Bon voyage and happy retirement Debra
Posted on October 2nd, 2022 by WLF
There were plenty of happy memories, and more than a few tears, on 30 September when we said farewell and happy retirement to Debra Harris.
Deb started at WLF on 15 June 1993. In true accounting style, at her farewell she was recognised for 29 years, 3 months and 16 days of outstanding service to the firm!
When Deb joined the firm, then Wise, Lord and Ferguson, we were located in the Reserve Bank Building. Her initial role was in the Insolvency Division, which was led by former Partners Robert Whitehouse and Paul Cooke. The office was rather ‘low tech’ back then, with many staff having no phone or computer. Staff timesheets, tax returns and billing records were all done by hand.
In September 1996 the insolvency area was closed and Deb moved to our Business and Personal Advisory division (BPA), where she worked closely with a young Stuart Clutterbuck.
For many years Deb has been the payroll officer for WLF. In the early days before electronic payslips, Deb would print, envelope and hand deliver everyone’s payslip – often a lengthy process with everyone wanting to have a chat to her on her rounds!
Over her time, Deb has run more than 600 pay runs for us, as well as countless client payrolls. She has seen many young staff join us through the WLF Graduate and Undergraduate Programs, launching their careers, building their qualifications and expertise.
Debra has also been our go-to expert for all matters relating to bookkeeping and payroll, quickly adapting her skill set as new technologies emerged, particularly cloud-based accounting products.
Despite the many changes to the industry and the business sector in general, Deb’s professionalism has remained as a constant at WLF, with unquestioned loyalty; work ethic; attention to detail and her willingness to help others and develop her skills. She has been a long serving and valued member of our HR committee, and a confidant to many colleagues.
In her retirement, Deb leaves an impressive legacy of knowledge and dedication. She will be greatly missed in the office, but we know Deb will be enjoying this next chapter of life, with plenty of worldwide travel, adventures and cruises to keep her busy.
Thank you Deb and bon voyage, we wish you well!
Image: Deb on her last day at WLF, with Partners Paul Lyons an Chase McConnon
