Do you know people who have been in their current work position for five years, ten years or even longer? Longevity in the workplace seems to be a diminishing trait, but it does still exist within some organizations. At Heartland Bank, associate retention is a priority. With associates like Beth Miller, the task to retain personnel is somewhat easier as her light-hearted demeanor is infectious and inspiring to both newer and older associates.
Her position, on the other hand, is in no way light-hearted and effortless. Starting as an accounting specialist and recently attaining the level of senior accounting specialist, Beth has contributed long hours requiring meticulous review skills and extreme attention to detail. She is responsible for the bank’s accounts payable functions, expense report procedures/process and overall account reconciliations. Beth’s experience and exposure to Heartland’s internal systems, combined with her personal and professional growth over her 12 years at the bank, provide a go-to individual within the accounting department who is beneficial to the entire team.
Beth shares, “12 years ago, I applied for a Customer Service Representative position in Westerville, so I could be close to my new baby, but Heartland had other plans. HR suggested that I interview with accounting because of my background in accounts receivable. And here we are…” Proud of her ability to keep her section of the accounting world running smoothly and efficiently, she’s never looked back and is grateful for that suggestion so many years ago.
According to CFO of Heartland Bank Carrie Almendinger, “Over the past 12-years, Beth’s lively and witty personality has been a bright spot for the accounting team. She consistently goes the extra mile to support the needs of all Heartland Bank associates and the external vendors that we rely on to keep our bank running smoothly. Through the years, Beth has played an important role in implementing change to improve efficiency with our accounts payable and expense reimbursement processes. We appreciate the humor, quality of work and hustle factor that Beth brings to our team on a daily basis!”
Even though she never interacts with clients, Beth’s exposure to the Heartland culture and interaction with frontline associates provides a perspective that is mirrored by many associates. “We are more than ‘just a bank.’ We care about our communities, clients and their families,” said Beth. She is also an advocate for providing quality and excellence – celebrated with the Quality and Excellence award given by associates to other associates. “To me, quality and excellence means going above and beyond what is expected of you.” The culture created at Heartland has stood the test of time – 12 years later Beth continues to be a valued team member with a desire to be exceptional when the world might accept simply doing what is asked.
Beth is most proud of achieving the Circle of Champions award for her work with a new accounting system during a time when the bank was merging with a newly acquired Kentucky bank. She also admits, “After 12 years, I am finally getting around to taking the Principles of Banking class.” This is a bank-offered course that associates are encouraged to complete as part of their career path.
Born and raised in London, Ohio, Beth currently lives in Columbus with her husband, Adrian, and her children, Trey and Harper. Her kids take most of her time outside of the office; however, she does make time for shoe shopping, reading and traveling…maybe a few Disney excursions over the years, but the eleven countries of EPCOT do not count as international travel!
“This year is our 20th year of a golf memorial tournament my family puts on for a Madison County (London, Ohio) resident who is battling cancer,” shared Beth. Heartland strives to be active in the communities where its associates live and work and is even more proud when those same associates participate within their own communities.
Are you looking for a community bank that truly represents the community? Check out any one of our 18 locations and you’ll understand the Heartland difference!