CPFO Spotlight: Stacy Willis

Why did you want to become a CPFO?

I wanted to become a CPFO to become more well-rounded in my education about government finance. I want to grow in my government finance career and I knew there were so many topics I wasn’t as knowledgeable about as I wanted to be. Studying for the CPFO exams helped tremendously with expanding my knowledge.

What did you learn going through the process?

Going through the process, I learned that there are just so many aspects of government finance that all are so crucial to a governments success and that they really need to all work together to be successful.

How has becoming a CPFO made an impact on you in your profession or how do you hope it will make an impact?

Receiving the CPFO designation has given me more confidence in my knowledge in my current position and I will soon be utilizing more of what I learned in a new role I will be taking on.

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

I would tell others that are thinking of becoming a CPFO that it may seem a little intimidating at first, but if you just study a little at a time and make it a priority, it isn’t as difficult to get it done as it may seem. I was nervous at first to add these tests to my plate as a full-time working mom with two toddlers at home, but it was absolutely doable and worth it and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved.