CGFM TOPICS Newsletter
Grant Thornton
Makes CGFM a Top Priority for its Public Sector Staff
When you need to fulfill a continuing education requirement of
40 hours per year, there’s no shortage of training choices.
Grant
Thornton LLP has made the process simpler for its Public Sector
financial management staff members. The firm brings the series of three
CGFM training courses to its employees, then encourages them to take the
next step and sit for the three CGFM Examinations.
Why the
CGFM? Clifton A. Williams, CGFM, CPA, a partner in Grant Thornton’s
Global Public Sector, said the courses offer a solid foundation in
financial management at all three levels of government while giving
staff members a chance to earn a valuable certification.
The
firm sponsored two sets of courses last year and has already scheduled
three sets of courses for 2006. Class size is limited to about 30. The courses, worth 48 CPE
hours, are: Governmental Environment; Governmental Accounting,
Financial Reporting and Budgeting; and Governmental Financial Management
and Control.
He
estimates that about 25 percent of the employees who focus on financial
management and accounting-related consulting work are CGFMs and another
35 percent are expected to complete the certification by the summer.
Grant Thornton’s goal is to eventually get that number up to 100
percent. Grant Thornton has more than 350 personnel in its public sector
consulting practice, with 100 employees focused on financial management
and accounting services.
In
fact, employees are required to include earning the CGFM certification
on their upcoming performance plans. “We tell them, ‘Make sure to put
the CGFM at the top of the list,’ ” Williams said.
Williams said staff members have told him that their experience
preparing to become CGFMs has helped them. “It definitely rounds them
out. They understand the different pieces of the puzzle.” It also gives
them a confidence boost, he said.
Having
CGFMs on staff also boosts Grant Thornton’s credibility within the
financial management industry, Williams said. The Public Sector practice
consults with local, state, federal and international governments,
helping with challenges associated with financial systems, performance
management and meeting the dramatic changes in financial reporting that
are required for federal agencies.
Considering the twin benefits of helping employees stay up to date on
the latest developments in the field, while giving the firm a
competitive edge, Williams said, “We can’t lose here.”
By: Christina M. Camara
