CPFO Spotlight: Kat Roch

Why did you want to become a CPFO?

I wanted to become a CPFO to expand my knowledge and further my career in government finance.

What did you learn going through the process?

I learned about areas I didn’t necessarily have much practical experience with, such as procurement, and compensation and benefits. I also gained a more in depth understanding in areas I regularly work with such as budgeting and accounting. The CPFO program also showed me new strategies and best practices for addressing issues commonly found in government finance alongside real-world examples of these strategies being implemented.

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

Becoming a CPFO has allowed me to gain a more in depth understanding of government finance and leadership skills. It has strengthened my confidence to address complex accounting and budget issues and has allowed me to contribute to my organization through this gained knowledge regarding policies, processes, and best practices and how to implement those changes.

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

I would encourage those working in public finance to look into pursuing the CPFO certification. Initially it may seem daunting, but the knowledge and skills gained will be beneficial to a career in government finance and leadership.  It provides a broad depth of knowledge in all aspects of public finance and will prepare individuals to take on leadership roles within government and make lasting positive impacts to their organization.