Member Spotlights Archive

Everyone has the capacity to learn, whether it’s practicing new skills or applying yourself in school. However, earning a certification takes an extra level of effort, especially when it’s aimed at advancing your career. Credit professionals ready to excel in their roles will earn designations through NACM’s and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs, each level providing them the tools and knowledge to improve their practices and make informed credit decisions.  

Pursuing a designation through one of NACM’s and FCIB’s six Professional Certification Programs can be intimidating. Whether you’ve been in the industry for years or only a matter of months, the allure of a professional designation might subsist despite anxieties about going back to classes and homework. 

NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs are a catalyst for growth and advancement in business-to-business (B2B) credit management. Each certification program educates credit professionals on various aspects of B2B credit management, from the fundamentals of business credit to the nuances of international trade, equipping them with the tools needed to tackle daily challenges.  

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. Participating in one of NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs and earning a designation is a testament to your commitment to refining your skills and advancing your career.  

Progression in any career requires careful, strategic thinking. You must ask yourself: Do I want to develop a new skill, increase my knowledge or secure a higher position? If so, what steps should I take to achieve these goals? This was exactly the case for Kristen Gibson, CBA, revenue risk credit analyst at Carrier Enterprise (Syracuse, NY), just a few years ago.  

Earning a designation through NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Program reflects a deep dedication to improving and refining the myriad of skills used each day as a credit professional. For Paula Romero, CBA, credit analyst at Autodesk, Inc. (Portland, OR), the journey to earning her Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation was rewarding, albeit challenging.  

The credit management profession is often described as both an art and a science. It requires a combination of hard, technical skills—such as financial analysis and business credit law—as well as soft skills, like relationship-building and effective communication. By earning a designation through NACM’s six-level Professional Certification Program, credit professionals can sharpen both skill sets while gaining valuable knowledge across various facets of B2B credit. 

Completing one of NACM’s professional certification programs can hold different meanings for working credit professionals. Whether your new designation represents your fresh start at a new job or in a new industry, the confidence and skills that come with continued education ensure that you will hit the ground running no matter what.