of experience processing and managing payroll in the manufacturing and health care industries, Judy began her career at Olympic Steel in August 2018 as our Corporate Payroll Manager. Prior to starting in payroll, she worked in an Accounts Payable Department. She credits her supervisor at the time for challenging her to shift gears from accounting to payroll because it completely changed the course of her career.

Judy recalls that day with gratitude: “I think back and wonder how my career would be different if I didn’t accept my supervisor’s challenge to further my education, learn something new and give payroll a try.”

We’re so glad Judy took that leap because her contributions to Olympic Steel’s Payroll Department have transformed the payroll process across the Company, most recently with the upgrade to the Dimensions timekeeping system.

“I’m most proud of my role in the implementation of Dimensions,” says Judy. “I’ve completed system upgrades before, but the Dimensions implementation started from the ground up – system configuration, implementation, training and troubleshooting. It took over nine months to complete the implementation and it streamlined the timekeeping process for employees, especially the Supervisors, Managers and timekeepers.”

Moving from Kronos to Dimensions was an important step toward implementing an HRIS (Human Resources Information System) that will streamline our processes and provide data faster and easier. Judy’s currently working on the implementation of UKG Pro, an HRIS that will do that for Olympic Steel.

Judy has packed a big punch into her 3.5 years at Olympic Steel, and she says she’s able to do that because of the support she’s received since her first day on the job. “I came from a big hospital, but there’s something to be said about working at a smaller company,” she explains. “Ken (Sloan) always listened to my ideas and supported my suggestions to improve our processes. And he encouraged professional development opportunities for me and the entire Payroll Department.”

Working in an atmosphere that welcomes new ideas and offers opportunities to improve yourself, the team and the Company is so important. In fact, it’s what makes Judy happy to come to work each day. “I enjoy what I do, and I like to do new things. But it’s the people I work with each day who make it a great place to be,” says Judy. “My team – Payroll, Human Resources, Accounting – everyone’s willing to help or answer questions without ever making you feel like you should already know about what you’re asking.”

“Judy is a true team player that never falters under pressure. She approaches everything with a level head and ‘fix-it’ attitude,” says Cassy Powers, VP Human Resources. “She has been instrumental in improving payroll processes and finding solutions to problems.”

Whether in the manufacturing industry or the medical field, accounting or payroll, Judy’s never backed down from a challenge. Her “I’m not a quitter” mantra helps her learn more and do more, year after year.

After a long, successful career, Judy is looking forward to retiring, then moving south to be closer to her sister. But first, she offers this advice to others who want to build a great career at Olympic Steel: “If you have an idea, don’t be afraid to suggest it. And if you need a resource or training to do your job better or to improve your skills – ask for it. You might be pleasantly surprised by the answer.”