We are in a culture here of continual learning and and continually improving what we do. I'm always looking for efficiencies, but also looking for best practices. It's a big deal to me to be on top of the best practices and to make sure we're doing things the best way we can.
What did you learn going through the process?
I was surprised at every module I studied. I learned something new. I learned something that I didn't realize. I was thankful for that because you learn on the job, but sometimes we don't take that time to really dig into it and we don't always have mentors to tell us what we don't know. And it's so it's important for us. I think it was important for me to step out of my comfort zone and step into that deep learning mode to expose myself to what is out there that I don't know.
How has becoming a CPFO made an impact on you in your profession or how do you hope it will make an impact?
One example I can think of is just reading about how other cities do procurement cards and how a lot of people pay their city fees with with procurement cards and how do we pass along those interest rates or not pass along those interest rates? And that's just a conversation we've been having here at the city.
What would you say to others thinking about becoming a CPFO?
Just do it. Don't put it off. You're going to learn so much. It is hard work, but it's so rewarding. You will be so glad you did it It's going to help you and it's going to help your city.