Member Spotlight: Explore and Evolve with Designations
The credit industry is nothing short of evolutionary. From automation to change management, credit professionals are in a constant state of learning. NACM's Professional Certification Program is one of the many tools credit professionals can use to expand their knowledge in B2B credit management. Whether that's learning new skills, diving deeper on a specialized topic or refreshing themselves on basic credit principles.
Earning a designation through NACM's Professional Certification Program can leave a lasting impression on yourself and your team. Marria Kokkinakis, CCRA, senior credit analyst at Uline (Pleasant Prairie, WI) says that earning her Certified Credit and Risk Analyst (CCRA) designation shows that she took time out of her day to further her knowledge and sharpen her skill set as the information is used frequently in her current department.
"I had already completed the accounting course at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside," she said. "It was during my time as a credit analyst that I was able to complete the remaining requirements for the CCRA, Financial Analysis 1 and Financial Analysis 2: Credit and Risk Assessment."
The remaining courses covered large portions of her daily duties and responsibilities in the credit department. "I spend most of my time reviewing financials and credit lines and analyzing risk so I knew what to expect," she said. "But the classes gave me more insight into the financial ratios and the reasonings behind them. I use the ratios now when reviewing company financials and from taking the classes give me a better understanding of them."
Initially, her goal was to complete the courses but she pushed herself to take the final exam to earn the designation. "I am proud of the time and effort I invested and now I have a better understanding of the financial analysis aspect of my job."
Kokkinakis sends a huge thanks to her managers and mentors for recommending that she take the classes, which ultimately set her up for success.
