CPFO Spotlight: Kay Giunta

Why did you want to become a CPFO?

I wanted to become a CPFO to increase my knowledge and become a better resource for my agency. I also wanted to contribute to building a credentialed, knowledgeable finance team, one that reflects a strong commitment to continuing education and improving the overall quality of our financial operations. In Finance, staying current and sharp is essential. For pubic Finance, earning the CPFO designation was a way to lead by example and raise the bar within my department.

What did you learn going through the process?

Going through the process, I learned just how complex public finance really is. The CPFO exams cover a wide range of topics, from accounting and budgeting to treasury management and debt management. Studying for them reinforced my understanding of key principles and introduced me to new concepts that I hadn’t previously encountered. It also helped me develop stronger analytical and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, I learned that no matter how many years of experience we bring to the table, there’s always room to grow.

This process wasn’t just about earning a designation, it was about challenging myself to rise to new levels of accountability, staying curious, and staying connected to a network of professionals who are just as passionate about serving their communities as I am.

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

Earning the CPFO has made me even more proud to be a public finance professional, and it’s had a real impact on how I approach both day-to-day operations and long-term planning. It’s given me a deeper, more strategic perspective on the work we do and has sharpened my ability to lead and make informed decisions. But most importantly, I hope that my success will motivate others within my team to pursue their own professional growth and certifications, creating a culture of continuous learning and excellence.

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

Just do it. Life will always be busy, but take it one day at a time. The CPFO process is challenging, but it’s absolutely worth it. The knowledge you gain and the professional growth you experience will make you a better public finance professional. Stay committed, keep pushing forward, and trust that the effort will pay off.