What is your name?
Annette Weinel
What is your role title?
Regional Director - Germany
What do you do at activpayroll?
Over the last 12 years, I have worked as activpayroll’s German partner, helping manage the firm’s German customers. Since the new activpayroll GmbH office opened in Frankfurt, I have taken on the role of Regional Director for Germany.
What key skills do you bring to activpayroll?
I have been fortunate enough to work in various roles within the tax and payroll industry over the last 24 years. Working in a range of roles has not only provided me with the global payroll knowledge that I have been able to pass on to others, but it has helped me realise just how vital it is that a team is brought together in order to run smoothly.
What gives you the most satisfaction about your job?
I love to implement customers’ wishes as best as possible and find new processes to help bring the company forward through constructive measures in national and international stages. Throughout this time, I enjoy developing long-term relationship with our customers.
How did you get into the Payroll industry?
After more than 20 years’ experience in tax consultancy with national and international firms, I specialized in personal tax planning for international mobile personnel with one of the “Big Four” accounting and tax firms in Germany. Since 1998 I’ve been self-employed, advising and assisting companies and private individuals in respect of foreign and national taxation and offering bookkeeping and payroll services for German based companies.
What has been the most challenging project you’ve worked on at activpayroll? Why?
The biggest challenge to date has been setting up the new activpayroll GmbH office, from looking for a new location, transferring my employees to the new entity, getting the IT infrastructure in place and clearly communicating the change to our customers.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement outside of activpayroll?
To have friendships with people who care, from childhood and youth onwards.
What company value means the most to you and why?
I would have to say “committed to service excellence” as I always try to ensure the customer’s process flows so that payroll can be delivered in an accurate and timely manner. The goal for me is to make the processes easier and faster for the customer and find common solutions.
Do you have any hobbies/ what do you like to do in your free time?
In my spare time I like to go hiking in the mountains, I enjoy the peace and nature. I also enjoy spending time with my family and planning and designing gardens.
Who is your professional role model and why?
In the course of my life I have been fortunate enough to have been accompanied and encouraged by many people who believed in me and supported my plans. My parents were certainly very distinctive, because they placed much emphasis on education and passing this on.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with someone then it would be with Dalai Lama. I would have a lot of questions about his ideas and his way of life. I think he has an outstanding personality and I could learn more about Ying and Yang.
