My Life at Palmetto: Kathryn Fincher

For Kathryn Fincher, growth has been a constant throughout her time at Palmetto. Over the past four years, she’s evolved alongside the company, building new skills and taking on new challenges as the business has grown. Today, she leads payroll operations across the U.S. and internationally, helping ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

How long have you been at Palmetto, and what is your role here?

I’ve been with Palmetto for almost four years now. I’ll hit my four-year mark in June. I originally started on the People & Culture side, supporting payroll and benefits. About two years ago, the payroll function moved to Accounting, and I transitioned with it.

Today, I oversee payroll and expense operations for the entire company, both in the U.S. and internationally. My role includes ensuring payroll accuracy and compliance across multiple jurisdictions, managing our 401(k) program, overseeing travel and expense operations, and partnering closely with Finance and HR on reporting, benefits deductions, and process improvements to keep everything running smoothly as we grow.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

Every day is a little different, but most of my time is focused on making sure things run smoothly and accurately.

During payroll cycles, I’m reviewing and processing payroll and making sure everything is accurate and compliant. Outside of that, I spend a lot of time partnering across the business, managing our 401(k) and travel and expense programs, and helping employees with questions as they come up.

A lot of my role is about problem solving and keeping things running behind the scenes so others don’t have to think about it.

What originally excited you about joining Palmetto, and what keeps you excited today?

My answer to both is actually the same. I love the opportunity to learn new things and grow new skills, and Palmetto is always evolving.

I’m happy to be growing alongside it.

What excites you most about the impact our work could have on the world?

It’s very apparent that the climate crisis is real, and I’m excited to be working alongside people who are actively working to combat it.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?

One piece of advice that has always stuck with me is a quote from Maya Angelou:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

While skills and results certainly matter, the experience you create for others, whether it’s customers, colleagues, or external partners, is what builds trust, strengthens relationships, and drives long-term success.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work that keeps you energized?

My family is my biggest priority. I have two young children who keep my days busy and full.

I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, and I’m especially looking forward to spending long hours in the backyard as the weather warms up.

Favorite Palmetto value or principle?

Longevity.