Written by Maria Fister.
For the past few years, the Finance Division has been developing the Business Officer Academy, an educational initiative designed to provide current and new NC State employees with targeted financial skills training. The goal of this program is to ensure employees have the skills necessary to fulfill the specific requirements of their job positions.
The Business Officer Academy is also intended as a learning path to reeducate and retrain employees whenever a new technology, process or system is introduced to the university’s financial environment.
The Business Officer Academy consists of a series of self-paced online certifications, each of which has specific training requirements. Content for each course is developed through a collaboration of subject matter experts across the Finance Division, which allows for standardized processes, guidance and language across all units.
Why is skills training important?
Providing skills training not only boosts employee confidence but also improves efficiency, increases productivity and gives a proper direction to the employee. Developing skills through training can also help employees develop their pathway for growth by acquiring skills and knowledge for a job they may not be qualified for yet. Skills training can make the difference between an average performer and a great performer!
Take Advantage of the Available Certification Programs
There are several certification series that have been released as part of the Business Officer Academy (with more under development!):
- Certified Departmental Purchasing Representative
- Payments Professional
- Asset Management Professional
- Finance Professional 1 (currently under development — but sign up for Accounting 101 today!)
One way to take advantage of these certification programs is to include them in your professional development goals for the year. These programs are designed to be completed at your own pace because they are online and have no time limit associated with their completion. In addition, these certificate programs are offered at no cost to NC State employees.
Display Your Accomplishments with Pride
When you complete a certificate program, you will earn a digital badge, which you can proudly display in your email signature and post to your LinkedIn profile.
Check Out Other Learning Resources
The Learn It page features a searchable table that includes links to the most up-to-date learning resources, including manuals, user guides, video tutorials, training and certification programs.
