New payroll manager joins the HR team

HR payroll manager Desha Ferguson. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Communications

Desha Ferguson assumed the role of payroll manager in the UM Department of Human Resources in November. Previously, Ferguson served as a senior accountant for the Office of Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, where she had an opportunity to learn about the payroll function.

“We are excited to have Desha join the Human Resources team as the campus payroll manager,” said Clay Jones, assistant vice chancellor of administration and human resources. “Desha is very bright and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position.

“We also want to say thanks to Audrey Floyd for her years of service in this role. She is very deserving of her opportunity to serve the university as director of budget.”

The university’s payroll office processes payroll distribution for over 8,000 individuals a year, including faculty, staff and student employees.

Ferguson will join Kathy McCluskey and Cheri Provence of payroll and Ethelene Beard and Kirstie Manning of reconciliation. She has nine years of experience as an accountant, general manager and store manager, and graduated from UM’s accountancy program in 2004.

Fun Facts about the Payroll Office

  • 8,425 W-2s prepared: 6,098 printed, 2,327 online for CY 2016
  • 136,497 payroll direct deposits for FY 2016
  • 3,700 payroll checks printed for FY 2016
  • Over $218 million total gross payroll for FY 2016