About Our Albany Payroll Services Company
Who We Are
CheckWise Payroll LLC was established in 1995 and is locally owned and operated payroll services company. We provide Payroll, Human Resource, and Timekeeping services to businesses of all sizes and industries.
While the majority of our client base is located right here in the Capital Region, we also provide service to clients in more than 30 other states.
The professional staff at CheckWise Payroll is highly trained and qualified to respond to your payroll requirements with close personal attention to accuracy and outstanding dependable service.
Our Payroll Specialists undergo continuous training and work toward achieving and maintaining certification in payroll through the American Payroll Association (APA). These certifications show our commitment to ensuring our clients receive the best possible service from informed and qualified Specialists.
How We Operate
Service and Respect
We strive each and every day to provide excellent client service, regardless of how large or small your business may be. We make every effort to get to know you and your business so that we can provide the highest level of service possible.
At CheckWise, you are a partner and client above all, not a number. You will be treated with respect and appreciation at every encounter while experiencing our eager willingness to go above and beyond.
Check out these testimonials to see what our other clients have to say.
Honesty and Integrity
At CheckWise, we place honesty and integrity at the forefront of our business practices and value the trust that our customers place in our service. We demonstrate this value through our commitment to high ethical and moral standards, vigorous and repetitive auditing procedures, and open and clear communication.
Commitment to Technology
We are committed to providing the most technologically advanced tools to make your experience with CheckWise easy and convenient. These tools include our state-of-the art Online Payroll Portal with Employee Self-Service, biometric and web based timekeeping options, and Human Resources On-Demand.
Our Payroll Services Team
Bryan Geary – CPP
President
bryan@checkwisepayroll.com 
What I do: As the owner and President of CheckWise Payroll, it’s my responsibility to ensure my team has the knowledge and tools necessary to provide the highest level of client service and support. I am constantly looking at ways to improve our processes and enhance our technologies so that we can stay at the forefront of the payroll, timekeeping, and human resource profession. I lead by example and set the tone and culture of the company, with a focus on getting-it-right, sustaining the highest levels of trust and respect, and maintaining a proactive and adaptable attitude.
What do I do outside of work: My time outside of work is dedicated to my wife and three children. I can be found at the sports fields coaching or watching games, walking our Irish Setter and Golden Retriever around the block, or kicking back with friends and family. I keep healthy by training for Ironman triathlons and obstacle course races that offer both adventure and motivation. I’m often out running the Albany Pine Bush trails as the sun comes up, enjoying the peace and quiet of the morning before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.
Suzanne Hill
Vice President of Operations
suzanne@checkwisepayroll.com
P: 518-435-0570
What I do: As the Vice President of Operations in charge of the day-to-day processes, I lead a payroll team that is united in thought and purpose: “We get it right and if it’s not right, we make it right!” The positive feedback from clients is how I gauge the company’s success and my own success. Assisting businesses make a smooth transition from the woes caused by the “Big Guys” or helping a brand-new business get started sets the tone for an enduring relationship. I am proud to be part of this exceptional company made up of dedicated individuals who know what they’re doing and who care about what they’re doing. My broad experience in the fields of accounting, customer service and payroll have given me an intuitive and empathetic perspective for the clients I’ve had the pleasure to serve over the past 10 years at CheckWise.
What do I do outside of work? I love to travel to warm destinations (who doesn’t?) and to go canoeing and kayaking in the beautiful lakes and streams of the Adirondacks and Vermont. One of my talents is remembering song lyrics. I thought this was a useless talent; but it came in handy when I was part of an oldies band, singing songs from before I was even born (several decades worth of music – thanks to my older siblings and my parents)! A popular song request was “Somebody to Love” by Jefferson Airplane! I also have a knack for impersonating people! I live in Clifton Park, NY and enjoy a sweet life of love, laughter and adventure with my terrific husband and beautiful daughter.
Jessica Drowne – CPP
Onboarding Account Manager
Jessica@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: As Onboarding Account Manager, I strive to understand the diverse and unique needs and schedules of new clients to make sure they have a smooth and seamless onboarding experience. Getting to know clients and helping them join the CheckWise family is the highlight of my day. Before joining the CheckWise team in 2013, I spent several years in the retail industry where I developed my exceptional ability to provide clients with amazing customer service. This, along with my acquired payroll expertise, makes for a consistently happy, positive client experience.
What do I do outside of work? I enjoy camping, moderately competitive lawn games, and cheering on my favorite college football team. Go Dawgs!
Cody Rule
Director of Sales and Marketing
cody@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: As CheckWise Payroll’s Director of Sales and Marketing, it is my job to help plan our strategy for growth, as well as help spread awareness of our services around the Capital Region. I’m often involved in day to day sales functions as well as hunting for new opportunities to involve our team in the community!
What I do outside of work? I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible with my wife and dog. I enjoy hiking and nature walks, kayaking, taking in a ballgame (Let’s Go Mets!) and most of all, Downhill Mountain Biking. While I crave adventure, I also love the simple pleasure of curling up on the couch with a good sci-fi novel or strumming on my guitar. I’m a major movie buff as well with a love of almost any thriller flick!
Caitlin Hoffine – FPC
Payroll Specialist
caitlin@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: As a Payroll Specialist, I aim to dedicate my days to providing the best experience possible for our clients. I continually educate myself on the ins and outs of payroll in order to be a valuable resource. I’ve been in a customer service role my entire working life and have developed a proactive approach to see potential issues before they become a problem. The CheckWise Team takes customer service to a whole new level and I’m thrilled to be a part of it!
What I do outside of work? When it’s nice outside, I try to get out and enjoy the sunshine by going for a walk or playing a poor game of tennis with my husband (we’re beginners with a lot of energy). Otherwise, I’m trying to find a new show to binge on Netflix. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, and I’m always down for a night of bowling or karaoke.
Liana Weinstein
Payroll Tax & Compliance Specialist
liana@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: As the Payroll Tax & Compliance Specialist, I am responsible for the day-to-day tax functions as well as the quarterly and annual filings. I have been working in the payroll tax field for over 8 years and truly enjoy the challenge that comes from the ever-changing tax laws. I am dedicated to making our client’s experience enjoyable and worry-free.
What I do outside of work? I am a dedicated wife and mom to two young boys who keep me constantly on the move. The whole family enjoys hiking and outdoor activities, especially on sunny days. Any spare time that I have is usually spent catching up on the latest Netflix show, exercising, or reading.
Carrie Van Kuren
Administrative Assistant
carrie@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: As an administrative assistant, I make sure that each valued client is properly connected in order to speak with their qualified CheckWise team member. I take pleasure in being the kind voice on the other end of the phone, a smiling face for those who visit our office. Clients need to have payroll packages on time and I am happy to do my part by hand delivering payroll documents to the shipping facilities for the fastest delivery possible. These and my other supportive duties are a continuation of other jobs I’ve had where I enjoy being of help in any way I can and thrive on making the client happy.
What I do outside of work? I am a dedicated mother to my beautiful and smart daughter and our two kittens. We love to spend our time outside when it is warm hiking, traveling, and exploring. I am a huge history buff with a keen interest in Medieval, British, and Egyptian history. I try to travel to at least one exciting new place a year to learn as much as I can about the history and culture. My daughter and I are avid bakers that love to surprise our family and friends with delicious treats, especially around the holidays! I try to go to the gym at least five days a week to get myself back in shape so I can keep up with my very active daughter.
Keasha Davis – CPP
Payroll Account Manager & Training Specialist
keasha@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: As a Payroll Account Manager and Training Specialist, I am focused on providing exceptional service to our clients. I have worked in the payroll industry for several years and continue to grow my knowledge of the ins and outs of payroll. I welcome challenges and strive for speedy accurate resolutions to problems. I enjoy getting to know my clients and their specific needs. My number one priority is YOU!
What do I do outside of work? I’m a huge San Francisco 49’ers fan, although I’ve never been to California. I am an Aquarius so you can usually find me next to the water. I enjoy traveling (mostly cruises). On those cold and rainy days, you can usually find me curled up on the couch binging the most popular Netflix series or catching up on my beauty rest.
Mia Farmer – FPC
Payroll Specialist
Mia@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: As a Payroll Specialist for the last few years, my priority is accurate and timely payroll processing. Servicing our clients and providing outstanding customer service is my goal! Keeping myself educated on the latest payroll information will help me have the best expertise for our clients. I have a diverse work background that includes insurance, auditing, and payroll. I love working with a team of folks who truly care about their clients!
What I do outside of work? Spending time with my two grown daughters has always been my joy. Now I have 2 great sons-in-law as well. I will soon be a grandmother to identical twin girls so I am looking so forward to that! I love to read, mostly Christian bible studies and suspense thriller novels from David Baldacci. History and my Irish heritage have always been very fascinating to me. My girls and I love to travel and learn about history at the same time!
Gary Wager
Senior Software Developer
gary@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: As Senior Software Developer, I am responsible for designing systems that make your payroll experience accurate, easier, and faster. I continue to automate the processes that go into paying your employees, including all the related functions such as taxes, benefits and human resources. I have a long history with CheckWise, first as a client, then as a consultant, and now as an employee. I share the CheckWise core value of “getting it right” because there are few things more important than getting paid correctly.
What I do outside of work? I get outdoors any chance I can, which is probably due to my, albeit very small, Native American ancestry. I love all types of fishing, but my favorite is stalking trout from the stream bank or from a kayak deep in the woods where you can’t see or hear any sign of civilization. This, among many other outdoor activities, is how I recharge my body and soul.
Hannah Roberts
Shipping Clerk
Hannah@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: I am the Shipping Clerk at CheckWise Payroll. I enjoy my part in the client experience by ensuring that the payroll packages are in good order. At the end of each day, I drive the packages to the main shipping facilities, in an effort to eliminate a day’s delay caused when carriers pick up. We know it is important that clients receive their packages on time. Monitoring shipments and communication of shipping issues results in quick resolution so that clients can rest assured that we are taking every possible action to smooth over issues before pay day.
What I do outside of work? I enjoy weight lifting and new experiences. Recently, I tried caving. It was cold, dark, wet, small spaces, surrounded by nothing but rocks, but it was quite an adventure! I also climbed Prospect Mountain in the snow. The way up was difficult, but worth it, especially when I got to run and slide the whole way down! But, it is really having my friends and family there that make these adventures so special to me. My most satisfying experiences are growing in my relationship with God as I grow in grace and knowledge of the Bible (which never stops, whether I’m at work or not). Every week in church with my friends and family are spent reading and studying the Bible, encouraging one another, and worshiping together.
Devin Smith
Sales Specialist
Devin@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: As a Sales Specialist here at CheckWise Payroll, I am often one of the first people our clients talk to before moving through the ranks of the company. It is important for me to be someone that is friendly and approachable to every client that I may encounter. Here at CheckWise we are not just looking to sell, we are looking to build a lasting relationship with our clients.
What I do outside of work?I like to get out on the golf course in the summer any day the weather allows (which isn’t much in NY). I enjoy spending weekends with my friends and family, hanging out and catching any sports game that may be on. I like to travel around all of the United States and it is a goal of mine to get to all 50 at some point.
Isela Espinoza
Payroll Specialist
Isela@checkwisepayroll.com
What I do: I am dedicated to providing excellent service to our clients and ensuring their payroll needs are met. My years of experience in customer service and payroll allow me to be confident in what I do. I strive to get it right the first time to make sure our clients are happy and worry-free. I am happy to be a part of the CheckWise Team who puts clients first and truly cares about them.
What I do outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, we’re always cooking or binge watching a show. My favorite season is fall because of football (Go Cowboys!) and holidays. I love decorating our home for each holiday and I have so much fun doing it. I also enjoy reading; but when I finish a great book I get “book hangover” and takes me a while to pick up a new one.
