Persistence pays off: How Lisa Burton, CBF, advanced her credit career through certification 

The well-known phrase, ‘everyone starts somewhere’ rings true to this day. You can’t expect perfection at first, but with discipline and determination, you can improve and grow. Whether you’re learning a new skill or changing careers, you have to find a safe place to start.  

For credit professionals, NACM and FCIB’s six Professional Certification Programs are tried-and-true paths to professional development. Regardless of whether you’re new to credit or need a refresher, each certification provides the knowledge and skills bringing you closer to your education goals. 

Lisa Burton, CBF, accounting specialist at S.R. Smith, LLC (Canby, OR), is hitting the ground running after having received the Credit Business Fellow (CBF) designation. Recipients of the CBF show that they are knowledgeable about and have contributed to the field of business credit by first having earned the CBA designation as well as having completed additional course work. 

“This certification truly expanded my knowledge of credit and taught me a lot about myself,” Burton said. “I learned that failure is part of success and that no matter what, I should never give up. If it wasn’t for the help of my previous employer as well as the support from my current supervisor and NACM, I wouldn’t be where I am now.” 

Burton heard about the Professional Certification Program in a previous job, after switching positions from managing accounts receivable to becoming senior credit coordinator. “The higher ups came and trained me, and they were the ones who introduced me to NACM and its education opportunities.” 

Now, Burton is looking forward to earning her CCE designation and attending Credit Congress & Expo for the third time. “NACM is a great organization, and their learning and networking opportunities have been beneficial for my career.” 

📝Study tips: Use flashcards to review information and spend extra time on concepts you’re struggling with. “I was fortunate to find a mentor through my NACM affiliate and rely on my friends and family for support and help with study.”