Member Spotlight: Influence and Inspire with Certifications

​The role of a credit manager goes far beyond credit and collections. Credit professionals are not only versed on the technical side of credit, such as financial statement analysis, but versed on the soft side of credit, such as negotiation and relationship building. But one of the other skills credit professionals have is the ability to grow and influence others by earning certifications through NACM's Professional Certification Program.

Michael Phifer, CCE, credit and collections manager at Formetco, Inc. (Duluth, GA) was inspired by other credit leaders to earn his Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation. This certification signifies a capability of managing the credit function at an executive level with a focus in accounting, finance, domestic and international credit concepts, management and law.

"When I began working in credit, I was inspired by the credit professionals around me," Phifer said. "Through them I learned about credit policies and processes and about five years ago, I started attending Credit Congress and gaining knowledge through NACM in order to perfect my craft." Phifer pursued his CCE designation shortly after completing the NACM Career Roadmap.

While earning his CCE, Phifer encountered a combination of all he had learned during his many years in credit. "I have been fortunate to work in a variety of industries in my credit career, so I was able to pull from those experiences to succeed in the course," he said. "But I was also able to get more into detail on financial statement analysis and how companies invest their money. I was able to look at the bigger picture."

A proud Phifer extends his thanks to NACM's educational program and the credit professionals who helped him throughout his career journey.

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