Name: Tracy Degen
Title: Fiscal Administrative Manager
Department of Administrative Services
Office: Business Office
1. Can you share your current role and key responsibilities within the State of Connecticut?
I recently transferred to DAS as a Fiscal Administrative Manager over Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll within the business office.
I am currently responsible for overseeing the payroll department to ensure all employees are paid on time, and benefits are processed accordingly. Please enter your timesheets! The accounts payable department I oversee handles all vendor payments, travel requests, reimbursement requests, and P-Card requests to ensure we are following proper protocols. In the Accounts receivable department, I ensure we are accounting for all incoming payments.
2. What motivated you to pursue a career with the State of Connecticut, and what has been your journey here?
To be honest, pursuing a career with the State of Connecticut was not even on my radar, but here I am.
I started my journey with the State of Connecticut as a Summer worker. During this time, I was exposed to various aspects of government work and saw firsthand how rewarding it was.
Prior to arriving at DAS, I have worked at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Department of Banking (DOB), the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Office of the State Treasurer (OTT). Each role and agency has challenged me, helped me grow, and to see new efficiencies with government operations.
3. What achievements at the State of Connecticut are you most proud of, and what impact have they had?
I thoroughly enjoy streamlining processes and eliminating the need for paper.
One achievement that stands out to me is when I worked with CORE-CT to automate the disbursement of approximately 99% of incoming ACH and Wire transactions. Once we were able to focus on automating the process, agencies were able to receive their transactions by 8:30 am instead of after noon. Once this project was completed, it helped CORE-CT assist agencies statewide in automating journal entries for incoming transactions to eliminate human errors.
4. What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of your work, and how do they enrich your life?
Outside of work, I spend time working out or going on walks with my dog. These activities allow me time to relieve work stress. I spend a significant amount of time with my family. Currently, I spend a lot of time chasing after my 15-month-old twin nephews. Seeing them explore and learn about the world reminds me every day to stop and enjoy the small moments as we all get caught up in the day-to-day aspects of life.
5. What advice would you give to someone considering a career with the State of Connecticut?
If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging career, you should go for it.
6. What’s your favorite spot in Connecticut, and what makes it special to you?
My favorite spot in Connecticut is the shoreline and navigating the waters. There is something about being on the water that allows you to relax and be present in the moment.
7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it to make a difference?
If I could have a superpower, it would be invisibility. I would use it to better understand human interactions.
8. Who is the person you admire, and what qualities do they possess that inspire you?
The people I admire the most are my parents. They have instilled in me to work hard and pursue your dreams while reminding me every day of the important values of family.
9. What’s an interesting or fun fact?
Did you know Antarctica is considered a desert?
