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Accounting and Finance

Technology and Tools (including Data Security)

Definition of Technology and Tools


Technology provides tools and systems to perform business functions. Financial professionals should understand and use appropriate tools to perform their responsibilities, identify opportunities to streamline business processes, ensure business data is accurate, and protect University and stakeholder information. Skills will shift over time from basic awareness of, and competence with, a variety of tools to intermediate and advanced skills in using, deploying, and safeguarding tools, systems, and data, then to strategic planning for present and future resources and requirements to accomplish the University’s mission.

Financial and Sr. Financial Associates: Basic competency basic with computing devices and technology tools. Basic to intermediate skills in productivity applications like Microsoft Office. Able to use University accounting, budgeting, procurement, and reporting tools to accomplish job responsibilities and confirm with reconciliations, as applicable. Follows University guidance and best practices for data and system security.

Financial and Sr. Financial Professionals: Intermediate to advanced skills in productivity applications like Microsoft Office. Able to use, modify, and help design University accounting, budgeting, procurement, and reporting tools to accomplish job responsibilities. Proactively watches for weaknesses and opportunities to strengthen systems, and helps ensure University guidance and best practices for data and system security are followed.

Financial and Sr. Financial Principals: Able to understand the use of computing devices, technology tools, and systems to accomplish University business processes. Demonstrates the ability to think strategically about the short and long-term direction of technology, its effect on personnel development needs, and resource planning requirements for current and future University tools and systems..

How to Develop Technology and Tools

University Academic Courses:

BYU Training/Other Courses:

  • Supervisor/peer training of applications and systems
  • OIT software training
  • BYU Harold B Lee Library software training
  • Vendor provided training (PeopleSoft, Business Objects, Tableau, etc.)
  • On-line free/paid technology courses
  • BYU CSR’s
  • Participation on systems/project teams

Professional Associations/Courses and Conferences:

  • Technology course completion certifications
  • Vendor conferences (PeopleSoft, Business Objects, Tableau, etc.)

Books/Publications:

  • Books, magazines, vendor listservs, and on-line forums can provide significant information related to current technology, tools, trends, and basic to advanced problem solving.

Experiences:

  • Present tips/tricks with peers, in department staff meetings, or contribute to Controllers Group Meetings
  • Participate on systems/project teams
  • Develop Y-Train modules for user training
  • Train college/division controllers, and financial assistants as needed
  • Volunteer to help expand cross-training by learning other departments tools and systems
  • Collaborate with professionals and other Universities

How to Demonstrate Technology and Tools

DO: Describe what you did in completing / achieving your development plan

  • Provide evidence of completed training and record its benefit
  • Interact with others on project teams, conferences, vendors, or other Universities to expand skills, expand awareness of best practices and trends

ASSESS: Share, if applicable, any assessments that were taken / provided related to your activities

  • Indicate whether assessment was part of the experience, and provide results, if applicable

LEARN: Explain what you felt that you were able to learn during your journey / experiences

  • Evaluate and discuss what skills and specific knowledge was gained through the developmental course, interactions, presentation, or training

APPLY: Give specifics examples where you have / plan to make direct application to your work

  • Share how the experience can and will be applied in current responsibilities. Explore and contribute helpful insights to peers, supervisors, and teams.

REFLECT: Review / consider things you would have done differently had you had this experience earlier

  • Evaluate with supervisor , if needed, ways to improve the value and effectiveness of developmental experiences