Team Spotlight: BSD Accounts Payable
Left to right: Bernadette Anderson, Michelle Harrison, Katrina Payne-Dixon, Dierdre Lockette
Fiscal responsibility is one of our core values at Bi-State Development. It is the foundation for building trust with our customers, taxpayers and regional stakeholders that we are transparent, financially stable and responsible with the funds they have provided us. And our Accounts Payable team has one of the most important roles in ensuring we keep their confidence.
They are responsible for processing, reviewing and reconciling all of the payments made by Bi-State Development and all of its enterprises.
“We pay the Agency’s bills,” said Dierdre Lockette, Manager of Accounts Payable. “We pay bills for everybody, for everything.”
This includes payments to our partners, suppliers, contractors and external vendors for all of the goods and services we need to function, as well as day-to-day operational bills, utilities, purchase orders, payroll payments and more. To get an idea of what that looks like, last year, our Accounts Payable team processed nearly 15,000 payments totaling more than $156 million. And for each of those transactions, the team employs a set of internal controls to prevent fraud and abuse, and ensure all payments are accurate and timely.
These are no easy feats. Fortunately, our Accounts Payable team has more than 145 years of experience and expertise between them to assist you and keep our organization running smoothly.
With so many different types of transactions and procedures, it can sometimes be tricky to know exactly what you should do to have your payment processed. From providing customized DataServ training to ensuring your purchase orders are set up properly from the start, our Accounts Payable team is always available to provide assistance.
“We know things can get complicated, so do not hesitate to reach out to us,” Dierdre said. “Whether it’s checking on an invoice, expediting an emergency payment, or just general questions, feel free to contact us. Everyone is our customer, and we’re here to help.”
Check out the profiles below and learn a little more about our colleagues who keep the lights on (and literally everything else on) for all of us at BSD.
Dierdre Lockette – Accounts Payable Manager
Dierdre first started at BSD as a contractor about 20 months ago, and for the last year has been our Accounts Payable Manager. She loves being able to support BSD’s mission of serving our community. When she’s away from the office, Dierdre enjoys taking her young niece and nephew out on adventures, reading, visiting museums, working out, and enjoying movies, music and crafts.
What was your first job?
Unofficially, working for my father’s telecommunications company when I was 12. Officially, as a production assistant with St. Louis Small Business Monthly when I was 16.
Where did you go to high school?
I graduated from Cardinal Ritter College Prep.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby most people don’t know about?
Playing pool and jewelry making. I also love program coding.
Bernadette Anderson – Accounts Payable Clerk
Bernadette has been with BSD for more than 23 years. Most of her tenure was with the Passenger Revenue Department, but she recently brought her expertise to the Accounts Payable team. She enjoys working with all types of people and colleagues, and help them with whatever problems they are facing. Outside of work, Bernadette likes spending time with her daughters and family – as well as dancing and shopping.
What is your favorite memory from work?
Working in the Passenger Revenue Department with Mamie Jackson, have many wonderful memories.
What was your first job?
I was a cook at the Embassy Suites hotel.
Do you have any advice or tips for your colleagues about working at BSD?
Stay focused on yourself and your work, and be sure to ask questions. And if you’re still not sure, keep asking questions.
Katrina Payne-Dixon – Accounts Payable Clerk
Katrina is one of the newer members to the BSD team. She’s been with us for 8 months, and loves being a part of the Accounts Payable team and keeping everything running smoothly. She stresses the importance of teamwork and understands that we are all in this together. In her free time, Katrina enjoys spending time with her family.
Where did you go to high school?
I was born and raised in St. Louis, and attended Beaumont High School.
What do you love about BSD?
There are so many moving parts in Accounts Payable, which at times can be overwhelming. But the more knowledgeable coworkers and colleagues are always helpful, and don’t mind stepping in to share their tricks of the trade to get the job done.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby that most people don’t know about?
My hobby is painting and creating different types of art.
Michelle Harrison – Accounts Payable Clerk
Michelle is the newest member of the Accounts Payable team. She’s been at BSD for about 3 months, and has picked up her new responsibilities quickly so she can provide support and assistance to whomever needs it, internal or external. Michelle is energized by the fact that she gets to work with a great team.
What was your first job?
I worked at McDonalds when I was a teenager.
What do you love about BSD?
That I have great people to work with, which helps me perform my job better.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like writing short stories, DIY projects and baking from scratch.