Synergent’s mission is to “help credit unions succeed and improve the financial lives of their members.” In our monthly Employee Spotlight series, we feature one of our dedicated staff members to help you get to know the people who are working as an extension of your credit union team.
Philip Thibault
Philip Thibault, Accounts Payable Specialist for both the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent, is an integral member of our team. Whether he’s processing invoices, managing vendor relationships, or helping coordinate Campaign for Ending Hunger tasks, he brings the same methodical approach and attention to detail to every part of his role. Accounting appeals to him because he enjoys the structure and logic behind it.
“Generally, there is a straightforward solution or precedent in place for each problem,” reflected Thibault.
In his typical, day-to-day role, Thibault completes tasks such as processing invoices and adding them to the internal accounting software for approvals. He also manages receipts, completes check runs, and stays on top of vendor management. All of this is done while being mindful of phishing attempts and addressing emergent issues as they arise. Problem-solving is a key part of his role and something Thibault considers a highlight.
“Anytime I can solve a mystery with math is rewarding,” shared Thibault. “As frustrating as it can be when there are issues with payments or discrepancies with invoices, being able to prove your case beyond a doubt with numbers is extremely satisfying.”
Transitioning to Growth and Navigating System Migrations
While Thibault joined the organization over four years ago, his accounting experience started many years earlier.
“I originally began helping out with the bookkeeping and billing for my family’s small engine business and ended up transitioning into an accounts payable/accounts receivable role,” explained Thibault. “I began taking accounting classes, but I ultimately wasn’t interested in the higher-level world of reporting and financials. When we closed down the family business, I took on an accounts receivable position for a local online auction house for a few years. Despite the auction house having a very interesting product (comics, vintage toys, and sealed video games), I wanted to move into a role that had more growth potential.”
Since joining the League and Synergent, the foundation of accounts payable practices has remained constant while his specific responsibilities have grown and evolved.
“A little more than a year after I officially started, we migrated our accounting platform from two systems to a single solution, which was a significant change,” explained Thibault. “I have taken on additional responsibilities, like inventory management and an expanded role with managing and processing receipts for our corporate credit cards. But the meat and potatoes of accounts payable has remained the same over all that time. Additionally, the Accounting team has had many changes since I started. We’ve moved our location in the office more than a few times. We’ve said goodbye and hello to team members and celebrated two retirements. The core of the Accounting team has remained strong, and responsibilities are shifting with new members and new roles.”
Fulfilling a Mission and the Power of Teamwork
Making a difference is especially important to Thibault. In his role, he works directly on the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. He is especially proud of creating the master list for Ending Hunger pantries and other food security donation recipients. Being part of the Campaign for Ending Hunger is his favorite part of the job.
“My role impacts credit unions when I am fulfilling Ending Hunger requests,” stated Thibault. “It feels like a noble mission and is a reflection of the League and Synergent’s integrity. I know that Ending Hunger disbursements are the culmination of a lot of work from the community, the credit unions, and our companies, but it feels special being the person to send much-needed aid on its way.”
Being part of a strong, close-knit team has also been one of the most meaningful aspects of his experience.
“I’ve gained a true appreciation for teamwork and mutual support,” shared Thibault. “Most work experiences until now felt like being part of a puzzle with some of the wrong pieces. Working with our Accounting team feels more like someone is always ready to help you score with an alley-oop. I think that comes from trusting in the competence of your coworkers, eagerness to help each other, and knowing that mistakes are natural and most can be fixed.”
Beyond the Ledger: Peaks, Fantasy Worlds, and Quieter Spaces
Outside of work, Philip has numerous hobbies that keep him busy.
“I love taking pictures of wildlife and pets, and spending time in nature,” said Thibault. “I hiked all of the Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont 4,000 footers when I was growing up and am looking to revisit hiking more. I used to play a lot of video games, but I am finding myself enjoying quieter and slower paced activities. I still play something every week, but I am more likely to play something I’ve enjoyed before than trying out the next new thing. I also am getting back into Dungeons and Dragons after several years away from the hobby. I like to read fantasy and sci-fi books and recently finished a 14-part series that I began as a teenager. I have pet rats and will always miss our mischief of 2020-21 (we had over a dozen for a while).”
