Tag: Education

To help professionals succeed in this demanding field, NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Program offers a structured path to develop core competencies. With six designations available, the program provides the knowledge base and tools necessary for long-term success in credit management. 

For many credit professionals, NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs help form a bedrock of knowledge that assists them in their day-to-day work. Whether navigating a tricky conversation with a customer or setting firm standards for extending credit, knowledge gleaned from professional certification courses shines through.

Credit professionals may begin their professional certification journey at any point in their career.

After 15 years of working in the credit industry, Tami Vitales, CBA, credit analyst at the Imagine Group (Shakopee, MN), decided to pursue her Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation.

Good leadership is like a relay race—those who pass the baton to the next runner ensure that the whole team keeps moving forward. In the credit industry, where much of the expertise comes from hands-on experience, leaders have a responsibility to actively fill knowledge gaps and guide newer credit professionals. 

One of the hallmarks of a strong credit manager is a commitment to keep learning and improving themselves professionally. Earning a designation through one of NACM and FCIB’s six Professional Certification Programs is one way credit managers can advance in their careers.

Credit management is a fast-paced career where decisions often need to be made quickly, sometimes in real time, to manage risk, cash flow and customer relationships. But, the trust, knowledge and judgment that drive those decisions are built slowly, over time. Credit professionals hoping to develop those traits and gain instrumental knowledge seek out education through NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program. By doing so, certification holders bring forth an enriched expertise and skill set that helps them stand out in the crowd.  

Credit professionals do more than manage risk and protect their companies’ bottom lines, they often serve as mentors, leaders and changemakers. Today, we celebrate those who not only excel in their own careers but also uplift others along the way. These credit professionals make a lasting impact on the people and organizations around them. We’re proud to recognize Michelle Riepe, CCE, credit support manager at Ben E. Keith Company (Fort Worth, TX), recipient of the GSCFM Student Leader Award from NACM’s National Honors and Awards Program.  

In an ever-changing field like credit management, continued education is a critical tool to help credit professionals keep up with the evolving risk landscape. For Leila Wolfe, CBF, credit supervisor at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (Baton Rouge, LA), earning the Credit Business Fellow (CBF) designation deepened her understanding of the legal aspect of credit.