Problem solving all in a day's work

Described as being polite, helpful and extremely efficient at all times, Judy Fillmore has been nominated as this week's Five-Star Staffer.

"It is a pleasure to deal with Judy as she is always willing to go the extra mile to answer queries," said Dorothy Dube and Anne Fereday from the vice-chancellor's office.

Fillmore, a creditors clerk in the finance department, came to work at UCT as a temp in 1997.

What was supposed to have been a three-month temporary contract just never ended and she became a permanent staff member in 1999.

A problem-solver of note, Fillmore specialises in finalising staff travel payments.

"I enjoy difficult cases because I know there is a problem to solve and I like working towards finding the answer," said the energetic mother of two daughters.

"People change their minds all the time and this affects their travel arrangements. They swap destinations, hire cars without taking out insurance and upgrade tickets. It's my job to work through the

relevant documentation and find out what went wrong."

Fillmore's other passion is dealing with people over the telephone as this communication medium ensures she immediately gets the details she needs to resolve complex travel itineraries.

"I've just never taken to sending e-mails. If I'm forced to, they are very short and to the point," she added.

Having previously worked in the data processing field at Old Mutual, it was only when she came to UCT that Fillmore started doing creditors work.

"Everything I've learned about this job has been from my colleagues. They are fantastic and it creates a pleasant environment. It's one of the reasons I haven't moved to another department. I'm very happy here."

In her spare time, Fillmore can be found reading as she "always likes to know what's happening in the world and around here", and she is also a member of various committees at her daughter's karate school.

"I always get myself involved in something. Now, I'm focusing on fundraising initiatives for the karate school."

To nominate a Five-Star Staffer, please e-mail Nicole Chidrawi.

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