Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Reminder: UVAFinance Compliance Calendar
The UVAFinance Compliance Calendar was migrated from Sharepoint to Salesforce this summer and went live last week. Everything from policy review cycles, UAO Certifications, and other compliance tasks can be assigned, tracked, and "reminded" within Salesforce.
Instructions for accessing the Compliance Calendar tasks in Salesforce can be found in the Quick Links in the bottom left corner of Salesforce.
Sunday, September 5, 2021
Clara Tang on Internal Control and Her New Position as Senior Compliance Analyst
Clara and her children |
“I missed finance!” Clara Tang said when asked what drew her to her current position in UVAFinance. She was previously working as a Senior Internal Auditor for the Health System, which she enjoyed, but she had very few opportunities to use her financial background. Clara, a CPA with almost nine years of experience in finance, says that her role as Senior Compliance Analyst perfectly combines finance with what she liked about being an auditor.
In this role, Clara will primarily work with a team to improve the University’s internal control of fiscal processes. “I will be looking at policy & procedure, business process, transactions, systems, and data analysis to assess our internal control under the COSO framework and to seek opportunities for improvement.” She is also responsible for facilitating risk assessment, transaction-level testing, and document compilation which will be forwarded to Augie Maurelli and President Ryan for final review and submission to the Agency for Risk Management and Internal Control Standards (ARMICS).
While the idea of internal control might seem a bit vague to some people, Clara knows it is essential to any business. “The internal control of an organization is like the immune system of a human body,” Clara explains. “And during a pandemic, there is no need to emphasize the importance of a healthy immune system, right? With a robust immune system, we don’t get sick as easily, and if we do, we recover faster. This is similar to what robust internal controls can provide: an improvement to operational efficiency and the furthering of our objectives to safeguard assets, an increase in the reliability of financial statements, the promotion of compliance, and the realization of other goals.”
Clara is already diving in and looking forward to all the challenges and opportunities ahead of her. “The AMRICS certification was changed this year," Clara says, providing an example of a current challenge she is working through. "I have been working closely with Lynn Galasso to figure out the new certification. She’s been sharing her extensive knowledge and experience with me without reservation!” In addition to working with Lynn, Clara is glad that her role will allow her to be involved with lots of business processes and teams.
She is particularly interested in what the implementation of Workday Financials means for internal control. “While making improvements to our business operations, we need to consider internal control throughout the design, testing, and implementation process,” she explains. “I’ve sat in a series of Workday meetings; it is impressive to see how much the team has already achieved. And I'm glad that I can contribute to the UVAFinance team by working with everyone to strengthen UVA’s internal control.”
Outside of work, Clara is kept busy by her nine-year-old
daughter and seven-year-old son. When she does find time for herself, she
enjoys reading and learning new things. She particularly loves non-fiction
books about parenting, business, and data analysis.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Communication Best Practices for the New World of Remote Work
Now that most of our colleagues are working remotely, our tried and true methods of communication may no longer apply. Read on for some considerations to keep in mind as we navigate these unprecedented times.
The Basics
Set expectations with your team. We are not just working remotely; we’re working remotely within a uniquely complex situation. Your colleagues may be caring for children and/or family members (perhaps even ill family members). What has always been “a normal work day” may have radically changed on an individual basis.- Don’t forget one on one communication. These meetings are even more important now. Use them to your advantage and be more prepared than you normally might have been with in-person meetings.
- Consider individual preferences. Find out what methods of communication work best for your team members/colleagues.
- Strive more than ever to be concise. More of your communication than usual will be done via writing. Don’t make people wade through a ton of words to get your point.
- Be as reliable as you would be if your colleagues could see you face to face. No matter where we are working, our colleagues still expect responses, collaboration, etc.
Communicate using the right method at the right time
- Emails should typically be reserved for single/fairly straightforward messages. It can be easy for multiple details to get lost in a single email. Break those messages up if you must use email. Be clear in your email what your ask is (next steps, due dates, etc.), use the subject line strategically to reflect the desired action to be taken, and get to the point early in the message.
- If the message is particularly complex and or there might be questions about tone, a phone call might be more appropriate. You can follow up with details via email if necessary.
- Skype is best used for organizing lighter, more social aspects of a remote team, discussing certain aspects of a project casually or having brief catch-ups with an employee.
- If you have something substantial to say, or it’s a topic that’s open to discussion, consider a phone call or organize a Zoom conversation.
Keep in mind that working remotely (especially in a changing situation such as ours) can involve details you haven’t considered before:
- We may need to plan conversations and meetings more carefully to avoid the risk of interruptions. It can be more difficult to create a distraction-free zone in the new environments in which we find ourselves working, so we should plan carefully to ensure useful interactions.
- Establish communication norms in your new remote work lives. We may find ourselves working more outside of “normal” business hours. Set up clear expectations with your team and colleagues on expectations for a response to messages after hours. See the email guidance above and consider putting the expected response time in your subject line.
- Avoid bombarding your team with messages. Whereas you might be able to chat more freely and quickly/easily share information when you’re in the same place physically, this can get overwhelming over digital media. Don’t abuse the access points you have to your team/colleagues.
- Watch for the unconsciously different way you process written interaction vs. text-based communication. In the absence of contexts like body language and tone, written communication can be easily misread. Your colleagues and team members may also express themselves differently than accustomed in a different format (emojis, abbreviated text speak, etc.).
- Be intentional about the softer things. The chat you might’ve done in the hallways that builds rapport will have to be done differently, but it is still important to team bonding and our own sense of wellbeing. We still need to appreciate one another, interact socially, check on our colleagues, recognize achievement, etc. It can be easy to forget these things when we are not physically together, but we can keep the connection if we prioritize it and think creatively.
Take advantage of the tools we have within UVAFinance
- Office 365 Teams: File sharing, collaborative work, skype messaging (with GIFs, even!), tracking tasks and projects through Planner, and so much more! If you haven’t already become familiar with this resource, now is definitely the time. See FOC's resources here: https://foc.virginia.edu/telecommuting-resources
- We have a variety of communication channels that suddenly carry much more weight when we aren’t all occupying the same space. Stay plugged in through the UVAFinance blog, our podcasts, and the online Community. We also have a short form podcast dedicated to the FST project that you can tune in to.
- The Online Community is a fusion of an intranet and social media. If you haven’t already been an active member, take the plunge. It is one of the best ways to stay in the know about Finance Strategic Transformation; plus, conversation is informal and open because it is behind NetBadge. Go in and ask questions, share ideas, and interact with colleagues while staying plugged in to the FST project.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Curated playlists coming soon to LinkedIn Learning

Now that Lynda.com has transitioned to LinkedIn Learning, Finance Outreach & Compliance will be working to assemble new playlists.
Let us know if you have suggestions for playlist topics!
Email us at foc-training@virginia.edu
UVAFinance Team wins national award for PCI Compliance Training
Ruth Parcells |
Recently, a collaborative effort between FR&O and Finance Outreach & Compliance led not only to a much-improved training for those on the front line but also national recognition.
For Ruth Parcells, then-Senior Card Compliance Analyst in FR&O*, the training traditionally offered was based in powerpoint, and it covered everything from high-level compliance concerns to how to maintain a point-of-sale device. The training badly needed an update, and some focus so it was easier for people to digest.
"Anyone who comes into contact with cardholder data, whether it's on a website, over the phone, or in-person needs this training," Parcells explains, adding that "this means we're working with a very broad group."
Erika Priddy |
Parcells turned to Finance Outreach & Compliance (FOC), a fellow department within UVAFinance, to modernize and sharpen the PCI training. Training and Development Specialist Erika Priddy from FOC worked with Parcells to vastly improve the training and customize it to the variety of roles within the PCI world at UVA.
Priddy says the focus was on making the training "super quick, easy, and applicable to people within their specific role, providing training pertinent to their job duties, whether that's recognizing suspicious customers or knowing when your machine is having problems."
Working together, Parcells and Priddy produced "PCI Credit Card Security," a training that is specific, automated, gamified and less than 20 minutes in length.
Parcells, encouraged by the improvements in the training that she submitted the new PCI Compliance Training to the National Cyberwatch Center, and it was ultimately chosen for a winning spot at their 2019 National CyberWatch Center Innovations in Cyber Security Education program.
Parcells' and Priddy's collaborative effort will be honored at the Community College Cyber Summit in Shreveport LA, on Tuesday, July 30.
Additionally, their work will be featured in press, social media, and National Cyberwatch's annual journal.
For more on PCI Training, visit FR&O's Payment Card Services page on the web.
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* Ruth Parcells joins the Audit team this July; we're sorry to see her leave FR&O but so glad she stays with us in Carruthers Hall!
Monday, May 6, 2019
More Lean Classes in 2019
All classes will be held in Carruthers Hall, Conference Room 2 (Carr-2). Click the desired date below to enroll through Workday Learning.
We look forward to seeing you in class! If you have any questions, please contact the training team at foc-training@virginia.edu.
Lean is continually seeking to improve quality and efficiency by identifying and eliminating waste.
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Lean Fluency
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9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
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Lean in Daily Work
Prerequisite: Completion of Lean Fluency or the Leading a Lean Transformation certificate.
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Time
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10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Lean Projects
Lean Projects delves deeper into the Lean principles and tools with a focus on using the A3 tool to identify and lead continuous improvement (“Lean) projects. The course incorporates three phases of learning including pre and post-workshop activities, the leader-led workshop, and meeting with a Lean coach.
Prerequisite: Completion of Lean Fluency or the Leading a Lean Transformation certificate.
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Time
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8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Easy Access to UVAFinance Brand Resources
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Important cutover dates for transition from Oracle Learning Management to Workday
- Oracle Learning Management (Employee Self-Service > Learning) will be unavailable beginning Saturday, December 15, 2018. This means you will not be able to complete or have access to online training, and you will not be able to enroll in courses.
- The new learning management system in Workday will be available beginning Monday, January 7, 2019. All courses completed within the last 7 years will be listed in your Learning application; incomplete courses will not be listed.
- If you have an open ESHARP request, or need to complete any other online training, please complete it by December 15, 2018.
- If you need to enroll in Finance Fundamentals scheduled for January 8 or January 22, please do so by December 15, 2018. If you miss this date, please email FOC-training@virginia.edu with the name of the enrollee. No other instructor-led classes are open for enrollment at this time, but will be in Workday after January 7, 2019.

Please plan accordingly – training for access to the Integrated System will not be available.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
FOC Welcomes Nasima Andesha
In her new role as an Administrative Technician, she will primarily handle requests for responsibilities in eSharp so that requests move smoothly to the training team and supporting procurement by working with purchasing hierarchies. Andesha says she looks forward to learning more about eSharp in this new capacity.
When not at work, Andesha enjoys reading, gardening, movies, and spending time with her husband and their five-year-old twin girls.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
New Online Course Available!
For more information on this class and other Finance training, visit http://foc.virginia.edu/finance-training
If you have questions about either of these classes, email foc-training@virginia.edu.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Transforming our approach to learning
With the establishment of our vision, mission, and values, and the beginning of the Finance Strategic Transformation, comes an increased need to be able to connect our learning and development efforts directly to business outcomes.

- Identify specific business needs and ensure training provides the solution
- Include multi-phase learning to improve the learning experience
- Ensure that learners are able to use and apply the skills and knowledge on the job
- Establish a culture that supports and encourages the learning process
Friday, August 17, 2018
Register now for Lean Fluency
Description: You’ve probably heard colleagues talk about Lean but if you don't understand the concepts of Lean or know the terminology, it may seem like they are speaking a different language. If you feel like the intent of process improvement initiatives is being lost in translation, then register for Lean Fluency!
This course incorporates three phases of learning:
- Phase 1 - Pre-workshop activities including watching 5 brief videos, creating a process map, and completing an exercise guide (will take approximately 1 hour)
- Phase 2 - 3-hour facilitated workshop
- Phase 3 - Post-workshop activities (will take 1-2 hours)
Here’s what a few participants from the pilot session have said about the class:
A must-take class! I really wanted to learn what everyone was talking about and so glad that I did. Don’t be put off by the 3-hour timeframe; there is so much information that is presented in a wide variety of formats that will keep you interested and engaged the whole time. I really appreciated the pre-class assignment, which prepared me to be successful in grasping the process. Come join the LEAN team! – Mara Hilliar, Office of the VP for Finance
I thought the Lean Fluency class was great! It was the right amount of time spent on the topics, and I came out of it with a much better understanding of Lean principles, and potential application of them. If you haven’t been exposed to Lean, this is a great way to start. – Dave Boling, FP&A and UFirst
It was a fun class – interesting, informal, and informative. I learned a lot. – Joyce Dunn, PSDS
Monday, May 7, 2018
Register now for Lean Fluency
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Resources for those who communicate in UVAFinance*
* That means everyone!

- UVAFinance Brand Resources on Box: Email bv8h@virginia.edu to be added to this folder, which contains:
- Logos, stationery, presentation templates
- a bank of UVAFinance photos
- guidelines for communicating within UVAFinance most effectively
- walkthrough of communication channels within UVAFinance
- many other helpful communication tools and resources
- brand.virginia.edu: You can view most of the assets compiled here by University Communications, but it's easy to create a login in order to download an array of great resources:
- UVA photography (searchable by keyword)
- print resources, including word templates for one-pagers
- examples of great communication pieces done by schools and units across UVA
- and much, much more!
- Finance Outreach & Compliance's "Effective Communications" playlist. All of this Lynda.com content has been vetted by FOC, and covers a wide range of topics including:
- grammar
- writing email
- communicating across cultures
- having difficult conversations
- business writing
- overcoming fear of public speaking
- and much more!
And one more thing:
Monday, April 16, 2018
Upcoming Finance Training: April - June

Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Upcoming Lunch & Learn Sessions for UVAFinance

Time Management: Prioritizing Life and Work
May 1, 12pm - 1pm
Carr-1 and Carr-2
In this session, Tonia Duncan-Rivers from the Center for Leadership Excellence will help us identify "time robbers" and barriers to effective time manaagement. In this session, we will learn how to deal with interruptions, procrastination, and disorganization so we can be more efficient and effective in our lives and at work. (This is a shortened version of the three hour CLE course of the same name.)
Looking ahead to June: We'll have a session featuring tips on using Outlook to save time and be more organized, productive, and proficient. Date TBD -- watch for updates!
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Lunch and Learns are short, informative sessions for UVAFinance employees. Registration is not required and you're encouraged to bring your lunch.
Questions? Suggestions for future sessions? please contact us at finance_engagement@virginia.edu or foc-training@virginia.edu
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
"Lean Lite" -- Registration is open for the Lean Fluency Workshop
Note: This is a pilot session open to UVAFinance. Additional sessions will be added soon and open to anyone on Grounds. If you're especially interested in attending the April 11 session and you're not in UVAFinance, please contact Patty Marbury.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Feeling a little weighed down by process improvement? Try Lean Lite!
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Lynda.com: Professional Development on demand
Lynda.com is a library of online courses you can take, anytime, anywhere, and at no cost to you (other than your time and effort). There are thousands of courses available on topics such as communications, change, managing employees, leadership, project management, business skills, performance management, and software and technology.
It can be quite overwhelming to begin a search and choose the courses which will be most beneficial to you from the many that are available. To help, the UVAFinance training team in Finance Outreach and Compliance has identified and vetted the best courses Lynda.com has to offer and arranged them in the following playlists:
- Business Basics
- Project Management
- Customer Service
- Business and Financial Acumen
- Communications
- Change Management
- Management and Leadership
- Software and Technical Skills
- Personal and Professional Development
- Performance Management for Managers

Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Upcoming Finance Training
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- Finance Fundamentals
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- February 13, 1:30-4:30
- February 27, 1:30-4:30
- March 13, 1:30-4:30
- All sessions are held in Carruthers Hall, Conference
room 2
- Reconciling Expenditures in Recon@UVA (formerly
Mastering Account Reconciliations)
- March 8, 1:30-4:00
- Carruthers Hall, Carr-2