Benefits

Budget and evaluation leaders from across the state share in their own words the value and benefits associated with the Budget Certification. What did they learn and what does it mean to them to be certified?

Keyana Walston, Accounting Manager, Rocky Mount

Earning my  CLGBO has been one of the most meaningful milestones in my career. The program strengthened my understanding of governmental budgeting, financial planning, and strategic decision-making while expanding my perspective on how local governments responsibly manage public resources. 

Since earning my certification, my career has evolved from budget-focused responsibilities into a broader leadership role within municipal finance. The knowledge and foundation I gained through the CLGBO program continue to influence my work every day, reinforcing the connection between budgeting and financial management.

Jennifer Mace, Budget Manager, Catawba County

To me, the classes required for budget certification are a fundamental base that every budget professional needs. I always encourage my staff to take the courses and let them know they have my full support in pursuing the certification when ready. The certification provides a public affirmation that the recipient has the knowledge and experience necessary to be an effective budget analyst and/or manager. As a hiring manager, I know I would look more favorably on an
applicant who had attained the certification.

Jon Decker, Budget and Evaluation Director, City of Greensboro

The courses not only reinforced concepts and regulations covered in my MPA coursework and day-to-day job, but got into the many details that I don’t deal with every day. I may not use everything that was covered in every course, but at a minimum I have enough knowledge about budget-related topics that I don’t encounter all the time to know where to look further or who to contact that can give me the information I need. The resources provided by the courses and the continued support from faculty is invaluable.

Robin Barham, Solid Waste Services Director, City of Concord

Obtaining the Budget Certification was a great way to add credibility to the years of experience and coursework I had already had. It certainly makes me more marketable and gives me a means to stand out in a pool of candidates for any budget-related position I might apply for in the future. The benefit not only applies to me in the position I have now – it will carry with me no matter where I go in the future.

Studying for the certification tests were a great way to remind myself of why we do certain things the way we do. Over the years, I had forgotten some of the laws governing NC budgeting and capital finance, but by studying for the exams I was reminded of things that I could have/should have done differently along the way.

Rebecca Rogers Carter, Strategic Performance Analytics Director, City of Fayetteville

Achieving this Certification provides independent verification of a level of professional expertise in local government budgeting, evaluation and capital financing. It also builds a network of colleagues that understand the challenges of a political environment and can support your efforts.

It builds credibility. Over the last few years I’ve been leading the transition to program budgeting and performance measurement. This certification, and achieving the designation, demonstrated to my employer, colleagues and customers that I am an expert, and that a reputable, recognizable organization (NCLGBA and UNC SOG) is willing to attest to that.