Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

She doesn't remember the exact year, but the date, August 16, is still etched in her memory. Because, for Denise Hammond, filing clerk at Paymaster, the job was a birthday gift.

"August 15 is my birthday and I should have started that day but I didn't know, so I started the next day. I can never forget that day," Ms. Hammond explained.

Flair later found out that the mother of two began at Paymaster 10 years ago. Then, she was a bearer and also the office attendant.

Ms. Hammond says the journey with Paymaster has been a great one. "It started out as a candlelight and now, it's a bright spark all over."

Down-to-earth boss

She describes Audrey Marks as a humble, down-to-earth boss who relates to her staff well. "She has never made me, feel like, 'oh you are the office attendant', no; she treats you like family and that's what kept me with her," Hammond told Flair.

She describes her boss as her inspiration.

Since she has been at Paymaster, she has received a certificate in etiquette.

"I can get along with anybody. I am willing to learn and help. Even if I have to stay back for voluntary hours, I will. It's not about the money, it's about willingness to learn something new," Ms. Hammond told Flair.

This has led to her move up the ladder. She is now a filing clerk with the responsibility for filing daily activities from the various branches. She works closely with the customer service and accounts departments.