What is a typical day like in your job?
My day’s work varies according to what the current needs are for decision making. Often, I spend time on analytical and reporting functions for all fund types including State, F&A and Trust on Budget and Actual. Our current major project is tuning up budget submissions files related to the 2019-2020 budget process and working on improving process for next year. As part of the process, I created a SharePoint site for the tools for campus, which included creating frequently-asked questions and their answers, providing a supplemental file for State General Fund projection, and writing explanations about how to use the budget template, which was also housed on the site. I also work on the indirect cost pool analysis.
I’m very project driven, so I continually analyze the purpose, audience, and tools which can efficiently and effectively pull the data needed. Then I analyze the data and transform it into meaningful information. I have found that to be the best way to present information needed for making strategic financial planning decisions.
How does your job support Carolina’s mission?
I’ve been flexible and willing to accept challenges and fill new roles over the years in order meet the University’s needs. For example, I originally worked in the Budget Office and was then needed in Treasury, and from there went on to become a business analyst for Commitment Control during the ConnectCarolina launch several years ago before coming back to BP&A and working with the new budget model and our recent budget template/submission process. Because I was willing to approach change as a learning path and align with the University’s mission, I’ve strengthened my personal skills. With any change, there are a lot of new things to learn, so flexibility is important!
What do you like most about your work?
I like the work environment and I really enjoy financial analysis and untangling and solving problems. I enjoy providing suggestions to improve productivity and processes that help us to remain efficient. I like to find the leverage point to increase productivity for myself and the team in BP&A, for example, automating manual processes and creating advance queries for reporting to improve decision making.
What is something people probably wouldn’t know about you, or another fun item you’d like to share?
I like to travel and experience different cultures, see natural scenery, meet people and enjoy delicious food. Recently, some friends and I took a cruise along the Danube river through Europe.