Learn About the Career Development Committee!
CSMFO offers wonderful professional development opportunities. Members have access to high-quality training programs and webinars in a wide range of topics that add value to your membership experience.
The Career Development Committee (CDC) coordinates and develops the CSMFO training program, including core courses and webinars. The Committee is comprised of a diverse group of talented volunteers, passionate about professional education and committed to seeing the CSMFO community thrive. Here’s a brief summary of what we’ve been up to:
How has CDC adapted to delivering training?
The impact of the pandemic was that CSMFO training programs moved from in-person to online. The focus for CDC was the same as for everybody else – how can we transition and thrive in the virtual world. The online training experience is very different from the in-person experience for both participants and instructors. CDC worked closely with instructors who did a fantastic job of converting training materials and becoming familiar with the technology.
Attendance in training programs has increased since transitioning online. In addition, the online experience has received very positive reviews. Members from a wider range of agencies are now able to attend and participate.
Any exciting new courses to look out for?
The Committee is working on two new courses that will be offered in the coming months. We have heard your requests, and we’re excited to share that a program will be offered on Accounting for Capital Assets. The half-day course will be a deep dive on the challenging subject of how to properly account for capital assets.
In addition, there will be a new course on Leadership Skills for Finance Professionals. This experimental, new six-week course will combine group sessions with an executive leadership coach overviewing foundational skills necessary for effective leadership, combined with follow-up sessions led by CSMFO CDC Members to discuss and reflect on leadership topics covered by the executive coach.
Of course, CSMFO continues to offer our popular core courses. The Introduction to Accounting and Intermediate Accounting programs continue to provide members with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals and strengthen their knowledge of governmental accounting. Core courses have been offered on Budget, Investment Accounting, and Revenue Fundamentals. And of course, the Weekend Training program is another wonderful way to learn and network with colleagues. Plans are underway for this program to return, so please stay tuned!
Nick Kurns, Vice Chair of Career Development Committee and Finance and Customer Service Manager for Scotts Valley Water District. Nick has served on the Career Development Committee for four years. Prior to joining the District, he worked with the City of Sunnyvale. On weekends, Nick enjoys hiking and spending time with his wife and two young sons.
