However, the Zions Human Resources office defined his position as a sales resource officer, a job he left at the end of March to run for state treasurer.

"We've never written that he was the manager of government finance - he was one of several," says Walker's campaign manager, Steve Hunter.

But the title fits, Hunter says, because government finance management was part of Walker's job.

"It accurately describes what he did for the bank."

According to Zions, Walker's official job responsibilities included sourcing and developing prospects and new clients, selling business banking services and products and developing sales strategies and expanding referral sources.

But the H.R. folks declined further comment on Walker's role and how it equates to state treasurer duties.

A business ethics expert contacted by The Salt Lake Tribune addressed the issue from a hypothetical standpoint rather than discussing Walker specifically.

"We all expect our politicians to create some puffery," says Paul Godfrey, associate professor of strategy at Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Management.

But self-promotion can be taken too far, adds Godfrey.

"The ethical issue here is whether we are misrepresenting facts or is it a matter of interpretation?" Godfrey asks.

"Are we trying to create an impression that there's actually more there than there really is?"

Government finance also occurs on more than one level, suggests Godfrey.

"If my job was dealing with government agencies, their cash transactions and low-level employees, it would be a misrepresentation to say I was dealing with state leaders on important matters of public finance," Godfrey said.

Walker's opponent, Richard Ellis, lists 22 years in public finance - eight of those serving as the state's chief deputy treasurer. But top lawmakers are backing Walker, saying the treasurer's office needs a leader with new perspective.

Next Tuesday, Utahns can start casting early votes in the June 24 primary.

Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert's office is currently looking into Ellis' allegation of an election code violation against Walker. According to Ellis, Walker offered him a $160,000 job in March if he'd drop out of the race.

Walker denies it, calling it a desperate political move.

"Our hope is to have some kind of determination by the end of this week," said Herbert spokesman Joe Demma.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com