Certification in Action: Janice Thomas-Lowery - Articles

What challenges/problems have you overcome that you could attribute to knowledge gained from the CCIFP designation?

Having the CCIFP has empowered me to overcome several challenges within our business.

First, learning about revenue recognition has led to my growth and further understanding of our business. I’m now able to teach our operations team how revenue recognition affects our company. With this knowledge, we can continue to move our company forward as a team.

Second, learning the legal aspects of the CCIFP knowledge domain has helped me answer questions that one might have about reading and reviewing contracts and their financial impacts. Understanding these legal terms puts the organization in a better position.

Can you share a particular situation?

Our project teams complete documents for deposits and stored materials. For stored materials, they need to answer whether the materials are distinct. The teams want to know why they need to fill out the form, what it means, and how it serves our business. With the CCIFP designation, I can answer their questions, paint a picture of why we need this information, and then explain the important role these teams play. Without the CCIFP, it would have been more difficult to teach our operations teammates.

With all the information that is available through CFMA and the certification, I could quickly pull details together to explain why these documents are relevant to their jobs and aid in their understanding of revenue recognition.

What is the most obvious advantage of being a CCIFP?

The amount of knowledge that I gained is insurmountable and continues to be advantageous in my career. I can translate and rewrite finance terms for our operations team so they have a better understanding of how their jobs play an important role in our business. This opens the door to an even higher level of understanding for them and allows our business to benefit from this knowledge.

Why is it important to have a CCIFP in your organization?

CFMA and the CCIFP designation are important parts of our organization because of the amount of knowledge they provide. Without the certification, the younger generation would have a more difficult time understanding the industry because it is not taught in universities; it’s learned on the job.

Our organization continues to grow stronger because of the education provided by the certification.

Why would you recommend the CCIFP to another person/business?

I would, without hesitation, recommend the CCIFP designation. There is no better way to progress your career, your organization, and the industry as a whole.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about becoming a CCIFP?

As an industry, we must continue to grow, evolve, and teach consistently. Without the certification and CFMA, our industry would not have valuable tools that are necessary to advance our companies. Not only is the certification important, but so are all of the invaluable relationships you form along the way.

When people ask me if they should get their CCIFP, I tell them that they can’t afford not to have the certification. It gives you a competitive advantage and moves companies forward toward excellence.

If you have your CCIFP designation and would like to share your experiences, please email certification@cfma.org.