JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –
Late August, DLA Disposition Services – South East hosted a Resource Analyst Summit in Jacksonville, Flordia.
The event gathered resource analysts, financial professionals, and experts in the field and provided them with a comprehensive overview of financial programs, tools, and strategies critical to the success of the DSD Financial Program.
"This summit is a testament to our commitment to excellence in financial management and being good stewards of the taxpayer’s dollar," remarked Becky Watson, South East director and one of the key organizers of the event. "We wanted to provide our resource analysts with a platform to enhance their financial acumen and understand the impact of their roles on the overall financial health of DSD South East."
The three-day event began with a series of engaging sessions and workshops aimed at equipping attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their financial roles.
Day one kicked off with a welcome message from Watson, Deputy Director Audrey Weber, and Lead RA Kimberlee Quaney. The directors emphasized the importance of the summit in aligning the team's objectives and reviewed the agenda for the upcoming days. Quaney set the stage with her session on the role of a Resource Analyst, highlighting key objectives and emphasizing the importance of understanding access needs and financial program responsibilities.
Attendees took part in interactive sessions on financial aspects, including understanding the Program Budget Review, Spend Plans, Spend Rates, and Financial Forms. Speakers like Irene Boley and Corina Cain delved into starting the fiscal year on the right foot and demystified essential financial forms. The morning concluded with a session on naming conventions by Quaney.
The second day began with sessions focusing on the Effective Business System and Goods Receipts. Speakers including Sue Gamblin provided insights into maximizing EBS for advantage and optimizing procurement processes. LaToya Smith engaged the audience with a “Goods Receipts Family Feud,” demonstrating the importance of accurate record-keeping.
Quaney once again took the stage, this time to discuss Financial Effectiveness Review, followed by a segment on reports and research by Gamblin and Karen Sepulveda-Vazquez. The day wrapped up with sessions on de-obligation procedures and a team-building exercise facilitated by Watson.
The final day of the summit saw Gamblin delving into utilizing the Share Drive effectively. The focus then shifted to Inter-Service Support Agreements, a critical component of the financial landscape. Quaney's presentation highlighted the far-reaching impact of agreements on various aspects of the organization, from communication to accountability.
Important topics such as Government Purchase Card procedures, MILSTRIP, and more were covered by Dianne Wilson, Tonya Garris, Jamie Boatwright and Tre’vis Burgess.
The event concluded with a creative session led by Watson, where participants engaged in a songwriting exercise that captured many concepts learned during the summit with a spirit of teamwork and financial excellence.
"This summit was an incredible opportunity for resource analysts to enhance their financial knowledge and bring fresh insights back to their roles," remarked Quaney. "Our team's dedication to financial excellence is evident in the depth of discussions and the energy throughout the event."
As the summit drew to a close, attendees noted they felt a renewed sense of purpose, armed with newfound financial strategies and a deeper understanding of their roles' impact on DSD Southeast's success.