VIDEO: CTR sponsors 30 participants in exam preparation program for CGFM certification
In an effort to increase the financial expertise and improve the specialized knowledge in governmental accounting among fiscal officers and staff in the state government of Massachusetts, the Office of the Comptroller, in partnership with the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) Boston Chapter, is sponsoring an exam preparation program for the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM®) certification.
This week, 30 participants began taking part in six preparation courses. Five of the participants are from the Office of the Comptroller. The remaining participants come from all areas of Massachusetts state government, including the Office of the State Auditor, Department of Revenue, Massachusetts School Building Authority, Holyoke Community College, Department of Mental Health, the Trial Court, several sheriffs’ offices, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, and the Norfolk and Dukes County District Attorneys’ offices.
In all, 22 state agencies are represented in the program.
“I identified a critical need in the Massachusetts government for people who are certified in specialized knowledge of government finance,” said Andrew W. Maylor, Comptroller of the Commonwealth. “I am thrilled that so many state agencies have identified this as a worthwhile investment to build their knowledge base.”
CGFM is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Government Accountants. Candidates must have a four-year degree, at least two years of experience in U.S. government financial management, agree to abide by AGA’s Code of Ethics and pass three rigorous examinations to become certified. Currently, there are about 10,000 individuals with CGFM certification nationwide, and 66 in the AGA Boston Chapter.
“The CGFM credential exemplifies experience and proficiency in governmental accounting, financial reporting, budgeting auditing, and internal controls at the federal, state, and local levels,” said AGA Chief Executive Officer Ann Ebberts. “AGA is pleased to see Massachusetts making the commitment to gain this specialized knowledge to better serve the taxpayers of the Commonwealth.”
The Office of the Comptroller hopes that this exam preparation program will become an annual offering and, over time, significantly boost the number of CGFMs in state government, and the region.
Said AGA Boston Chapter president Craig C. Hall, “We believe Comptroller Maylor’s leadership to ensure the highest standards of competency for the Commonwealth’s fiscal staff will position Massachusetts as a leader in financial management.”
“We are very excited to partner with the Office of the Comptroller to increase the number of CGFM certifications in the Boston area,” added Stetson Marshall, Director of Professional Certification for the AGA Boston Chapter. “We hope that through programs like this, Boston becomes a hub for effective, specialized government managers.”
The exam preparation program is being held at the offices of the Comptroller. In addition to the three sessions which took place this week, participants will return for three days in March. After completion of the training program, participants will take their exams and submit the required documentation individually.