CPFO Spotlight: Daniel Jean

Why did you want to become a CPFO?

As a public finance professional, I thought earning the CPFO certification was one of the best things to pursue. And when I researched the program as well as the accreditation, it was an easy decision for me to make. I understand that becoming a CPFO can be an important factor in my career advancement; that was a deciding reason for pursuing the CPFO credential. 

What did you learn going through the process?

One of the most interesting things I noticed going through the process was that almost everything we do in my County, from a public finance perspective, was a part of the study materials. I had never felt that confident and excited about studying. Knowing that what I was studying was relevant and would be useful for my professional development, the process was exciting despite the challenges. 

How has becoming a CPFO made an impact on you in your profession or how do you hope it will make an impact?

As a new CPFO, my hope is that I will be in a position where I can really utilize the knowledge I accumulated. In my current position, I have little involvement in the development of processes and decision-making activities. However, I feel so much more confident to jump to the next level in my professional career. 

What would you say to others thinking about becoming a CPFO?

I would say if you want to have a career in public finance, then the CPFO program is for you. The CPFO program is tailored for public finance professionals. This is one of the programs/courses I went through that I have zero regrets about.