Member Spotlight: Bloom with Certifications

​The credit profession, like a flower, forms its intricate layers that contribute to the beauty and resilience of the financial ecosystem. From technological advances to relationship building, it is a profession that is ever-growing. By earning a certification through NACM's six-level Professional Certification Program, credit professionals acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to grow and advance in their career.

Linda Niffenegger, CBA, CCRA, credit analyst at Anchor Packaging (Manchester, MO) is a proud advocate for continued education and recently earned her Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation. "As a credit manager, you have to learn about many different things," she said. "You learn about delayed payments and bankruptcies to mitigate risk. You learn about financial analysis to read and analyze financial documents. You also need to comprehend the business you're dealing with and their ability to make necessary payments for the goods they'll receive from your company."

The CBA is an academic-based designation, which signals mastery of three business-credit related disciplines: Basic Financial Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis 1 and Business Credit Principles. Niffenegger said the CBA broadened her understanding of businesses and gives her the necessary skills to navigate B2B credit. "You learn about the hard skills to work with your managers," she said. "Apart from the knowledge, you are gaining personal growth and empowering yourself."

Niffenegger's desire to learn lead to her success in the course. "Although obtaining the CBA is difficult, it's not much of a struggle if you persevere and keep thinking about the end result," she said. "You must understand how the certification will enhance your skills and take you forward in your career. The CBA has helped me talk business with my managers and make better financial decisions."

💡Study Tip: Break the material down into pieces. "If you have two days before an exam, study one piece at time instead of doing it all at once," Niffenegger said. "Also, pick a study partner to discuss the material with because how you interpret the material will differ from how another person does. With both of you discussing it, you can come up with the outcome of what's really being asked and learn from that. It's also important to rest and eat well to maintain your health so that you're not overwhelmed while studying."

For more information about each designation within NACM's Professional Certification Program, visit our website.