Becoming a FinOps Team Member: Meet Erin and Shelby

The PEAK team had the privilege of getting the chance to sit down with Erin Kurshoff and Shelby Honorable, two employees who made the switch over to the Financial Operations team (FinOps) during Phase 2 of the PEAK transition. We had the chance to talk with them about their experience, ranging from their initial concerns and reactions, to what their current day-to-day is like in their new positions. 

Erin knew her job was moving

During Phase 1, Erin knew her job was moving, and was concerned that if she didn’t move to FinOps, she wouldn’t have a job at all. However, she quickly learned that the opportunity to move was a good thing! She was concerned initially that she didn’t have the right experience for an accounting type position, but as soon as she expressed interest, she learned that the team was more than willing to jump in and support her. She received all the training she needed, and still experiences unwavering support when she needs it. Erin emphasized how her current position is allowing her to grow. “In my current position, I have the opportunity to do journal entries, payroll accounting, distribution entries and more.”

Keeping my options open

Shelby Honorable has been with the University of Minnesota for seven years, and was working as an accountant for the Weisman Art Museum for a year prior to the PEAK initiative. He anticipated the changes coming, and while his job wasn’t moving, he saw an accounting position and decided to try it out. He, like Erin, learned quickly that this was a great move for him. “My job is more in-depth, I am able to meet and interact with more people across the university. With my training from Weisman, I knew I could be a great asset to the FinOps team and it would give me an opportunity to grow.” 

Career Development: Training for a variety of positions

We discussed the concerns many may be facing with the upcoming changes, with Shelby specifying that some may think that they will only qualify for specific positions based on their previous roles or experience. However, the FinOps leadership is willing to work with anyone who wants to move into a new area, offering support, training, as well as being willing to answer any questions you may have. They both specified that you can “take another adventure within the FinOps lanes,” with a chance to train for a variety of positions and there are opportunities to move around. Erin said, “One of my favorite things is there is a strong sense of teamwork and gratitude.”

Thank you to Erin and Shelby for taking the time to share their stories! If you’re interested in learning more about either of their experiences or would like to share your own, feel free to reach out to the PEAK team: [email protected] and put in the subject line - share my story.