CPFO Spotlight: Yanmin Zhu-Howard

Why did you want to become a CPFO?

Continuous learning and improvement has always been my guiding principles. I wanted to become a CPFO to deepen my expertise in public finance and demonstrate my commitment to excellence in the field. Earning this certification was an opportunity to validate my knowledge, enhance my professional credibility, and position myself for career growth.

What did you learn going through the process?

Going through the CPFO certification process, I gained a comprehensive understanding of government operations, developed technical skills, and learned best practices in accounting and financial reporting, budgeting, compensation and benefits, debt management, procurement, risk management, treasury and investment management. The process also reinforced my understanding of how financial decisions impact public entities and the communities they serve.

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 strengthened my confidence in handling complex financial challenges and allowed me to contribute more effectively to my organization. I hope it will continue to open doors for leadership opportunities and help me make a greater impact in public finance by ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial management.

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

I would highly encourage anyone in public finance to pursue the CPFO certification. It is a challenging but rewarding journey that enhances your knowledge, credibility, and career prospects. The certification demonstrates a high level of expertise and dedication to the field, making you a valuable asset to any organization.