AGA TOPICS Newsletter

CGFM Profile

PA State Employee Trainer Turns to CGFM 

H. Susan Schulze, CGFM, a training specialist with the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General, has a vested interest in bringing more professionalism to the state government work force.

She is also on a constant quest to expand her own knowledge, so offering the series of three CGFM training courses to state government employees made sense. In fact, the entire series was offered two separate times last year by two agencies.

The agencies sent about 20-30 employees to each course. Employers gave their staff members time off to take the courses and the exams. Those who earned their CGFM certification in the Department of the Auditor General also receive a one-step salary increase, Schulze said. “That definitely motivates employees to go forward.”

Schulze passed the three CGFM Exams shortly after attending the courses. Schulze, who is also a CPA, finds that learning about a new area is a big motivator and it demonstrates her commitment to professional development.

She encourages agencies to push their employees to earn certifications. “You want a professional group of people working for you,” she said, “Your final product is much better—a quality product is what you want.”

She added, “I think anybody who’s involved in government accounting and auditing, not only government agencies, but a lot of public accountants and auditors should have a better understanding of what government accounting is about. I encourage them to take the courses.”

If your agency is interested in training employees in government financial management or helping them prepare for the CGFM designation, contact Katya Silver at 800.AGA.7211, ext. 305, or ksilver@agacgfm.org.

By: Christina M. Camara