CPFO Spotlight: Jeff Rogers

1. Why did you want to become a CPFO? 

I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the performing arts. After finishing grad school, I sort of fell backward into the government finance profession. I loved it, and I worked hard to advance my career. But I’ve always been a little self-conscious that I don’t have a conventional finance education. Earning the CPFO gives me a bona fide credential that tells potential employers I have the necessary knowledge to be a highly successful finance officer—more based on my experience than my education.

2. What did you learn going through the process? 

I have a lot of government experience, including as the Finance Director of a small but complex municipality. Over the four years that I served in that job, I learned a lot: budgeting, financial reporting, property tax, sales/business tax, banking, investments, debt issuance, procurement, property assessment, capital program management, and so on. Completing the CPFO helped me consolidate all of that experience into a knowledge-bank that I can now access any time I face a new government administration challenge. I know when to grab my Blue Book, and where to look. I know who to call for consultation. I know what agencies I’m responsible to. Earning the CPFO has catalyzed years of practical experience into a highly tangible skillset.

3. How has becoming a CPFO made an impact on you in your profession?  

Earning the CPFO significantly expands my career horizons. I’m capable of functioning in so many different roles now. I’m qualified for complex technical positions as well as executive leadership roles. My career potential is both broader and deeper than it was before I was a CPFO. It’s a breath of fresh air.

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

Don’t hesitate. With effort, you can do this. Be prepared for seven exhaustive exams, but start wherever you have the most professional expertise and enjoy the momentum of passing your early exams. The exam subjects that are unfamiliar to you will be a challenge, but your knowledge of government finance can and will translate across subject areas. Be prepared to study, study, study.