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Blue Devil Finance Focus March 2026

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BLUEDEVIL FINANCE FOCUS

A NOTE FROM

Rachel Rachel

I’m pleased to share the March edition of Blue Devil Finance Focus, highlighting the continued progress, collaboration, and dedication across Duke Finance. This edition includes several important operational updates across our division, including key upgrades to the SuccessFactors recruitment and onboarding system, the expansion of Corporate Payroll’s appointment based support model, and improvements to the biweekly timecard approval process designed to streamline departmental workflows.

In this issue, we also highlight promotions within Treasury as part of our ongoing organizational alignment efforts, along with messages of appreciation submitted by colleagues to recognize the hard work, teamwork, and collaboration happening across our Finance units. I’m grateful for the ways you support one another and for the commitment you demonstrate to both operational excellence and service to the Duke community.

This issue also highlights just a few of the many people and moments that enrich our Duke Finance community—from new hires and role transitions to retirements, personal milestones, and recent gatherings like the Week of Cheer and our upcoming night at the Durham Bulls. These stories reflect the energy, engagement, and dedication that so many of you bring to your roles every day.

Thank you for all you do to strengthen and advance Duke Finance. I hope you enjoy this edition and take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments and connections reflected throughout these pages.

WARM REGARDS,

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAP Update

Treasury Update

Corporate Payroll Update

Biweekly Timecard Processing Changes

Wait, What? Nairobi, Kenya

New Hires, Transfers, & Retirements

Professional Development

Kudos

Personal Milestones

Week of Cheer Recap

Birthdays

Save the Date: Durham Bulls Game

Acknowledgements

SUCCESSFACTORS

RECRUITMENT & ONBOARDING

Enhancements

On February 16, 2026, Duke implemented key upgrades to the SuccessFactors recruitment and onboarding system. These enhancements were designed to improve scalability, increase automation, and long term system support.

Aspartoftheupdate,newseparaterequisitiontemplateswere introducedtobettermeettheuniqueneedsoftheUniversity(including theSchoolofMedicineandSchoolofNursing)andtheHealthSystem. Inaddition,theSuccessFactorsOnboardingmodulewasupgradedto Onboarding2.0,whichwillbeusedbyboththeUniversityandHealth System.Onboarding2.0deliversamorestreamlinedandintuitive experiencewithanupdatedlookandfeel.Step-by-StepGuidesforthe newOnboarding2.0experienceareavailablehere: https://hr.duke.edu/managers/recruitment/successfactors/.

Newemployeeswhoarealreadyintheonboardingprocesswillcontinue inOnboarding1.0untilMarch31,2026.BeginningApril1,allnewhireswill usetheupdatedOnboarding2.0module.Anyin-processnewhireswho havenotcompletedonboardingbyMarch31willbeautomatically transitionedtoa"ReadyforOnboarding2.0"statusandwillfinishtheir onboardinginthenewsystem.

NoadditionalactionisrequiredfromendusersinSuccessFactors.

TREASURY UPDATES FROM

Laura McAndrew

Over the last couple months, through reorganization and strategic realignment, the Office of the Bursar and Cashiering, as well as the Office of Alumni & Development Records have new reporting lines.

Gail Bullock has been promoted to Assistant Treasurer - Student and Sponsored Research Billing & Receivables.

In addition to her current duties, Gail will now manage the Office of the Bursar and Cashiering. Gail has supervised the University and Sponosred Research receivables for

for many years, thus, adding the Office of the Bursar along with the student receivables component fits nicely within her area of expertise.

Greg Baker has been promoted to Assistant Treasurer - Treasury Operations and Alumni & Development Records.

Greg will add the Office of Alumni & Development Records to his portfolio, which aligns well with his current oversight

the Office of Endowment Administration.

Please congratulate Gail and Greg on their promotions and willingness to take on these important responsibilities within the division of Treasury and Cash Management.

Kassaundra Hester Kassaundra Hester

CUSTOMERSERVICE

Overthepastseveralyears,CorporatePayrollhas continueditscommitmenttoimprovingcustomer servicebystreamliningprocessesthatbetter supportDukeemployeesandstudents while reducingtheneedforin personvisits.Thanksto theseenhancements,in‑personcustomerservice traffichassignificantlydeclinedoverthelasttwo years.

Toensuremoreefficientandpersonalizedsupport,

Corporate Payroll has transitioned to an appointment‑based service model. All walk‑in customers are now required to schedule an appointment to address their payroll needs.

In‑PersonAppointmentHours

Wednesdays&Fridays

9:00a.m.–4:00p.m.

Officeclosedforlunchfrom12:00p.m.–1:00p.m.

VirtualAppointmentHours

Monday–Friday

9:00a.m.–4:00p.m.

Officeclosedforlunchfrom12:00p.m.–1:00p.m. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AdditionalSupportOptions

Forcustomerserviceinquiries,youcancontacttheCorporatePayroll Office:

Phone:(919)684‑2642

Online:SubmitaRequestthroughthe:PayrollIncident ManagementSystem

UPCOMING MODIFICATIONS TO BI-WEEKLY TIMECARD SUBMISSION PROCESS

from Corporate Payroll from Corporate Payroll

As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing and to streamline procedures across all areas involved in timecard approval Corporate Payroll, in close coordination with the DUHS Talent Care Center, has implemented updates to the bi‑weekly timecard submission process effective March 1, 2026. These improvements are designed to reduce errors, limit manual intervention, and create a more efficient payroll experience for both employees and departments.

Previously, department supervisors timecard approval window was until 10:00 a.m. Supervisors were then provided a five‑hour window (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) to submit unapproved timecards and current period adjustments to Corporate Payroll for manual processing.

To enhance efficiency and significantly reduce the need for manual adjustments, the supervisor timecard approval window has now been extended through 1:00 p.m.

This expanded timeframe gives departments more opportunity to approve hours before the payroll deadline, helping decrease the number of timecards requiring intervention.

Departments should refer to the 2026 Biweekly Payroll Calendar for detailed pay period deadlines and planning.

WAIT… WHAT?Nairobi,Kenya? Nairobi,Kenya?

Did you know you have colleagues working in Nairobi, Kenya?

Francis Kithuku and Faith Muthui are key members of Duke’s extended finance team and play an essential role in supporting Duke’s international research portfolio. Francis has supported Duke since 2015, and Faith joined the team in 2023.

Together, Francis and Faith manage the accounting and financial operations for seven long‑term Duke research projects in Kenya.

These include the Duke Global Health Institute’s projects rooted in its long-standing partnership with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, as well as Dr. Susan Alberts’ 40+ year Amboseli baboon research program in Amboseli National Park.

Their workload is substantial. Each month, they process and report on 1,500 financial transactions, supporting approximately $180,000 in expenses across more than 50 fund codes. Their timely month-end reporting enables grant managers to manage funds accurately and efficiently. In addition, Francis maintains vital relationships with Duke’s local partners tax advisors, the Employer of Record (EOR) firm, and numerous government offices to ensure full local compliance.

Beyond the numbers, Francis and Faith provide essential operational support for principal investigators, particularly for projects located in rural regions where logistical challenges are significant. Their in-country expertise greatly strengthens Duke’s ability to deliver seamless international research administration.

Francis Kithuku
Faith Muthul
Rachel and Francis in Kenya, Summer 2019

Their contributions go well beyond accounting. Among their many achievements, they have:

Procured and managed a compliant fleet of research vehicles

Implemented M-Pesa, Kenya’s widely used mobile payment system, to simplify field payments

Organized conferences and supported visiting research teams

Coordinated transportation and driver support for Duke travelers

Created a temporary community hub during COVID 19 where nda, Zambia, and other motely when they could not

FrancisandFaitharemorethanexceptionalfinance professionals theyaretrustedpartners,problem solvers,anddedicatedsupportersofDuke’smission abroad.

So,ifyoueverfindyourselfinNairobi,youalreadyhave twocolleagues andfriends readytowelcomeyou andshowyoutheirincrediblecountry.

Brendan, Francis & Rachel
Brendan & Francis

NEW HIRES, TRANSFERS, & RETIREMENTS in Duke Finance in Duke Finance

JOSEPH TOLNAY

Joseph Tolnay joined University Cashiering as our new Financial Management Analyst II in January 2026.

Joseph previously worked in Duke Anesthesiology and brings more than 13 years of experience in budgeting, financial operations, and administrative support. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the expertise and perspective he will bring to the team.

ADAM PETERSON

Adam Peterson joined Duke as the Assistant Director of Corporate Risk Management in November 2025. Adam joins Duke after a decade as a corporate insurance broker, where he specialized in risk analysis and insurance placements for clients including universities and health systems.

MBEJA LOMOTEY

Mbeja Lomotey joined the Award Setup team in Treasury Billing Services as a Research Administration Manager. He brings extensive experience from work at multiple federal agencies, where he managed both pre- and post-award operations. We’re excited to have him on board!

EMILY LIU

In February, Emily Liu transferred out of Plant Accounting and was hired in Alumni & Development Records.

ALEX SHAW

On March 13, Alex Shaw with be leaving Plant Accounting and Duke to pursue a career elsewhere. We wish you all the best, Alex, in your next steps!

MICHELE MEECE

We would like to congratulate Michele Meece on her upcoming retirement at the end of March. Her hard work, positive attitude and commitment have been invaluable to the Duke community over her 24 years within Financial Services. She has most recently served as a key member of Plant Accounting’s space monitoring/tracking team. Thanks for everything Michele! We’ll miss you, but wish you the best going forward!

-Bradley Walker, Assistant Director, Plant Accounting

CHRIS THOMAS

“After 22 years at Duke, I am excited for Chris and wish him the very best as he heads into retirement. As a key member of ASM’s HR/Payroll team, his knowledge and commitment made a lasting difference to both the Administrative Systems Management (ASM) team and Duke community as a whole. Many thanks to him for all his contributions through the years.”

-Janelle Tarpey, Associate VP, Administrative Systems

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Reminders & Possibilities Reminders & Possibilities

ANNUALCPACERTIFICATERENEWAL

AllactiveNorthCarolinaCPAsarerequiredtorenewtheirlicense annuallybeforeJuly1.Aspartoftherenewal,licenseesmustindicatethe numberofCPEminutescompletedinthepreviouscalendaryearandpay theCPAlicenserenewalfeeof$60.00.

The annual certificate renewal period typically begins in mid-April and runs through June 30, with a 30-day grace period that ends July 31.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES WITH LEARNING & ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT

MARCH

4* Self Leadership

9 Raising Accountability while Managing a Hybrid Team

18* Dimensions of Management

19 Notary Public

19* Module 1: Star Achievement Series™ (CEAP Designation)

23* Guide to Managing at Duke PLUS (for Health System Managers)

24* Crucial Conversations®: For Mastering Dialogue

31 Clifton Strengths®

APRIL

1 Feedback Fundamentals 8 Fundamentals of Coaching

9 Communicating with Diplomacy & Tact I

14* Guide to Managing at Duke (for Health System Managers)

16 Module 2: Star Achievement Series™ (CEAP Designation)

APRIL (cont’d)

20 Moving from Peer to Supervisor

22 Managing from the Middle

23 Conflict Resolution

23 Notary Public

28 Transformational Leadership

29* Emotionally Effective Leader

MAY

5* Guide to Managing at Duke (for University Managers)

14 Managing Multiple Priorities

20* Leader as Coach

21 Module 3: Star Achievement Series™ (CEAP Designation)

28 Communicating with Diplomacy & Tact II

*Indicates a multi-day course

“Congrats to the Financial Reporting &

Analysis (FP&A) team on completing the reporting process for Q2 School and Unit GAAP results, which were presented at the February Board of Trustees meeting.

I am so proud of the team for their commitment to excellence, collaboration and transparency.

Thank you Tanisa (Little) and Hannah (True)! Also, a big thanks to our colleagues in the Controller’s Office for their continued support and partnership in this effort – particularly Katie (Senko), Elizabeth (Carver), and Barbara (Hough)!”

A Sweet Engagement A Sweet Engagement

Lauren Seamster in Procurement & Supply Chain got engaged to her fiancé Garrett Wilson on January 25 . Congratulations to the happy couple and to their upcoming nuptials! th

Sweet Baby Boy Sweet Baby Boy

Dilla Scarbro in Procurement & Supply Chain welcomed a new great grandson, Zy’aire born on January 24th weighing 8 pounds. Welcome to the world, little one!

Thanks to those who participated in our first Week of Cheer in Duke Finance in December 2025.

Winners of Raffles/Votes

Duke men’s basketball tickets: Shirley Luan; Grocery store voucher: Wes Hartsoe; Gift Basket from Harry & David: Thavy Walters

Duke men’s basketball tickets: Shirley Luan; Grocery store voucher: Wes Hartsoe; Gift Basket from Harry & David: Thavy Walters

JANUARY

1st - Clif Flintom, Jr, Procurement & Supply Chain

4th - Pamela Greene, Procurement & Supply Chain

- Carolyn Reynolds, Procurement & Supply Chain

5th - Hannah True, Financial Planning & Analysis

6th - Thea Whitted, Post Award Financial Management

7th - Gloria Yearby, Procurement & Supply Chain

15th - Pete Carson, Procurement & Supply Chain

- Donna Neal, Procurement & Supply Chain

17th - Michael Duvoli, Procurement & Supply Chain

19th - Deirdre Hurteau, Administrative Systems Management

20th - Lauren Wang, Procurement & Supply Chain

23rd - Sonya Jefferson, Bursar’s Office

29th - Dia Williams, Bursar’s Office

FEBRUARY

3rd - Tonya Higgs, Procurement & Supply Chain

9th- Kirstie Jenkins, Procurement & Supply Chain

17th - Dustin Hutchison, Procurement & Supply Chain

20th - Michelle Pleasants, Procurement & Supply Chain

23rd - Jordan Clayton, Corporate Payroll

27th - Lauren Seamster, Procurement & Supply Chain

MARCH

17th - Wayne Staton, Accounts Payable

19th - Kari Lloyd, Procurement & Supply Chain

22nd - Erika King, Post Award Financial Management

23rd - Charles Gruer, Procurement & Supply Chain

26th - Stephanie Hick, Post Award Financial Management

27th - Michele Clark, Corporate Payroll

APRIL

1st - Melodie Ford, Controller’s Office

2nd - Tammy Aguilar, Accounts Payable

13th - Tara McQueen, Alumni & Development Records

22nd - Ginger Forsyth, Procurement & Supply Chain

26th - Jesse Alston, Procurement & Supply Chain

28th - Linda Homan-Martin, Post Award Administration

Wednesday|September9

Gamestartsat6:45pm

Joinusaswewatchthe urhamBullstakeontheNashvilleSo forafungameofbaseball.

Apicnicdinnerwillbeprovidedinthe partydecksonthethirdbaseline. That’sright! Shadeandfanstokeepuscoolintheheat!

Markyourcalendarsforafun,fallnightattheDBAP!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

RACHEL SATTERFIELD

VP OF FINANCE & TREASURER

MANAGING EDITOR

MARCIA DE LA TORRIENTE

OFFICE OF THE VP OF FINANCE

CONTENT DIRECTOR

CASSIE LEWIS

OFFICE OF THE VP OF FINANCE

CONTENT EDITOR

MELODIE FORD CONTROLLERS DIVISION

CONTENT EDITOR

SUZETTE BILLINGS

PROCUREMENT & SUPPLY CHAIN

TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

A heartfelt thank you to our contributors for submitting informaton to be shared. May everyone find the contents of this newsletter to be a connection point to each other for our Finance department.

WE HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED THIS EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER!

PLEASE CONSIDER CONTRIBUTING CONTENT FOR OUR NEXT EDITION:

TeamworkToutsviaemailto:melodie.ford@duke.edu.

Optinforthebirthdaylistviaonlinesubmissionofthisform: https://bit.ly/FinanceBirthdayOptIn.

ShoutOutorKudosforanindividual viaemailto: suzette.billings@duke.edu.

ProfessionalorpersonalannouncementforWatercoolerConversations viaonlineform: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV bpBoRwQkOdjl7bE.

Anyothergeneralcontent,pleaseemailto:cassie.lewis@duke.edu.

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