Charity Wyatt, CBA, credit specialist at Steel Dynamics, Inc., Roanoke Bar Division (Roanoke, VA), said that earning the Credit Business Associate (CBA) certification was a crucial first step toward her goal of achieving the Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation. “The CBA certification will not only enhance my resume but also provide a solid foundation in credit principles, which is particularly valuable as I am relatively new to the credit field,” Wyatt said. 

Credit management is an ever-evolving field, with technology and automation revolutionizing the day-to-day work of many credit professionals. While the field may be in constant motion, it is important to truly hone the fundamental principles of credit.

Credit professionals often require advanced payment from customers or countries they may consider high risk. However, it is important to review the documents closely to determine if there are requirements and conditions that could delay or void payment if not met.

By focusing on and refining soft skills, credit professionals can enhance performance, relationships and communication in credit management.

Bob Dylan famously sang, “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” The market started the new year on a roller coaster, with the S&P 500 hitting an all-time high, then selling off on news of a fresh AI model from China. Many reacted by buying the dip in AI stocks, and the S&P 500 closed the month with a 2.7% gain. Mid-cap stocks outperformed their large-cap peers while small-cap continued to lag.

NACM’s Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) fell 1.1 points to 53.0 in January. Though the CMI has fallen for the last two months, it remains on the side of expansion.

One of the biggest challenges in business credit is ensuring customers adhere to contractual terms and agreements. Often, this requires negotiating terms and going the extra mile to protect your rights and ensure obligations are met.

While discussing her next career move with her boss, Kristen Gibson, CBA, learned about the Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation through NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Program. “He recommended the CBA course to me and together we made a plan to move forward,” she said.  

Earning a designation through NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Program reflects a deep dedication to improving and refining a myriad of skills used each day as a credit professional.