Joe Sunbury's commute didn't change much when he came to UNLV as the newly appointed chief compliance officer for Business Affairs. His last job was just across the street in the Nevada System for Higher Education's offices on Maryland Parkway.
"I always had great interactions with individuals here, so when the opportunity came along to join UNLV, I was happy to explore it," he says.
The Ohio native — and a CPA by trade — values open communication and plans to use his extensive experience to enhance and maximize business processes.
Tell us about your experience before coming to UNLV.
I was an internal auditor with NSHE for 10 years prior to coming to the university. My work in that role crossed paths with UNLV often, whether through audits or other projects. As the chief compliance officer in Business Affairs, I am able to step out of my auditor “comfort zone” and employ skills and expertise in a different capacity to hopefully make an impact operationally and culturally.
Why UNLV?
The diversity this institution represents drew me here. As a child, I heard a speech by the mayor of the city of Columbus where he spoke about the importance of and strength in diversity. His words hit home for me. Since then, I have always sought places where I can glean diverse viewpoints and thoughts.
I’ve spent most of my career in corporate settings and in the system office, so to be physically on campus is energizing. Also, in my current role, I have the opportunity to apply that previous audit mindset in more immediate operational situations. Many of my previous roles entailed reviewing transactions that had long been completed. Here, I can partner with others closer to the transaction and ideally have more substantial ownership.
What is the biggest misconception about your field?
That, as an audit or compliance professional, I am out to get you. That gives us a bad reputation because people think we just want to call you out on everything that’s done incorrectly or to embarrass you in front of people – the classic “gotcha.”
That’s not me! My approach is focused more on how I can help, and how I can add value. I like to deal with things in a proactive way. The most important aspect of my job, to me, is the relationships with people and building trust. That drives the team’s success and it is something I always seek to emphasize.
What can people do to make your job easier?
It’s simple — just talk to me. I have found that success or failure in my line of work usually points back to the level of communication. If people are willing to share concerns, approaches, etc... to compliance, that offers a chance for timely, relevant, and respectful conversation.
Tell us about an ‘a-ha’ moment in your career.
You can learn a lot from any supervisor, even a not so great one. Early in my career, during one of my first audits, my boss asked me to speak with a vice president to get a better understanding of a financial reporting process. He heard me make the call to the individual and later reprimanded me for explaining myself to the person; for giving them the reason I wanted to set up the meeting. He believed that as an auditor, I didn’t need to explain myself.
This was a stark lesson in how I didn’t want to operate as an auditor. From that experience, I learned the importance of going the extra mile to ease people’s nerves and provide comfort during a nerve-racking process. You just get better results.
How much UNLV apparel do you own?
I don’t own a lot yet. I have a lot of scarlet and gray because of my alma mater, but I am planning a trip to the bookstore to update my wardrobe with Rebel gear.
Tell us about a time in your life you were daring.
When I was courting my wife, I drove five hours one way for our first date. We worked together previously and when she moved to a different city, we kept in touch. I was smitten by her so much, not only did I drive that 10-hour round trip once, I also did it again two days later. We had another great date and have been married for 14 years with two beautiful children.
What surprises you about working in compliance at UNLV vs. auditing in the corporate world?
The biggest difference is what drives the work. Before moving to Las Vegas, I worked for a steel company in Cleveland, Ohio. In the corporate world, the driver is mainly profit because there are shareholders to answer to and keep happy. What’s impressive about working at UNLV is that people are organically motivated by the relationships, the research, and the ultimate outcome: student success.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Sleep more! I find myself giving this advice to my kids who are basically younger versions of myself. My sister and I would stay up past our bedtime to watch late-night television, which worked out for her because she now works in late-night television. My advice is definitely to sleep more and focus on your health.
What is one of your biggest pet peeves?
I don’t like waiting in line, whether it be for food at a restaurant or a ride at a theme park. It’s such a huge time waster. If a line is longer than two people, I’m good.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am a huge Dennis Rodman fan. He’s one of my biggest role models. In my formative years, he had such an impact on me because his work ethic was amazing. He’s not afraid to be himself, stand out in the crowd, work ridiculous hours, or look ridiculous. His intelligent approach to basketball allowed him to excel in areas where he maybe wasn’t the most naturally talented, but he outworked others. It taught me that your work ethic is the key to success.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I have a huge sweet tooth. I probably put my dentist’s kids through college.
What is your best tip for staying cool in the summer?
I enjoy working out, especially outdoors, so my best tip is to shift your day so you can still enjoy your outdoor activities. I have friends who refuse to do things outdoors during the summer. I will get up when it’s still dark and go on a run or hike before that sun gets too high in the sky. Also, drink a lot of water.
Your ideal summer vacation?
Anywhere with my family. I was pretty lucky to grow up in a household where my parents valued traveling. Those experiences allowed me to be a little daring and live in different cities. I try to instill that in my sons.
