Our Deposit Operations Team Is Spooky Great. TOGETHER!

Deposit operations involve the back-office functions of a bank that manage the processing and administration of customer accounts and deposits. This includes tasks such as auditing new accounts, processing payments, detecting fraud, and providing support to frontline customer service staff. These operations are essential for ensuring the accuracy and security of a bank's deposit-related activities.

While this might be the standard definition of deposit operations, this Artisans’ Bank Team Spotlight reveals what truly sets them apart: their unique flair, or, as their newest team member, Crystal, described it, “each person brings their own flavor to the table.”

This team of 8, including MaryJo, Doug, Garrett, Emily, Crystal, Kathy, Manager Kathy, and department mascot Eunice, have a camaraderie that extends beyond work; they genuinely enjoy each other’s company. It's spooky how well they have created such a positive environment that enhances both teamwork and productivity. Each member brings their unique strengths and personalities to the department, contributing to a dynamic that makes Deposit Ops not only effective but also a vibrant part of Artisans’ Bank culture.

What makes the Deposit Ops team dynamic so strong?

“It works because we have a sincere desire to bring out the best within ourselves for Kathy [manager] and for the bank. At the same time, we all genuinely want to lift each other up and provide support,” said Emily.

Each team member plays a vital role, both individually and as a part of a cohesive unit, in driving the overall success of the team. They each bring a unique array of skills, diverse experiences, and inherent strengths that are crucial for fulfilling their common objectives. To tap into this potential, Manager Kathy introduced a role rotation practice that she had seen implemented during her previous tenure in our branch offices.

“We all have been new at one time or another, or haven’t known something, or have had questions. It makes it easier to have that support for each other,” commented Manager Kathy.

By encouraging team members to step into different positions, Kathy [manager] not only enables them to take on a range of responsibilities and cultivates a deeper appreciation for each other’s contributions and the intricate web of collaboration that fuels their success. The result is a team that is not only versatile but also tightly-knit, with members who are more engaged in their collective mission.

How did Eunice become part of the team?

While the exact circumstances surrounding her arrival remain somewhat mysterious, the general understanding is that Eunice—her name inspired by its old-fashioned charm, fitting for a collection of bones—was an extra passenger in a team member's car during Halloween in 2023. The team, looking to add a unique twist to their pumpkin decorating contest, thought it would be entertaining to include her as a quirky decorative element. Since that fateful day, Eunice has become a fixture in the office, charming everyone with her eerie yet endearing presence.

Inspired by her inclusion, the Deposit Ops team members have brainstormed various creative ideas to reposition her within the Little Falls office, imagining different scenes and setups where she could add to the workplace atmosphere. However, despite these exciting plans, they have yet to put any of them into action, leaving Eunice comfortably settled in her original spot for the time being.

How do you believe Artisans’ Bank / Deposit Ops has evolved?

“When I first started [1995], we were still using carbon copies. I would have to press as hard as possible to make sure that the numbers would transfer. Everything was paper, paper, paper. And then more paper. Things have certainly evolved,” laughed Kathy.

In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, the management and administration of customer accounts and deposits have undergone a significant transformation, shifting from traditional paper-based processes to predominantly digital systems. This transition has allowed for more efficient account processing and streamlined operations.

“Online banking has allowed our customers to access their accounts in a completely new way, significantly changing and improving the Bank's services,” commented MaryJo.

What digital advancement has benefited AB/Deposit Ops the most?

For businesses, one of the most significant advancements has been Cash Management. Within our Digital Banking Platform, we offer a diverse range of products and services designed to enhance business banking capabilities. By leveraging these tools, companies can streamline their operations, improve financial efficiency, and bolster security measures. Effective Cash Management solutions not only help businesses monitor their cash flow in real-time but also facilitate better decision-making through detailed financial insights. As a result, businesses can navigate financial challenges with greater confidence and agility, ensuring their resources are optimally utilized for sustained growth.

“Customers can use the Chat feature within the Artisans’ App for questions they may have. I think this has been so beneficial for people who have quick, actionable issues,” remarked Doug

For customers interested in opening a personal account, open.artisansbank.com offers a convenient online process that allows individuals to manage their banking needs anytime and anywhere. With a focus on user-friendly technology, open.artisansbank.com ensures that accessing financial services is both efficient and hassle-free, making it an ideal choice for modern banking customers.

“The technology we have taken on has been for the benefit of our customers, but also for our team members and that has been instrumental,” noted Garrett.

No bones about it (Sorry, Eunice), this team knows how to bring the fun to the workplace! Here are Deposit Ops’ favorite ways to ring in Halloween:

Movies – The Silence of the Lambs (Manager Kathy), Death Becomes Her (Emily), the original Nosferatu (Doug)
Candy – Gummy worms (Kathy), Reese’s Cups (Crystal), Hershey Almond bar (Mary Jo)
Songs – Monster Mash (a favorite by many in the department), “Welcome To My Nightmare” by Alice Cooper (Doug)
Traditions – Carve pumpkins (Garrett), hayrides and bonfires (Manager Kathy), decorate your house and hand out full-sized candy bars to trick-or-treaters (Mary Jo)

Thank you, Deposit Ops Team, for sharing your time and stories with us!

Check back next time for our next Artisans' Bank Team Member Spotlight!

Have A Howling Halloween + Trick Out Your Treats!

Artisans’ Bank: Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 774924, Equal Opportunity Employer

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