Introducing UVAFinance is a recurring blog feature created to introduce our team to our team, a couple of members at a time. Every other week, we present readers with two team members to get to know. To understand how these colleagues are situated within the greater UVAFinance structure, check out this resource on the UVAFinance website. (Keep in mind that it's not an org chart, but rather a map of what functions of central finance exist in which general areas.)
Let's go!
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| Eitta |
What do you do as a senior accountant?
Imagine UVA as an institution that needs a toolbox to carry out its mission. This big toolbox is filled with expensive, long-lasting tools like machinery, trucks, and research equipment. As the Senior Accountant in Capital Equipment, I’m a keeper of these valuable tools. My job is to ensure they are:
- Bought and Registered: Making sure they’re acquired properly and tracked in our system.
- Tracked and Maintained: Keeping tabs on their location, condition, and proper functionality.
- Reported and Analyzed: Helping make informed decisions about buying, using, and disposing of these assets.
Who do you work with regularly?
I collaborate with various departments across UVA, including Procurement, Facilities Management, Research Administration, and also individual schools (mainly the Medical School and Operations for my specific portfolio). My work is a great way to connect with different teams and understand how capital equipment supports various university functions.
What seasons are busiest, or what rhythms exist in your job?
Our busiest times align with equipment acquisition cycles, such as the start of fiscal years or grant award periods. I also help manage year-end closing procedures, ensuring everything is accurate and timely.
What might surprise people about the work you do?
Many people might not realize the complexity involved in managing capital equipment. It’s not just about tracking numbers; it requires understanding diverse equipment types, their specific regulations, and their impact on university operations. Sometimes, I even get to see some pretty cool research equipment firsthand! The variety of equipment I deal with is surprising, too, from microscopes and vehicles to turbines, and the role involves detective work to track down missing equipment and to uncover cost-saving opportunities.
What do you like best about working in UVAFinance?
I appreciate the collaborative environment, and I enjoy the variety and challenge of my role. Every day brings new questions and situations that require me to adapt and learn continuously. It’s also rewarding to know that my work contributes to UVA’s efficient resources and supports important research and educational activities.
How do you connect your work with the UVAFinance values?
My work directly aligns with several UVAFinance values, such as stewardship by ensuring responsible management of university assets, collaboration by partnering with various departments, and integrity by maintaining accurate and reliable financial records.
Anthony Pearson, Budget Analyst
What do you do as a financial analyst?
I review university financials, including unit budgets, transaction coding, etc., and analyze the data for trends, efficiency, budget tracking, alignment with the Board of Visitors (BOV), and other financial metrics.
Who do you work with regularly?
I work closely with all analysts and finance managers and directors within the Office of Financial Planning and Analysis (OFP&A). I also work with all units across Grounds. Much of my work is done “behind the scenes.”
What seasons are busiest, or what rhythms exist in your job?
Budget season is our busiest time, and that tends to stretch from November through April, on average. Since the new fiscal year begins in July, we start gearing up for any budget updates and/or requests that will need to be reviewed by the BOV.
What might surprise people about the work you do?
One thing that surprises people about our department is the amount of analysis and assistance we provide to the units to ensure efficient and effective budgeting.
What do you like best about working in UVAFinance?
I like the diversity and complexity I encounter in my daily work. Finance in general can sometimes be repetitive, but because UVA is widely diverse, I encounter many complex tasks. There’s never a dull moment in UVAFinance!
How do you connect your work with the UVAFinance values?
I think of my work as strongly aligned with the UVAFinance values. The analytical, transactional, and quality assurance work I do plays into our desire to be an impeccable source of information, which is at the foundation of what we do as a trusted financial partner. My department as a whole plays a key role in upholding the UVAFinance values and vision.
UVAFinance Mission & Values / UVAFinance Organizational Structure / Past Introductions can be found on our site under "Resource Shelf"
Would you like to be featured in Introducing UVAFinance? Want to suggest a colleague to be featured? Email bv8h@virginia.edu
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