Melanie Lafortune
Accounting Clerk
Define your role within Nemko.
I am in Accounts Payable for Nemko USA. As part of my role, I process all of the purchase order requests to place orders from suppliers/vendors. I process all supplier/vendor bills and arrange for timely payment. I also process all expense reports for employees.
How did you choose this career path?
I have always been a numbers person, so I naturally drifted toward accounting and finance while in college. I worked for several years in customer service in a call center for an auto finance company. I knew I wanted to get more directly involved in accounting, so I found a job where I split my time between accounting and employee benefits. As the company dynamic changed, my role became accounts payable full-time.
What do you enjoy most about your job at Nemko?
I enjoy working with my colleagues and suppliers to make sure that we can get the equipment and supplies we need to complete projects for our customers. I enjoy working with the team to ensure that costs are recorded correctly for each project.
Are there any challenges that you’ve faced during your career that have taught you important lessons?
I have worked with companies that used very manual processes, which slowed down payments to suppliers. Being able to change to an automated accounting system was vital to improve cash flow.
What do you think the industry will look like in 20 years?
I think Accounts Payable will continue to move towards more automation and system integration to help with the timely processing of bills. This helps prevent fraud and streamline workflows.
What are some market trends you’re keeping an eye on?
I am keeping an eye on the trend of more companies transitioning to paperless processing. This can improve efficiency, accuracy, security, and environmental sustainability.
When not working, how do you spend your spare time?
I have a 10 year old son who is into sports, so most of my spare time is spent at practices, games, or tournaments. When I am not at one of those, I love to read and enjoy working out.
What does the average day in the life look like for you?
The average days in Accounts Payable is processing bills and making payments to suppliers. I also process all purchase order requests and employee expense reports.
What is your favorite song, show, or book at the moment?
I am currently reading the book series called “A Court of Thorn and Roses.” I am just about to start the 4th book of the five book series.
