Certifications and You - 2016 Spring Spectrum

CERTIFICATIONS AND YOU:Choosing the best fit to drive your careerMercedes Forrest, CMA, PMP, Manager Naomi Gordon-Fulse, CPA, CIA, By Elaine W. Smith in the Management Consulting CISA, Risk Assurance Manager, Practice at KPMG LLP T oday, winning the competition for PricewaterhouseCoopers a desired professional, managerial or executive position requires Ryan Galloway, CPA, CGFM, CGMA, Lebone Moses, MBA, CISA, CIPP, more than a degree. According toManagement Analyst/Special Assistant Principal, LCM Consulting Robert Half’s Guide to Certificationsto the Office of the Director, Center for for Accounting, Finance and OperationsMedicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Management, the demand for certifications is high. “Corporate governance reforms, an Department of Human Services increasingly global business environment, and rapidly changing technologies have heightened the demand for accounting and finance professionals who possess advanced skills and have demonstrated their expertise and commitment to ongoing education by earning professional designations.” The guide further states that certifications can be a differentiator in the job market. “Not only can certifications help individuals differentiate themselves in the marketplace, but they also serve as an indicator to employers that a potential hire has the requisite skills to perform a specific job or service.”Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, CFE, Veda Stanley, CFE, Business Unit Risk & NABA members are not only pursuing the Principal, CEO Unlimited Control Manager, Client Service Group, CPA designation, but they are pursuing certifications such as the Certified Internal TIAA-CREF Auditor, Certified Information Systems Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, and more.Michael Wade, CPA, CGMA, Owner, Daniel Worrell, CFE, CRMA, Director Michael F. Wade, CPA; Adjunct of Internal Controls, New York State Spectrum interviewed eight NABA members Metropolitan Transportation Authority; who hold one or more certifications to Professor, University of Louisville internal controls officer, MTA Capital determine why they pursued a career in accounting, why they chose the certifications Construction that they hold, how the certifications have made a difference in their careers, and for career advice for differentiating oneself in the accounting field.8 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2016

SPECTRUM >> Why did you decide to pursue an accounting career? CPA Certified PublicFORREST >>: During high school, I was a member of the Future Business Leaders of AccountantAmerica (FBLA) and was exposed to the world of finance and accounting. We had guestspeakers from the accounting world and also took field trips such as visiting the NYSE. The CGMAexposure that I received in this high school organization piqued my interest in accounting. Chartered GlobalAfter taking a few courses in college, I knew accounting was a career that I would pursue. Management AccountantGALLOWAY >>: I pursued a career in accounting because it would provide me with atangible set of tools that I could apply in all phases of the field of business. Understanding CIAaccounting bolsters your financial acumen, which is critical to becoming a good business Certified Internalleader. AuditorGORDON-FULSE >>: I took my first accounting class in high school and was immediately CMAdrawn to the core concepts and the dance of debits and credits. At the time I didn’t Certifiedunderstand what being a CPA or auditor meant but I knew I had a knack for something Managementthat most avoided. AccountantMOSES >>: I was initially an international studies major, and enjoyed understanding CRMAand assessing businesses and developing solutions for business problems. As a result, Certification ineach year I entered NABA Boston’s Bentley Business Bowl, a business case competition. Risk ManagementWhen my team placed third in my sophomore year, I was approached by a PwC recruiter, Assurancewho offered me an opportunity to interview, and invited me to attend summer eventsto meet people in accounting. After getting a real-life glimpse of the diversity in the CFEaccounting field, I decided to change my major to accounting and information systems. I Certified Fraudalso obtained an internship with PwC’s System Process Assurance Group, which entailed Examinerintense training and client experiences performing IT audits and assessing businessprocesses. This exciting experience captured my interest, and from there I decided that CISAan accounting career made sense for me. Certified Information Systems AuditorRHINEHART >>:My mother was influential in my decision to study accounting. Sheworked as a part-time bookkeeper and knew the career opportunities were wide and CIPPsteep. I enrolled in my first accounting course in my junior year of high school. Although Certified Informationthe accounting work and logic was initially challenging, I enjoyed the course because PwC Privacy Professionalprofessionals came into the classroom to provide accounting education and motivation.The job shadow opportunities and real-life experiences heightened my interest to further CGFMexplore accounting, and as a result, I pursued an undergraduate degree in accounting. Certified Government Financial ManagerSTANLEY >>:As a child, when I read the Sunday newspaper with my mom, I noticedthere were always pages of jobs for accountants. I didn’t want to grow up to be a NYYellow Cab driver with a college degree, so I picked a major that was always hiring.WADE >>: In college, I was a sociology major and enrolled in Accounting 201 as anelective. Sociology analyzes the relationships among people, while accounting analyzesbusiness information. Before I knew it, I was in Accounting 202, and changed my majorto accounting. I often tell people accounting chose me.WORRELL >>: When I was discharged from the military, I was in search of an occupationthat would prepare me for a successful business career and allow me to take advantageof my strengths in math. A good friend advised me that an accounting career wouldprovide that for me in addition to a progressive and rewarding livelihood. To my surprise,from my very first accounting course, I knew that I chose the right profession. SPRING 2016 | SPECTRUM 9

SPECTRUM >> Why did you choose and pursue STANLEY >>:As a recovering accountant, I rebranded mythe certification(s) that you have? skills and experiences into compliance and risk. My [CFE] certification adds depth to my experience.FORREST >>: My first job out of college was doingaccounting at IBM. I never wanted to follow the traditional WADE >>: Itwasanaturalprogressionandmycommitmentaccounting path of doing audit or tax at a Big 4 accounting to the profession that I love. Obtaining the CPA and thefirm and so a CPA license was never of interest to me. I Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA) affordedwas more interested in understanding and learning how me the opportunity to stand out to potential employersaccounting could drive business decisions, thus becoming a and be a mentor to others pursing the certifications.Certified Management Accountant (CMA) was more of a fitfor my long-term goals. I obtained an MBA after working at WORRELL >>: As an undergraduate student at MedgarIBM for a few years and now am a management consultant. Evers College, I was introduced to NABA and countlessI decided to pursue a Project Management Professional professionals who ingrained in us the need to pursueCertification (PMP) because project management is a core professional certifications and graduate degrees. Theyskill set as a consultant and my clients value the PMP. made it very clear that the additional credentials were a must-have in the profession in order to be consideredGALLOWAY >>: I obtained the CPA designation because credible in your field and that they would differentiate usit is the vanguard certification in accounting and from our peers. I chose the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)confirms expertise and technical prowess. I obtained the credential because solving or mitigating internal controlCGFM certification when I transitioned into the federal weaknesses has been something that I have enjoyed doingbudgetary world as it not only allowed me to learn more from my very first role out of school.about finance and accounting in the public sector, butalso certified my understanding and insight. SPECTRUM >> How has your particular certification benefited you in your career?GORDON-FULSE >>:I believe that in order to besuccessful, you have become a master of your craft. I’ve FORREST >>: Clients view my certifications as additionalspent my career honing my skills and challenging myself. credentials. Some clients specifically want a consultantI believe obtaining additional designations shows my with a CMA and/or PMP and so my credentials have madecommitment to the profession, a firm understanding of me more marketable.key concepts, and allows me to stay relevant with my peersand clients. GALLOWAY >>: The CPA, CGFM, CGMA have helped my career as they signal technical competency, and my abilityMOSES >>: I pursued my Certified Information Systems to serve as a trusted business advisor.Auditor (CISA) certification after three years of workingin public accounting because my primary focus was GORDON-FULSE >>:As I’ve moved from publicIT audits and business process assessments. The CISA accounting to internal audit, the CIA and CISA have beenprovided me with credibility to back up that experience. invaluable. I believe my leadership team, stakeholders,As a senior manager in a Big 4 firm leading financial clients, peers, and staff can see my passion through myservices consulting engagements that focused on data designations. Additionally, promotion opportunities haveprivacy, the Certified Information Privacy Professional been more obtainable as these designations are often(CIPP) certification enhanced my knowledge of privacy required.regulations and added credibility for me as I worked withclients on privacy issues. MOSES >>: It has been critical as a professional to ensure that my experience and on-the-job knowledge is backedRHINEHART >>:I have three industry certifications: by certifications to protect my professional integrity,Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, credibility and relevance in the marketplace. Certificationand Project Management Professional. I knew that becoming has helped to distinguish me amongst my peers anda CPA would enhance my credibility, increase my earnings my certifications ensure that I constantly remain up-to-potential, and contribute to the diversity of business date on the latest standards, regulations, guidance andprofessionals that impact major decisions in the boardroom. interpretations, and can apply them appropriately.Obtaining different certifications has allowed me to expandmy skill sets, add more value in my profession, and connect RHINEHART >>:My CPA helped me to take full ownershipwith organizations that have a mission of leaving a legacy in of my career and advance in my desired role at an acceleratedthe profession and providing opportunities for the next rate. I started my career in the two-year Financial Analystgeneration of talent. Leadership Development program, which consisted of four10 SPECTRUM | SPRING 2016

different rotational assignments at a major financial services invested in themselves and have made their commitmentfirm. Since I was a CPA, I wanted to gain more exposure to to the profession, including the continuing education thataccounting, and reached out to the Controllers Group, comes with maintaining any designation, a priority.which created a new external reporting internship for mebecause of my recent CPA accomplishments. The need for MOSES >>: Knowledge will allow you to perform the jobmore transparency in reporting during my time as an intern well, but the way you apply the knowledge will distinguishcreated the need for a full-time professional in regulatory you in the accounting profession. Over the past 15 years,reporting. I was instantly promoted to an associate position my career journey has taken me from IT audit to consultingand was the first individual in the Financial Analyst program to risk management to cyber security. I have utilizedwho was promoted due to my CPA credential. The CPA has transferable skills and knowledge of how businessesalso provided some unexpected benefits: I competed in the function to excel in each area and transition my career.Ms. Corporate America pageant in order . . . promote the CPA The manner in which I applied the knowledge I gaineddesignation. On March 7, 2015, I was crowned Ms. Corporate throughout the years facilitated the evolution of my career.America, the first CPA to ever win this title. This gave me theopportunity to . . . speak at different universities about the RHINEHART >>:There is no one-size-fits-all formula forCPA exam [and] travel to different conferences to deliver success as an accountant, but there are steps that you caninspiring messages. In May 2015, I received the Illinois CPA take in order to position yourself as a credible accountantSociety Young Professional Leader of the Year Award. in your industry:STANLEY >>:It helped me change my perspective on • Never stop learning and growing. Accountinghow I approach problem solving. requires you to remain relevant and informed aboutWADE >>: It is not just a slogan, “Three letters, a million new accounting pronouncements or industrypossibilities.” Obtaining this certification brings a level innovations that can impact business decisions. Ifof competence that does not show up in a personnel you find ways to solve industry challenges and addfile or on a resume. This level of competence is based value, you will always be in demand.on the difficulty of the CPA exam and the storehouse ofknowledge needed to successfully become a CPA. • Be a magnet for attracting successful mentorsWORRELL >>: With the ease and speed that scams and sponsors. Surround yourself with people whoare committed on businesses, the CFE credential challenge any self-limiting beliefs that you may havehas painted me as knowledgeable in the anti-fraud and inspire you to explore the boundaries of yourindustry. It has helped establish me as someone who comfort zone.you could call on to give an unbiased perspective withprofessional credibility on internal controls, fraud, • Take advantage of professional and leadershipcompliance, ethics and integrity matters affecting anorganization. I employ my knowledge in these areas daily. development opportunities that provide you with the skills you need to be a stellar contributor in theSPECTRUM >> What advice would you give to workplace.others about differentiating themselves in theaccounting profession? STANLEY >>:Figure out the space in which you wish to play and make sure you have the credentials that are theFORREST >>: The profession is constantly evolving, so I baseline expectations for that space.encourage others to continue studying the profession andto keep abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the WADE >>: First, you have to be a life-long learner. A careermarket. in accounting involves constantly learning new techniques and improving those skills you already possess. Second,GALLOWAY >>: I highly suggest individuals in the thrive for consistency because consistency in the methodsaccounting profession consider obtaining professional and techniques we use to record, plan and report financialcertifications as this provides a competitive advantage information is [essential]. Last, but not least, become aprofessionally and a great sense of accomplishment CPA!personally. WORRELL >>: Get your certifications early in your careerGORDON-FULSE >>:As firms and companies focus on because it gives immediate recognition as an expert in thediversity and inclusion initiatives, having designations arena. Continue broadening your knowledge base withsuch as the CPA, CIA, CISA, and PMP make you a very viable continuing professional education to ensure your relevanceprospect. Companies are willing to invest in those who have in the evolving industry. Leverage professional organizations like NABA to network and learn more about the field. Professional organizations provide their members with a platform for developing essential skills and they can provide diverse perspectives on current trends in the industry and can connect individuals with potential mentors. ▲ SPRING 2016 | SPECTRUM 11