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 a team member or two to get to know.
Resource: UVAFinance by Department
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| Brad Kurtz |
What do you do as Senior Business Intelligence Analyst?
My role works with data from a variety of sources to build data models that can be used to help inform individuals across the university for specific informational needs.
Who are the people/departments you work with on a regular basis?
We tend to work most regularly with the Financial Reporting Office, Financial Planning & Analysis, Procurement, and the Office of Sponsored Programs.
What seasons are the busiest, or what rhythms exist in your job?
This role is primarily focused on project work which requires the prioritization of requests with required resources, therefore, we maintain a steady but direct plan to deliver solutions. As a part of Finance, we are careful to observe the financial calendar to ensure our ability to support the organization during closings and budgeting periods. Our rhythm of work is driven by Agile practices with most incremental releases occurring on a three-week sprint.
What might surprise people about the work you do/this role/your department or area?
Likely the most surprising aspect to our work is that the technology, though important, is not the most critical aspect. The most critical aspect to our work is the collaboration we have across the university that helps us both understand the need and learn the business processes that drive the need. In the end, our goal is to act as a bridge between the process and the information to support it.
What do you like best about working in UVAFinance?
I learned very quickly as I jumped around between project teams on the FST project that the willingness to collaborate to solve information needs was outstanding. My role requires me to learn by listening, and the Finance team does not hold back on sharing their knowledge and expectations through this collaboration process, which makes my job easier.
How do you connect your work with the UVAFinance Values?
In Business Intelligence, it is quite easy to connect to the first five values because all five are critical to being a successful BI team. However, of the five values, my role is most tailored to creating innovative solutions and pursuing continuous improvement. For the continuous improvement perspective, we strive to understand the process of how people work and how information influences their ability to optimize. For innovative solutions, we build what does not exist from the ground up, and from any data sources needed to make an informational solution address the needs. This is why what I get to do is absolutely fun!
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What do you do as Procurement Commodity Manager?
I guide both UVA staff as well as potential or existing suppliers on how the Procurement department interacts with the rest of the University. I tend to answer a variety of questions about these processes daily.
Who are the people/departments you work with most closely?
I work with Facilities Management on a regular basis, as well as Athletics. Mainly, I work with these departments and others when they need assistance involving the need for a contractor's license or the parts to keep the building in shape and running.
What seasons are the busiest, or what rhythms exist in your job?
Right before the students leave tends to be the busiest time of year for me. At this point, we're gearing up for summer work around Grounds in a less crowded space.
What might surprise people about the work you do/this role/your department or area?
My office has been over in the Leake building for the past 15 years, when I'm not remote in Wisconsin! It's a long story...
What do you like best about working in UVAFinance?
I really enjoy helping people get the things they need. Anything from information, work services, or tangible goods is in that realm.
How do you connect your work with the UVAFinance Values?
I try my best to always be a source of impeccable information. In my position, I don't want to send folks in the wrong direction!
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Would you like to be featured in Introducing UVAFinance? Want to suggest a colleague to be featured? Email bv8h@virginia.edu