CPFO Spotlight: Sam Naik

1. Why did you want to become a CPFO? 

I wanted to become a CPFO because while I did have extensive local government experience, all of it was as a performance auditor. That meant I was familiar with a lot of programmatic pieces of local government, but not so much the financial management pieces. I saw the process of getting the certification as a way to learn more about financial management and then test what I’d taught myself.

2. What did you learn going through the process? 

I’d say the most important thing I learned was all the resources GFOA has available that can prepare you for this. As a consultant for GFOA, getting a CPFO also gave me a better understanding of what our clients and members are doing in their day to day jobs and gave me a better appreciation of how they have to manage such a wide range of responsibilities.

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

Getting the CPFO definitely helped me in my initial goal of learning more about financial management. I think it’s done a lot to make me a better consultant, educator, and generally more able to support our members in whatever they need.

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

I would say it’s definitely worth it and not to let it intimidate you. Give yourself a chance to demonstrate to everyone else what you already know!